Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate comfort food that bridges creamy, salty, herby, and citrusy all in one bite, Baked Feta Potatoes is about to become your new obsession. Imagine hearty chunks of potato roasted until each edge is shatteringly crisp, mingling with shrubby thyme, oregano, and a gentle kiss of red chili. Tucked into the tray is a block of feta, baked until warm and luscious, ready to be tumbled together with golden garlic, fresh basil, and a drizzle of honey for an irresistible, tangy-sweet finish. Every forkful is like a mini celebration of flavor, making this dish just as perfect for lazy weekends as it is to steal the show at your next dinner gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s a simple magic to these ingredients: nothing fussy, just bold, essential flavors that let each component shine. Each one brings something special to the table, whether it’s adding creaminess, a pop of color, or a burst of freshness.

• Potatoes: Large baking potatoes are ideal for their fluffy interior and crispy exterior when roasted—don’t skip the par-boil for perfect texture!
• Feta Cheese: Opt for a solid 200g block for best results; this cheese gets creamy and slightly caramelized during baking.
• Olive Oil: Just two tablespoons coats everything beautifully and lends that Mediterranean depth.
• Dried Thyme: Earthy and aromatic, this herb infuses the potatoes with a rustic warmth.
• Dried Oregano: Adds that classic Greek herby note—generous, punchy, and aromatic.
• Salt: Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors of your veggies and cheese.
• Black Pepper: Adds a gentle pungency and a touch of heat.
• Red Chilli Flakes: Just half a teaspoon is enough to give the dish a very subtle heat without overwhelming the other flavors.
• Garlic: Roasted whole, it becomes mellow, sweet, and buttery when squeezed out of its papery skins.
• Lemon: Both the juice and zest brings zing and lifts the dish from heavy to heavenly.
• Honey: A surprising drizzle at the end balances the feta’s saltiness and the herbs’ earthiness with just a hint of sweetness.
• Fresh Basil: Finely shredded, it keeps things tasting garden-fresh and adds a lovely splash of green.

How to Make Baked Feta Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by bringing your oven up to 200C (390F). This high heat is key for getting those potatoes gloriously crisp on the outside while staying tender in the middle. Meanwhile, gather your ingredients, so everything’s ready for assembly.

Step 2: Cube and Par-Boil Your Potatoes

Give your potatoes a good scrub, then cut them into chunky cubes—aim for bite-sized pieces. Toss them into a saucepan, cover with water, and par-boil for 6 to 8 minutes (no more than 10). This par-cooking step ensures the insides stay soft and fluffy. Drain well, then let them steam dry for a couple of minutes, which helps them crisp up in the oven.

Step 3: Season and Coat

Tip your potatoes into a large baking dish. Add the dried thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Stir everything together so every cube is glistening and coated with those savory, herby flavors. The spices will stick better thanks to any residual steam from the potatoes.

Step 4: Roast Until Golden

Arrange your potatoes in an even layer and nestle the whole head of garlic (top cut off) right into the tray. Pop the dish into the oven for 30 to 40 minutes, giving them time to turn golden and develop fantastically crispy edges. The garlic will mellow and almost caramelize in its little corner.

Step 5: Add the Feta and Lemon

Slide the feta block into the center of the tray (for bonus flavor, dip one side into the seasonings before placing it cheese-side down). Squeeze half your lemon over the feta and potatoes. The acidity brightens the whole dish and helps the cheese bake up rich and tangy.

Step 6: Deal with the Garlic

Take the tray out, carefully remove the now-roasted garlic head, and once it’s cool enough, squeeze those sweet, golden cloves from their skins. Mash the cloves gently with the flat side of a knife—this will be stirred through later for little bursts of pure roasted garlic goodness.

Step 7: Finish Baking the Feta

Return the baking dish (with the feta perched in the middle) to the oven for another 15 minutes. The cheese will soften, warm, and ever-so-slightly brown on the edges, melding its briny flavor into the potatoes.

Step 8: Mix in the Good Stuff

Once out of the oven, gently stir in the mashed roasted garlic, the juice of the remaining lemon half, and plenty of shredded fresh basil. Use a spoon to gently mingle the everything so the feta gets creamy and coats the potatoes with all its goodness.

Step 9: Finish With Honey and Basil

Drizzle the tray with honey and scatter over the last of your basil. This last touch draws the whole dish together with color, aroma, and just the subtlest whisper of sweetness.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

All that’s left is to grab your plates, dish up those Baked Feta Potatoes, and dig in while everything is creamy and hot from the oven!

How to Serve Baked Feta Potatoes

Garnishes

Go big on the fresh basil for a vibrantly herbal finish—tear it right before serving so it stays bright and aromatic. If you’re feeling playful, add a curl of lemon zest or a scatter of extra chili flakes for a little extra punch. A final swirl of olive oil makes everything look (and taste) lusciously inviting.

Side Dishes

Nothing complements Baked Feta Potatoes better than crisp green salads, blistered cherry tomatoes, or simply steamed asparagus. For a more indulgent meal, try it with grilled lamb chops or roast chicken to soak up all the flavors. Even warm flatbreads or pita turn this into a hands-on, crowd-pleasing centerpiece.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not serve your Baked Feta Potatoes straight from the tray, rustic-style, for a casual, generous feel? Or, for something special, plate individual portions with a little well of creamy feta on top. They’re stunning mounded up in a shallow bowl with a flourish of extra basil and lemon—an edible bouquet that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, tuck them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making these potatoes a fabulous quick lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

While Baked Feta Potatoes are best fresh, you can freeze them in a pinch. Store cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to one month—be aware the feta’s texture will become a bit more crumbly but the flavors will hold up beautifully.

Reheating

To recapture that perfect flavor and crispness, spread leftover Baked Feta Potatoes on a baking sheet and warm at 180C (350F) for 10-15 minutes. The oven helps the edges re-crisp and cheese becomes creamy again, but a quick blitz in the microwave works in a hurry. Give everything a fresh squeeze of lemon or sprinkle of basil when serving.

FAQs

Can I use baby potatoes or a different potato variety?

Absolutely! While russet or baking potatoes get especially fluffy and crisp, baby potatoes or Yukon golds will work well. Just adjust cube size for even roasting and skip peeling for extra texture.

Is there a vegan option for feta?

Yes, plant-based feta is widely available and substitutes beautifully in Baked Feta Potatoes. Keep an eye on the baking time, as vegan cheeses may melt or brown a bit differently than dairy feta.

How spicy are the Baked Feta Potatoes?

The chili flakes provide a mellow warmth rather than intense spiciness. If you prefer more heat, use extra chili or even swap for smoked paprika for added flavor depth.

Can I prep Baked Feta Potatoes in advance?

Definitely! Par-boil and season your potatoes a few hours ahead, then assemble and bake just before serving. The garlic can also be roasted in advance and stirred through at the last minute for maximum flavor.

What’s the best way to make this dish extra crispy?

Steam drying the potatoes for a few minutes after draining is key. Spread them out on the baking tray so they aren’t crowded, and roast until the edges are deep gold and crisp before adding the feta.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something impossibly inviting about the combination of creamy cheese, golden potatoes, and a burst of fresh basil—Baked Feta Potatoes truly are comfort food at its most irresistible. If you’ve never tried them, you are in for a treat; if you’re already a fan, you’ll love every excuse to bake up another batch. Gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and see why everyone who tries this dish always asks for seconds!

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