Baked Feta Potatoes: A Flavorful Side Dish You’ll Love

Name: Baked Feta Potatoes: A Flavorful Side Dish You’ll Love
Prep time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1-2 large baking potatoes; 1 (200g) block of feta cheese; 2 tbsp olive oil (divided); 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 head of garlic (top cut off); 1 lemon (quartered); 1 tbsp honey; 1/4 cup (20g) fresh basil (torn or chopped)

If you’re a fan of the viral baked feta pasta trend, you’re going to adore this recipe for Baked Feta Potatoes. This dish combines crispy roasted potatoes with creamy, tangy baked feta cheese, creating a rich and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a comforting weeknight meal, these Baked Feta Potatoes are sure to impress.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making this delicious dish, share tips for perfecting it, and explain why it’s become a favorite among food enthusiasts. Plus, we’ll dive into the SEO-optimized details to ensure you can easily find and recreate this recipe whenever the craving strikes.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe

Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks.
Bursting with Flavor: The combination of crispy potatoes, creamy feta, and aromatic herbs creates a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
Versatile: Serve it as a side dish, a main course, or even as a shareable appetizer.
Inspired by a Viral Trend: If you loved the baked feta pasta, you’ll appreciate this potato-based twist.

Ingredients for Baked Feta Potatoes

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

1-2 large baking potatoes: Choose starchy potatoes like Russets for the perfect crispy texture.
1 200g block of feta: The star of the dish, feta adds a creamy, tangy flavor.
2 tbsp olive oil: Helps crisp up the potatoes and adds richness.
1 tsp dried thyme: Adds an earthy, aromatic note.
1 tsp dried oregano: Complements the feta and potatoes beautifully.
1 tsp salt: Enhances the flavors.
1 tsp black pepper: Adds a subtle kick.
1 head of garlic (top cut off): Roasted garlic adds a sweet, mellow flavor.
1 lemon, quartered: Brightens up the dish with a touch of acidity.
1 tbsp honey: Balances the tanginess of the feta with a hint of sweetness.
1/4 cup (20g) fresh basil: Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (390°F). This ensures your potatoes will roast evenly and become perfectly crispy.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash and cube your potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Smaller cubes will cook faster and crisp up better, so aim for uniformity. Place the cubed potatoes in a large baking dish.

Step 3: Season the Potatoes

Add the dried thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the potatoes. Drizzle with 1 tbsp of olive oil and toss everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated.

Step 4: Add the Feta and Garlic

Place the block of feta in the center of the baking dish. For extra flavor, dip one side of the feta in the seasonings before flipping it over. Add the head of garlic (with the top cut off) and half the lemon to the tray. Drizzle the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil over the feta and garlic.

Step 5: Bake

Bake the potatoes and feta for 45-55 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and crispy. Keep an eye on the garlic—if it starts to brown too quickly, remove it after 35 minutes to prevent burning.

Step 6: Prepare the Garlic Mixture

Once the garlic is roasted, squeeze the cloves out of their skins and mash them with a sharp knife. This creates a flavorful paste that will be mixed into the potatoes.

Step 7: Combine Everything

Remove the baking dish from the oven. Squeeze the juice from the remaining half of the lemon over the potatoes. Add the mashed garlic and fresh basil, then gently mix everything together, breaking up the baked feta as you go.

Step 8: Finish with Honey

Drizzle 1 tbsp of honey over the dish for a touch of sweetness that balances the tangy feta.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the Baked Feta Potatoes to a serving dish and garnish with additional fresh basil if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

The Origin of Baked Feta Potatoes

The concept of Baked Feta Potatoes is a delightful twist on the viral baked feta pasta trend that took the internet by storm a few years ago. Originating from Finland, the baked feta pasta recipe became a global sensation due to its simplicity and irresistible flavor. The idea of baking feta cheese until it becomes creamy and mixing it with pasta inspired countless variations, including this potato-based version.

Potatoes, being a versatile and beloved ingredient, pair exceptionally well with the tangy, salty flavor of feta cheese. The combination of crispy roasted potatoes and melted feta creates a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. This recipe builds on the success of the baked feta pasta by incorporating hearty potatoes, making it a more substantial side dish or even a main course.

The addition of roasted garlic, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of honey elevates the dish, adding layers of flavor that make it truly unforgettable. The roasted garlic becomes sweet and mellow, blending seamlessly with the creamy feta, while the honey provides a subtle sweetness that balances the tanginess of the cheese. Fresh basil adds a pop of color and a refreshing finish, making this dish as visually appealing as it is delicious.

This recipe is a testament to the power of simple, high-quality ingredients. By combining a few pantry staples with fresh produce, you can create a dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re a fan of the original baked feta pasta or new to the trend, Baked Feta Potatoes are sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Tips for Perfecting Your Baked Feta Potatoes

While Baked Feta Potatoes are relatively simple to make, a few tips and tricks can help you achieve the best possible results. Here’s how to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time:

Choose the Right Potatoes: Opt for starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds, as they crisp up beautifully in the oven. Avoid waxy potatoes, as they tend to hold their shape and won’t get as crispy.
Cut Potatoes Uniformly: To ensure even cooking, cut your potatoes into evenly sized cubes. Smaller cubes will cook faster and crisp up better, so aim for pieces that are about 1-2 inches in size.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Spread the potatoes out in a single layer on your baking dish. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of roasting, resulting in soggy potatoes.
Monitor the Garlic: Roasted garlic adds incredible flavor, but it can burn quickly. Keep an eye on it and remove it from the oven after 35 minutes if it starts to brown too much.
Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Feel free to tweak the amount of salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preferences. You can also experiment with additional spices like paprika or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
Use Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work well in this recipe, fresh basil adds a vibrant, herbaceous note that takes the dish to the next level. If you don’t have basil, try parsley or dill instead.
Don’t Overcook the Feta: If your potatoes need more time to cook, remove the feta to prevent it from becoming rubbery. You can always return it to the dish once the potatoes are done.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to create a dish that’s crispy, creamy, and bursting with flavor.

Customizing Your Baked Feta Potatoes

One of the best things about Baked Feta Potatoes is their versatility. While the classic recipe is delicious on its own, there are countless ways to customize it to suit your taste or use up ingredients you have on hand. Here are a few ideas to inspire your creativity:

Add Vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, or red onions for added color and flavor. Simply toss them with the potatoes before baking.
Switch Up the Cheese: While feta is the star of this dish, you can experiment with other cheeses like goat cheese, halloumi, or even blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish a spicy kick.
Go Vegan: Substitute the feta with a vegan cheese alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey to make the recipe vegan-friendly.
Add Protein: Turn this side dish into a complete meal by adding cooked chicken, sausage, or chickpeas.
Experiment with Herbs: Try different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or cilantro to change up the flavor.
Serve with Dips: Pair the potatoes with a side of tzatziki, hummus, or garlic aioli for dipping.

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of Baked Feta Potatoes lies in the combination of textures and flavors. The crispy potatoes provide a satisfying crunch, while the baked feta melts into a creamy, tangy sauce. The roasted garlic adds depth, and the lemon and honey brighten up the dish, creating a perfect balance of savory and sweet.

This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini. It’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients and create a dish that’s uniquely yours.

Serving Suggestions

As a Side Dish: Pair these potatoes with grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a complete meal.
As a Main Course: Serve with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly option.
For Entertaining: This dish is perfect for potlucks, holiday dinners, or casual gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese?
While feta is the star of this recipe, you can experiment with other cheeses like goat cheese or halloumi. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture will vary.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute the feta with a vegan cheese alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey.