Baked Feta Potatoes
If you’re craving a side dish that’s bursting with flavor yet incredibly easy to whip up, baked feta potatoes are the perfect solution. This dish combines crispy, golden potatoes with creamy, tangy feta cheese, roasted together to create a mouthwatering, cheesy sensation everyone will adore. Whether you’re serving family dinner or impressing friends at a weekend gathering, baked feta potatoes bring warmth and irresistible taste to any table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless preparation: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe incredibly beginner-friendly.
- Flavor explosion: Creamy feta cheese adds a rich, tangy layer that perfectly complements crispy roasted potatoes.
- Versatile side dish: Easy to pair with meats, salads, or enjoy as a snack on its own.
- Quick cooking time: Ready in under an hour, ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
- Customizable: Easily adapt with herbs and spices to fit your personal taste preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses straightforward, fresh ingredients that combine to create amazing texture and flavor. Each component plays a crucial role from crispy potatoes to that creamy, salty feta balance that brings everything together.
- Baby potatoes: Choose small, firm ones for the best texture and quick roasting time.
- Feta cheese block: Use a good quality feta to ensure a creamy, tangy taste that melts beautifully.
- Olive oil: A drizzle adds crispiness and a subtle fruity flavor to the potatoes.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic boosts the overall aroma and savory notes.
- Dried oregano: This herb complements the feta perfectly with its Mediterranean flair.
- Fresh herbs (optional): A sprinkle of parsley or thyme brightens the dish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every flavor.
Variations for Baked Feta Potatoes
Feel free to get creative with baked feta potatoes by tweaking ingredients or adding extras that suit your dietary needs or taste buds. The base recipe is incredibly flexible for all kinds of flavor explorations.
- Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a fiery twist.
- Veggie boost: Toss in cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for color and freshness.
- Greens addition: Add baby spinach or kale in the last few minutes of baking for extra nutrition.
- Vegan adaptation: Substitute feta with a plant-based cheese option for dairy-free enjoyment.
- Herbal variation: Experiment with rosemary or dill instead of oregano to switch up the flavor profile.
How to Make Baked Feta Potatoes
Step 1: Preheat your oven and prepare potatoes
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and dry your baby potatoes thoroughly, then cut them in halves or quarters depending on their size to ensure even cooking and crispy edges.
Step 2: Season the potatoes
In a large mixing bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Make sure every piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor and crispiness.
Step 3: Arrange in a baking dish
Place the seasoned potatoes evenly in a baking dish or ovenproof skillet. Nestle a block of feta cheese right in the center of the dish, surrounded by the potatoes to allow the cheese to soften and melt beautifully.
Step 4: Bake until golden and bubbling
Bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and golden brown, and the feta cheese has softened and started to bubble lightly on top.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme and an extra crack of black pepper. Serve warm alongside your favorite main course or enjoy as a standalone snack.
Pro Tips for Making Baked Feta Potatoes
- Use uniform potato pieces: Cutting potatoes into similar sizes ensures even cooking and consistent texture.
- Don’t skip the olive oil: It’s crucial for crispiness and helps the spices stick to the potatoes.
- Let the feta rest at room temperature: This prevents a chilled block from cooling down the potatoes while baking.
- Use a cast-iron skillet: It retains heat evenly, making potatoes crispier and the feta creamier.
- Don’t overcrowd the dish: Space potatoes out enough to allow steam to escape for crisp results.
How to Serve Baked Feta Potatoes
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or oregano add vibrant color and bright herbal notes, balancing the richness of the feta cheese perfectly.
Side Dishes
Baked feta potatoes pair wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in individual ramekins for a rustic, charming look or alongside warm flatbreads and dipping sauces to turn this side dish into a party-ready appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover baked feta potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days, preserving flavors and preventing sogginess when cooled.
Freezing
You can freeze baked feta potatoes, but note the texture might change slightly. Use freezer-safe containers and consume within two months for best quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to regain crispiness instead of using a microwave, which might make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Yes, regular potatoes can work but cut them into smaller chunks to match the roasting time and ensure they become crispy and tender.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! Baked feta potatoes are perfect for vegetarians, offering a hearty, satisfying dish without any meat.
How do I prevent feta from drying out in the oven?
Keeping the feta block whole and baking alongside the potatoes helps it melt gently and stay creamy instead of drying out.
Can I add other cheeses?
Yes, you can mix in cheeses like mozzarella for extra creaminess or parmesan for a nutty flavor, but feta is key for the distinctive tangy taste.
What herbs work best with this recipe?
Dried oregano is traditional, but thyme, rosemary, and fresh parsley also enhance flavors great in baked feta potatoes.
Final Thoughts
Give these baked feta potatoes a try and experience how simple ingredients can come together to create an unforgettable side dish. The crispy potatoes paired with creamy feta cheese are sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation, impressing everyone with minimal effort and maximum taste.
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Baked Feta Potatoes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Baked feta potatoes combine crispy, golden baby potatoes with creamy, tangy feta cheese roasted together to create a flavorful and easy side dish perfect for family dinners or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 block (about 7 oz) feta cheese
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes & Variations
- Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes or smoked paprika (for spicy kick)
- Cherry tomatoes or bell peppers (for veggie boost)
- Baby spinach or kale (added near end of baking)
- Rosemary or dill (herbal variation)
- Plant-based cheese alternative (for vegan adaptation)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven and prepare potatoes: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and dry the baby potatoes thoroughly, then cut them into halves or quarters depending on size to ensure even cooking and crispy edges.
- Season the potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Ensure every piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor and crispiness.
- Arrange in a baking dish: Place the seasoned potatoes evenly in a baking dish or ovenproof skillet. Nestle a block of feta cheese in the center, surrounded by the potatoes to allow the cheese to soften and melt beautifully.
- Bake until golden and bubbling: Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and golden brown, and the feta cheese has softened and is lightly bubbling on top.
- Garnish and serve: Once out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme and add an extra crack of black pepper. Serve warm alongside your favorite main dishes or enjoy as a snack.
Notes
- Use uniform potato pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Don’t skip the olive oil—it helps potatoes crisp up and keeps spices adhered.
- Let the feta rest at room temperature before baking to prevent cooling the potatoes during cooking.
- Using a cast-iron skillet helps retain heat evenly, making potatoes crispier and feta creamier.
- Do not overcrowd the baking dish; leave space between potatoes to allow steam to escape and achieve crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: baked feta potatoes, side dish, easy recipe, Mediterranean, vegetarian, crispy potatoes, creamy feta
