Baked Feta Potatoes
These Baked Feta Potatoes are a delightful twist on the viral baked feta pasta trend. Perfect as a side dish for any occasion, they feature crispy roasted potatoes enveloped in rich, flavorful baked feta cheese. The combination of spices and fresh ingredients elevates the dish, making it suitable for family dinners, gatherings, or even a cozy night in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: The combination of roasted garlic and baked feta creates a creamy, savory experience that enhances the potatoes.
- Easy Preparation: With minimal steps and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all levels.
- Versatile Dish: These baked feta potatoes pair well with various main courses, making them an ideal side for any meal.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients from fresh herbs, garlic, and olive oil, this dish is both delicious and nutritious.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether at a dinner party or casual get-together, this dish impresses guests and family alike.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Below are some must-have items for preparing your Baked Feta Potatoes.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Saucepan
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: A sturdy baking dish ensures even roasting and allows for easy mixing of flavors.
- Saucepan: Necessary for par-boiling the potatoes to achieve that perfect crispy texture.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping ingredients quick and safe.
- Spoon: Ideal for mixing ingredients gently without breaking the potatoes.
Ingredients
These baked feta potatoes – inspired by the viral baked feta pasta trend – make the perfect rich, flavorful side dish, with crispy roasted potatoes tossed in baked feta cheese.
Potatoes & Cheese
- 2 large baking potatoes
- 1 200g block of feta
Seasonings & Oils
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp red chilli flakes
Other Ingredients
- 1 head of garlic (top cut off)
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup | 20g fresh basil
How to Make Baked Feta Potatoes
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 200C | 390F to ensure it’s hot enough to roast your potatoes perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Wash and cube your potatoes. Add them to a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil:
1. Par-boil the potatoes for 6-8 minutes (no more than 10).
2. Drain and let them steam dry for 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Season the Potatoes
Add the par-boiled potatoes to your baking dish along with:
– thyme,
– oregano,
– salt,
– pepper,
– olive oil.
Stir them gently to coat evenly.
Step 4: Roast Until Golden
Roast the seasoned potatoes in the oven for 30-40 minutes until golden brown and almost cooked through.
Step 5: Add Feta Cheese
Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tray. Squeeze half of your quartered lemon over it for added flavor.
Step 6: Prepare Garlic
Remove the head of garlic. Once cooled:
1. Squeeze out the roasted garlic from its skins.
2. Mash it using the flat side of your knife and set aside.
Step 7: Final Roasting Phase
Return your dish to the oven for another 15 minutes until everything is beautifully roasted.
Step 8: Mix It All Together
Stir in:
– The mashed garlic,
– Juice from the other half of the lemon,
– Fresh basil,
Gently mix everything together using a spoon to combine flavors without breaking apart the potatoes.
Step 9: Finish with Honey & Basil
Drizzle over some honey and sprinkle shredded basil on top for an extra touch of sweetness and freshness.
Step 10: Serve & Enjoy!
Your delicious Baked Feta Potatoes are ready! Serve them warm as a fantastic side dish that everyone will love.
How to Serve Baked Feta Potatoes
Baked feta potatoes are a delicious and versatile dish that can complement many meals. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy them at their best.
With a Green Salad
- A light, fresh salad pairs perfectly with the richness of baked feta potatoes. Consider arugula, spinach, or mixed greens drizzled with a simple vinaigrette.
As a Side for Grilled Meats
- Serve these potatoes alongside grilled chicken, lamb, or steak. The creamy feta flavor enhances the savory notes of grilled meats.
Topped with Extra Feta and Herbs
- For a decadent twist, sprinkle additional feta cheese and fresh herbs like parsley or dill on top before serving.
With Yogurt Sauce
- A dollop of tzatziki or garlic yogurt sauce adds a refreshing tang that complements the savory flavors of the dish.
As Part of a Mediterranean Feast
- Include baked feta potatoes as one of several dishes in a Mediterranean-inspired spread along with hummus, olives, and pita bread.
How to Perfect Baked Feta Potatoes
To make your baked feta potatoes even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and oregano can elevate the flavor profile compared to dried herbs.
- Cut Potatoes Uniformly: Ensure even cooking by cutting potatoes into similar-sized cubes.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Dish: Allow space between potatoes for proper roasting; they should not be packed tightly.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the potatoes as oven temperatures may vary; remove them once they’re golden and crispy.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try different types of cheese for varied flavors; goat cheese can give a tangy twist.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for added color and taste.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Feta Potatoes
Baked feta potatoes make an excellent addition to various meals. Here are some side dishes that pair well with them.
- Grilled Vegetables: Charred zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus complement the creamy texture of the potatoes.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and contrast to the rich flavors of baked feta.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers and tomatoes provides a nutritious balance to your meal.
- Stuffed Peppers: Stuffed bell peppers filled with rice and spices make for a hearty side that enhances your dining experience.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts offer an earthy flavor that pairs well with both feta and potato.
- Pita Bread with Hummus: Soft pita bread served with hummus is perfect for scooping up any leftover feta or potato bits.
- Cucumber Salad: Refreshing cucumber salad drizzled with lemon juice complements the richness nicely.
- Olive Tapenade: This flavorful spread adds depth when served alongside baked feta potatoes, enhancing their Mediterranean flair.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making baked feta potatoes, it’s easy to overlook some details that can make a big difference in the final dish. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Overcooking the potatoes: Ensure you par-boil the potatoes for just 6-8 minutes. Overcooking can lead to mushy potatoes that won’t crisp up nicely.
- Ignoring seasonings: Don’t skip out on seasoning your potatoes before roasting. A good mix of salt, pepper, and herbs enhances flavor significantly.
- Using cold ingredients: Always use room temperature feta cheese. This allows it to melt evenly and blend better with the potatoes during baking.
- Not adjusting oven temps: Ovens vary in temperature accuracy. Keep an eye on your potatoes as they roast, and adjust cooking times if needed for optimal crispiness.
- Forgetting about the garlic: Roasted garlic adds a sweet, rich flavor. Ensure you roast it alongside the feta and potatoes for the best taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store baked feta potatoes in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Baked Feta Potatoes
- For freezing, let them cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
- These can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Baked Feta Potatoes
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 180C | 350F and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals (30 seconds), stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Baked Feta Potatoes?
Baked feta potatoes are a delicious side dish featuring crispy roasted potatoes tossed with creamy baked feta cheese and flavorful herbs.
Can I customize Baked Feta Potatoes?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
How do I ensure my Baked Feta Potatoes are crispy?
Make sure to par-boil the potatoes correctly and spread them out evenly on the baking tray without crowding.
What should I serve with Baked Feta Potatoes?
These potatoes pair well with grilled meats, fresh salads, or as part of a cozy vegetarian meal.
Final Thoughts
Baked feta potatoes combine rich flavors with crispy textures, making them an appealing side dish for any meal. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs or veggies. Enjoy experimenting with this delightful recipe that is sure to impress!
Baked Feta Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Baked Feta Potatoes are a delicious and creative twist on the popular baked feta pasta trend. This comforting side dish features crispy roasted potatoes infused with creamy baked feta cheese, garlic, and aromatic herbs. Ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings, these flavorful potatoes are sure to impress your guests. With easy preparation and healthy ingredients, they can effortlessly elevate any meal. Serve them alongside grilled meats, fresh salads, or as part of a Mediterranean feast—this versatile dish is perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 2 large baking potatoes
- 1 block (200g) feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 head of garlic
- Fresh herbs: thyme and oregano
- Lemon and honey for added flavor
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200C (390F).
- Wash and cube the potatoes, then par-boil for 6-8 minutes. Drain and let steam dry.
- Toss par-boiled potatoes with olive oil, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper in a baking dish.
- Roast the seasoned potatoes for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.
- Add the block of feta cheese to the center of the dish and squeeze half a lemon over it.
- Roast garlic alongside for sweetness; mash it after cooling and stir into potatoes with remaining lemon juice and fresh basil.
- Drizzle honey on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
