Baked Feta Potatoes

These Baked Feta Potatoes are a delightful twist on the classic potato side dish, inspired by the viral baked feta pasta trend. They offer a rich and flavorful experience, combining crispy roasted potatoes with creamy baked feta cheese. Perfect for any occasion, these potatoes will impress at dinner parties or family gatherings. Their standout quality lies in the blend of herbs and spices that elevate their taste, making them an unforgettable addition to your meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: This recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Dish: The combination of feta, garlic, and fresh herbs creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Versatile Serving Options: These baked feta potatoes can accompany various dishes or stand alone as a delicious vegetarian option.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With their unique taste and presentation, they are sure to impress family and friends alike.
• Healthy Ingredients: Made with wholesome ingredients, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started with these baked feta potatoes, gather your kitchen tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish
• Saucepan
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish: Essential for roasting the potatoes evenly, ensuring they become crispy.
• Saucepan: Used for par-boiling the potatoes before roasting, which helps achieve that perfect texture.
• Knife: A sharp knife is crucial for cutting the potatoes into even cubes for uniform cooking.
• Spoon: Helpful for mixing ingredients together thoroughly.

Ingredients

These baked feta potatoes are made with simple yet flavorful 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, 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. This ensures that your baked feta potatoes cook evenly and develop a lovely golden color.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

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

Step 3: Season the Potatoes

Place the par-boiled potatoes in your baking dish. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle in the olive oil, then stir to coat them evenly.

Step 4: Roast the Potatoes

Roast the seasoned potatoes in the oven for about 30 – 40 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy but not fully cooked yet.

Step 5: Add Feta Cheese

Remove the baking dish from the oven. Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tray; dipping one side in seasonings can add extra flavor. Squeeze half of the lemon over it.

Step 6: Prepare Garlic

Take out the head of roasted garlic from the dish. Once cooled, squeeze out the garlic from its skins into a bowl. Mash it using a knife and set aside.

Step 7: Continue Roasting

Put your baking dish back into the oven for an additional 15 minutes. This will allow both the feta cheese to melt slightly and enhance its flavors.

Step 8: Combine Ingredients

After removing from oven, stir in your mashed garlic mixture along with juice from the remaining half of lemon into the roasted potatoes. Gently mix everything together while adding chopped fresh basil.

Step 9: Finish with Honey

Drizzle over some honey across your baked feta potatoes along with shredded basil for an extra touch of sweetness.

Step 10: Serve

Serve warm and enjoy this delicious side dish that pairs wonderfully with many meals!

How to Serve Baked Feta Potatoes

Baked feta potatoes are a delightful and versatile side dish that can elevate any meal. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy them to their fullest.

Pair with Grilled Meats

• Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken complements the creamy feta beautifully.
• Steak: A hearty steak pairs well, adding a robust flavor to your plate.
• Pork Chops: The savory notes of pork enhance the richness of the baked feta.

Add a Fresh Salad

• Greek Salad: Bright tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives provide a refreshing contrast.
• Arugula Salad: The peppery arugula balances the creaminess of the potatoes.
• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar adds crunch and flavor alongside baked feta potatoes.

Serve with Dips

• Tzatziki Sauce: This yogurt-based dip adds a cool and tangy kick.
• Hummus: Creamy hummus enriches the meal, making it heartier.
• Olive Tapenade: A flavorful tapenade offers a salty bite that enhances the dish.

Include Bread

• Pita Bread: Soft and warm pita is perfect for scooping up feta and potatoes.
• Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread provides a lovely texture alongside this dish.

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How to Perfect Baked Feta Potatoes

Achieving the perfect baked feta potatoes is all about technique and timing. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.

• Use High-Quality Feta: Opt for good-quality feta cheese for richer flavor.
• Don’t Skip Par-Boiling: Par-boiling your potatoes helps achieve that crispy exterior.
• Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak herbs and spices based on your taste preferences.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on them during roasting for optimal crispiness.
• Let Them Rest: Allowing them to rest briefly after baking can enhance flavors as they settle.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Feta Potatoes

Baked feta potatoes pair wonderfully with various other dishes. Here are some great options to consider when planning your meal.

1. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled vegetables add color and nutrition to your plate.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts provide a delightful crunch alongside creamy potatoes.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers can make for a hearty combination with baked feta potatoes.
4. Quinoa Salad: Nutty quinoa salad brings protein and complements the rich flavors of the dish nicely.
5. Sautéed Spinach: Quick sautéed spinach adds freshness and vibrancy, balancing the richness of the feta.
6. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings a refreshing crunch that contrasts beautifully with soft potatoes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Baked Feta Potatoes, small mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Overcooking the potatoes: If you boil the potatoes for too long, they can become mushy. Par-boil them for only 6-8 minutes to keep them firm.
• Not seasoning enough: Skipping the seasonings can make your dish bland. Make sure to use enough salt, pepper, and herbs for maximum flavor.
• Ignoring the garlic: Roasting garlic can enhance the dish’s taste. Don’t skip this step; it adds a rich, sweet flavor that complements the feta.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold feta won’t melt properly. Let your feta sit at room temperature for a few minutes before baking it.
• Skipping fresh herbs: Fresh basil adds brightness to the dish. Always include it right before serving for the best flavor.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover baked feta potatoes in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Make sure to cool them completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Baked Feta Potatoes

• For longer storage, freeze baked feta potatoes in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be kept frozen for up to 2 months.
• Label your container with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Baked Feta Potatoes

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 180C | 350F and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes) on medium power until warm, stirring occasionally.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Baked Feta Potatoes?

Baked Feta Potatoes are crispy roasted potatoes tossed with creamy baked feta cheese, offering a rich and flavorful side dish inspired by popular trends.

How do I make Baked Feta Potatoes vegan?

To make Baked Feta Potatoes vegan, substitute feta cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well and follows similar preparation steps.

Can I add additional vegetables to Baked Feta Potatoes?

Absolutely! You can add veggies like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers before roasting for extra flavor and nutrition.

How should I serve Baked Feta Potatoes?

Serve these delicious potatoes as a side dish with grilled meats or as part of a Mediterranean platter alongside olives and pita bread.

Final Thoughts

These Baked Feta Potatoes are not only easy to prepare but also versatile and full of flavor. Feel free to customize them with different herbs or vegetables based on your preferences. Try this recipe today for a delightful addition to any meal!