Baked Feta Potatoes

These Baked Feta Potatoes are a delightful and savory side dish that brings a rich flavor to any meal. Inspired by the viral baked feta pasta trend, this recipe features crispy roasted potatoes enveloped in creamy baked feta cheese. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or a cozy night in, these potatoes are sure to impress with their unique combination of herbs, garlic, and fresh basil.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, these baked feta potatoes can be whipped up quickly.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of roasted garlic and tangy feta gives an amazing depth of flavor that elevates the humble potato.
• Versatile Side Dish: Whether you’re serving them with grilled chicken, steak, or as part of a vegetarian spread, they pair wonderfully with various mains.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: These potatoes hold up well in the fridge and can be reheated easily for quick lunches throughout the week.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with wholesome ingredients like fresh herbs and olive oil, they make a nutritious addition to your meals.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Baked Feta Potatoes, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment ensures smooth preparation and cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish
• Saucepan
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish: A sturdy baking dish is crucial for even roasting, ensuring all sides of your potatoes get crispy.
• Saucepan: Used for par-boiling the potatoes, this tool helps soften them before roasting for a perfect texture.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes cutting the potatoes and garlic easy and safe.
• Mixing spoon: A good mixing spoon allows you to coat your potatoes evenly with oil and seasoning.

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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.

For the Potatoes

• 2 large baking potatoes
• 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
• 1 head of garlic (top cut off)
• 1 lemon, quartered

For the Feta Mixture

• 1 200g block of feta
• 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. This step ensures your oven is hot enough for roasting.

Step 2: Par-Boil the Potatoes

Wash and cube your potatoes. Add them to a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil and par-boil for 6-8 minutes (no more than 10). Drain and allow them to steam dry for 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Season the Potatoes

Add the par-boiled potatoes to your baking dish along with dried thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Stir well to coat all pieces evenly.

Step 4: Roast Until Crispy

Roast the seasoned potatoes in the oven for about 30-40 minutes until they are golden brown and almost cooked through.

Step 5: Add Feta and Lemon

Place the block of feta in the center of the baking dish (dipping one side in seasonings enhances flavor). Squeeze half a lemon over it.

Step 6: Prepare Garlic

Remove the garlic from the dish after roasting. Once cooled slightly, squeeze out the soft garlic from its skins into a bowl and mash it gently with a knife. Set aside.

Step 7: Final Roasting

Return the baking dish to the oven for another 15 minutes until everything is golden brown.

Step 8: Combine Ingredients

Stir together the mashed garlic mixture with juice from the remaining half of lemon into your roasted potatoes. Gently mix everything using a spoon to blend flavors without breaking apart too many potato pieces.

Step 9: Drizzle Honey

Finish by drizzling honey over your prepared dish along with shredded fresh basil for an aromatic touch.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!

Your delicious Baked Feta Potatoes are ready! Serve warm as an enticing side dish that complements any meal. Enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Baked Feta Potatoes

Baked feta potatoes are not only delicious but also versatile. You can pair them with various dishes to create a satisfying meal. Here are some ideas for serving these tasty potatoes.

With Grilled Chicken

• A juicy grilled chicken breast complements the creamy feta and crispy potatoes perfectly.

As a Salad Base

• Serve the baked feta potatoes over a bed of mixed greens for a light yet filling salad that balances flavors.

Alongside Roasted Vegetables

• Pair with seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots for added nutrition and flavor.

With Pesto Drizzle

• Drizzle some fresh basil pesto over your baked feta potatoes for an extra layer of flavor that enhances the Mediterranean vibe.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with additional fresh herbs like parsley or dill to elevate the dish’s presentation and taste.

How to Perfect Baked Feta Potatoes

Perfecting baked feta potatoes is all about technique and attention to detail. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Choose the right potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russets for a fluffy interior that contrasts nicely with the crispy exterior.

• Par-boil before roasting: This step ensures your potatoes cook evenly and achieve that desired crispiness.

• Season generously: Don’t skimp on the spices; they enhance the overall flavor. Adjust according to your taste preferences.

• Use high-quality feta: Opt for good quality feta cheese, as it greatly influences the dish’s creaminess and taste.

• Don’t rush cooling: Allow roasted garlic to cool slightly before mashing; this helps develop its sweet flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Feta Potatoes

Baked feta potatoes pair well with many side dishes that complement their rich flavors. Here are some excellent options:

1. Grilled Lemon Chicken: A zesty grilled chicken option that adds brightness to your meal. Marinate in lemon juice and herbs before grilling.

2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts tossed in olive oil and garlic make a perfect crunchy counterpart.

3. Greek Salad: Fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and olives dressed in olive oil provide a refreshing contrast.

4. Quinoa Tabbouleh: A herby grain salad packed with parsley, mint, and tomatoes offers a nutritious side that enhances flavors.

5. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad: Protein-rich chickpeas mixed with diced veggies and a tangy dressing make this salad hearty yet light.

6. Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles offer a low-carb alternative that pairs well with various seasonings or sauces.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making baked feta potatoes, it’s important to steer clear of common pitfalls that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Not par-boiling the potatoes: Skipping this step can lead to undercooked potatoes. Always par-boil for 6-8 minutes to ensure they cook evenly in the oven.
• Using stale herbs: Old herbs lose their flavor. Use fresh or properly stored dried herbs for a vibrant taste.
• Overcrowding the baking dish: Too many potatoes can steam instead of roast. Ensure enough space between them for crispy results.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can result in mushy potatoes or burnt feta. Stick to the recommended 200C | 390F for best results.
• Forgetting about seasoning: Under-seasoned dishes lack flavor. Don’t skimp on salt and pepper, and consider additional spices for a kick.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store baked feta potatoes in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Baked Feta Potatoes

• Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag, keeping it airtight.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Baked Feta Potatoes

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 180C | 350F and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between, until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Sauté in a pan over medium heat with a splash of olive oil, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about baked feta potatoes that might help you further.

How do I make Baked Feta Potatoes vegan-friendly?

You can replace feta cheese with a plant-based feta alternative. This keeps the dish creamy while remaining dairy-free.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes! While traditional recipes use feta, you can experiment with goat cheese or any crumbly cheese based on your preference.

What are some variations of Baked Feta Potatoes?

Feel free to add vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition. You can also sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or dill before serving.

How long does it take to make Baked Feta Potatoes?

The total time is approximately 55 minutes, including prep and cooking time, making it an easy side dish option.

Final Thoughts

Baked feta potatoes are not just delicious; they are versatile too! You can customize them with various herbs or veggies based on your preference. Give this recipe a try, and experience the rich flavors it brings to your table!