Baked Feta Potatoes

These Baked Feta Potatoes are a delightful side dish that brings together crispy roasted potatoes and creamy baked feta cheese. Inspired by the popular baked feta pasta trend, these potatoes are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner, a cozy gathering with friends, or a festive celebration. Their rich flavor profile combined with fresh herbs makes them irresistibly delicious and versatile enough to complement various main dishes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps, you’ll have a gourmet side dish on the table in under an hour.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of roasted garlic, feta cheese, and fragrant herbs elevates the taste of ordinary potatoes.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side for chicken, beef, or even vegetarian meals!
• Impressive Presentation: These baked feta potatoes not only taste amazing but also look stunning when served.
• Comfort Food Appeal: The creamy feta paired with crispy potatoes provides that comforting feeling we all love.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather the necessary tools and equipment before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish
• Saucepans
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Foil
• Spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish: A good baking dish ensures even cooking and makes it easy to serve your Baked Feta Potatoes.
• Saucepans: Essential for par-boiling the potatoes to achieve the perfect texture before roasting.
• Knife: A sharp knife is necessary for cutting potatoes and garlic easily.
• Foil: Wrapping the garlic in foil helps it roast evenly without burning.

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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.

Ingredients:
– 2 large baking potatoes
– 1 200g block of feta
– 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, halved
– 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.

Step 2: Prepare 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 steam dry for about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Season the Potatoes

Add the drained potatoes to your baking dish along with thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Stir well to coat evenly.

Step 4: Prepare Garlic for Roasting

Drizzle a little olive oil on the garlic head, wrap it in foil, and add it to the baking dish with the potatoes.

Step 5: Roast Potatoes and Garlic

Roast everything in the oven for about 30 – 40 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Add Feta Cheese

Remove from oven; take out the garlic. Place feta in the center of the tray (optionally dip one side in seasonings). Squeeze half of the lemon over it.

Step 7: Continue Roasting

Return to oven for another 15 minutes until feta is soft.

Step 8: Prepare Roasted Garlic

Once cool, squeeze out roasted garlic from its skins and mash lightly with a knife. Set aside.

Step 9: Combine Flavors

Stir mashed garlic along with juice from the remaining lemon into the roasted potatoes. Add fresh basil gently mixing everything together.

Step 10: Final Touches

Drizzle honey over your dish, sprinkle shredded basil on top, and finish with red chili flakes for some heat.

Step 11: Serve

Plate your delicious Baked Feta Potatoes hot from the oven. Enjoy!

How to Serve Baked Feta Potatoes

Baked feta potatoes are a versatile dish that can complement various meals. Their creamy, tangy flavor pairs beautifully with a range of proteins and salads. Here are some suggestions for serving them that will elevate your dining experience.

With Grilled Chicken

• Juicy grilled chicken breast seasoned with herbs enhances the rich flavors of the baked feta potatoes, creating a balanced plate.

Alongside Roasted Vegetables

• A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables adds color and nutrition, making for a wholesome and delightful meal.

Paired with a Fresh Salad

• A crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the potatoes.

As Part of a Mediterranean Platter

• Serve alongside hummus, olives, and pita bread for a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s perfect for sharing.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish baked feta potatoes with fresh parsley or cilantro just before serving to add brightness and extra flavor.

With Lemon-Dill Sauce

• A drizzle of lemon-dill sauce offers a zesty kick that beautifully complements the creamy feta potatoes.

How to Perfect Baked Feta Potatoes

To achieve the best results with baked feta potatoes, consider these helpful tips. These will ensure your dish turns out flavorful and perfectly cooked every time.

• Choose the right potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds for optimal crispiness and fluffiness.

• Par-boil carefully: Don’t overboil your potatoes; par-boiling them for 6-8 minutes helps achieve that crispy exterior while keeping them tender inside.

• Season generously: Ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed by tossing the potatoes thoroughly in oil and herbs before baking.

• Check for doneness: Roast until they’re golden brown and crispy; this not only enhances flavor but also texture.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh basil and garlic add vibrant flavors. Opt for fresh herbs whenever possible instead of dried.

• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to customize your baked feta potatoes by adding toppings like olives or roasted bell peppers for additional depth.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Feta Potatoes

Baked feta potatoes make an excellent side dish that pairs well with many options. Here are some great side dishes to consider:

1. Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken – Tender chicken marinated in lemon juice and herbs brings freshness to the plate.

2. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad – A protein-rich salad filled with cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives adds nutritious variety.

3. Roasted Asparagus – Lightly seasoned asparagus spears roasted until tender provide an elegant touch to your meal.

4. Tzatziki Sauce – This creamy yogurt sauce infused with cucumber and garlic complements the baked feta perfectly.

5. Spiced Chickpeas – Crunchy spiced chickpeas offer an exciting texture contrast to the soft, creamy potatoes.

6. Steamed Broccoli – Bright green broccoli steamed until bright ensures a healthy addition full of vitamins.

7. Cucumber Tomato Salad – Refreshing cucumber and tomato salad dressed in olive oil balances the richness of baked feta potatoes.

8. Grilled Shrimp Skewers – Juicy shrimp skewered and grilled add a delightful seafood element to your meal spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your baked feta potatoes to the next level. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using unwashed potatoes: Always wash your potatoes thoroughly before cooking. Dirt can affect the flavor and texture of your dish.
• Not par-boiling the potatoes: Skip this step at your own risk! Par-boiling ensures that your potatoes cook evenly and become crispy in the oven.
• Ignoring the seasoning: Don’t skimp on salt and herbs! Proper seasoning adds depth to the flavors of your baked feta potatoes, so be generous.
• Overcooking or undercooking garlic: Garlic should be roasted until caramelized but not burnt. Keep an eye on it during cooking for the best results.
• Forgetting the fresh basil: Fresh basil is a key ingredient that brightens up the dish. Be sure to add it just before serving for maximum flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Baked Feta Potatoes

• Allow to cool completely before freezing.
• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Baked Feta Potatoes

• Oven: Preheat to 180C | 350F, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about baked feta potatoes:

How do I make Baked Feta Potatoes spicier?

You can add more red chili flakes or even diced jalapeños before baking to enhance the spice level.

Can I substitute feta with another cheese?

Yes, you can use goat cheese or any crumbly cheese as an alternative, though it will change the flavor profile slightly.

What other herbs work well with Baked Feta Potatoes?

Feel free to experiment with rosemary, parsley, or even dill for different flavor combinations that complement the dish.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Absolutely! Sweet potatoes will give a different texture and sweetness, making for a delicious variation.

Final Thoughts

Baked feta potatoes are not only rich and flavorful but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them by adding various spices or veggies based on your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to impress at any meal!