Description
Baked Feta Potatoes are a delicious and flavorful side dish inspired by the viral baked feta pasta trend. Crispy roasted potatoes are combined with creamy baked feta cheese, garlic, herbs, and a touch of honey and lemon for a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Seasoning
- 2 large baking potatoes
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp red chili flakes
Cheese and Dairy
- 1 200g block of feta
Other Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 head of garlic (top cut off)
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup (20g) fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) to prepare for roasting the potatoes and feta.
- Par-boil Potatoes: Wash and cube the potatoes, then place them in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil and par-boil for 6-8 minutes, making sure not to exceed 10 minutes. Drain and steam dry for 2-3 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Season Potatoes: Transfer the potatoes to a baking dish and add the dried thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir well to coat the potatoes evenly in the seasonings and oil.
- Prepare Garlic: Drizzle the garlic head with a little olive oil and wrap it tightly in foil. Add this to the baking dish with the potatoes.
- Roast Potatoes and Garlic: Roast the potatoes and garlic in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes until the potatoes are golden, crispy, and almost fully cooked.
- Add Feta and Lemon: Remove the baking dish from the oven and take out the foil-wrapped garlic. Place the block of feta in the center of the potatoes, optionally dipping one side in seasonings before flipping it over. Squeeze half a lemon over the dish.
- Bake Feta with Potatoes: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the feta is soft and slightly browned.
- Prepare Garlic Mixture: Once cooled enough to handle, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and mash with the flat of a knife. Decide to use either the whole head or 1-2 teaspoons of roasted garlic for a milder flavor.
- Combine and Season: Stir the mashed garlic and the juice of the remaining half of the lemon into the potatoes along with the fresh basil. Gently mix to combine the roasted potatoes with the baked feta.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the dish with honey, sprinkle with shredded basil and red chili flakes. Serve warm and enjoy this rich and flavorful side dish.
Notes
- Par-boiling the potatoes before roasting ensures a fluffy interior and crispy exterior.
- You can adjust the amount of red chili flakes to control heat level.
- Using fresh basil adds a fragrant finish; feel free to substitute with parsley if unavailable.
- Wrapping the garlic in foil prevents burning and results in soft, caramelized garlic perfect for mixing into the potatoes.
- Honey balances the tangy feta and lemon for a well-rounded taste.
- To make it milder, use less roasted garlic or omit the chili flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
