Baked Feta Potatoes

Imagine sinking your fork into golden, crispy potatoes that give way to fluffy interiors, all coated in creamy, melted baked feta with notes of aromatic herbs and a subtle kiss of honey. These Baked Feta Potatoes transform simple ingredients into an irresistible Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s both comforting and elegant. The combination of tangy feta cheese, roasted garlic, and perfectly seasoned potatoes creates a symphony of flavors that will make this recipe an instant favorite in your home. You’ll learn how to achieve the perfect crispy exterior while keeping the potatoes tender inside, and how to balance the salty feta with sweet honey and fresh herbs for a truly memorable dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Baked Feta Potatoes are about to become your new favorite side dish – or even a satisfying main course. What makes this recipe special is the beautiful contrast between textures: the exterior of the potatoes becomes delightfully crispy during roasting, while the interior stays fluffy and light. Meanwhile, the feta transforms from a firm, briny cheese into a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth delight.

The flavor profile is equally impressive, combining the earthiness of potatoes with the tanginess of feta, the sweetness of honey, and the aromatic punch of herbs and roasted garlic. It’s a perfect balance that hits every taste bud.

Perhaps best of all, despite its impressive presentation and complex flavors, this recipe is remarkably simple to prepare. The oven does most of the work, allowing you to enjoy a restaurant-quality dish without hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or entertaining guests, these cheesy, herb-infused potatoes will impress everyone at the table.

Ingredients List for the Baked Feta Potatoes

The magic of this dish lies in the quality and combination of these simple ingredients that together create an extraordinary flavor experience. The baking potatoes provide the perfect canvas for the rich feta and aromatic herbs to shine.

• 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

Pro Tips

To elevate your Baked Feta Potatoes from good to extraordinary, focus on these three critical techniques:

First, don’t skip the par-boiling step. This crucial process creates the foundation for perfectly textured potatoes. The quick boil followed by steam drying creates a slightly roughened exterior on the potato cubes that will crisp up beautifully in the oven, while ensuring the insides remain fluffy and tender.

Second, be strategic with your feta placement. When adding the feta to the dish, press it slightly into the potatoes rather than just placing it on top. This helps the cheese absorb the flavors from the seasoned potatoes while ensuring some of those delicious seasonings stick to the cheese itself. The ideal placement is in the center where it can melt and distribute its creaminess throughout the dish.

Third, embrace the power of roasted garlic. Roasting the entire head of garlic transforms its flavor from sharp and pungent to sweet and nutty. When mixing the roasted garlic with the potatoes, don’t be afraid to adjust the amount based on your preference – it adds incredible depth without overpowering the dish. Mashing it thoroughly ensures it distributes evenly throughout the potatoes for a consistent flavor profile.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200C (390F).

Step 2: Wash and cube your potatoes. Add them to a saucepan and cover with water, then bring to the boil. Par-boil the potatoes for 6-8 minutes (no more than 10), then drain and steam dry for 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add the potatoes to your baking dish, along with the thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper, and 2 tbsp olive oil, and stir them to coat them evenly.

Step 4: Drizzle the garlic with a little olive oil, wrap it in foil, and add to the baking dish.

Step 5: Roast the potatoes and garlic for 30-40 minutes until golden and crispy and almost cooked.

Step 6: Remove the potatoes from the oven and take out the garlic. Add the feta to the middle of the tray (I like to dip one side in the seasonings, then flip it over). Squeeze over half the lemon.

Step 7: Put the dish back in the oven for another 15 minutes.

Step 8: Once the garlic has cooled, squeeze the garlic out of its skins and mash with the flat of your knife. Set aside.

Step 9: Stir the garlic mixture (you could use the whole head of garlic, or 1-2tsp mashed roasted garlic for a milder taste) and the juice of the other half of the lemon back into the potatoes along with your fresh basil, using a spoon to gently mix the roast potatoes with the baked feta.

Step 10: Drizzle over the honey and shredded basil and top the potatoes with the red chili flakes.

Step 11: Serve and enjoy!

Variations

The beauty of these Baked Feta Potatoes lies in their versatility. For a Mediterranean twist, add sliced kalamata olives, sundried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of za’atar seasoning during the final bake. The briny olives and sweet tomatoes complement the tangy feta perfectly, creating a Greek-inspired flavor profile that’s absolutely delicious.

For a heartier version that works as a main dish, add cubed butternut squash alongside the potatoes and top with toasted pine nuts before serving. The squash adds a subtle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the feta, while the pine nuts contribute a delightful crunch.

Those following a vegan diet can substitute the feta with a plant-based feta alternative or a block of firm tofu marinated in lemon juice, olive oil, and nutritional yeast. Replace the honey with maple syrup for a completely plant-based version that still delivers on flavor and creamy texture.

Storage and Serving

These Baked Feta Potatoes taste best when served fresh from the oven, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 180C (350F) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the potatoes soggy and diminish their wonderful texture.

For an impressive presentation, serve these potatoes directly in the baking dish, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves and a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a light meal.

For a more substantial dinner, serve alongside grilled chicken or roasted lamb for a Mediterranean-inspired feast. The potatoes also make an excellent brunch option, topped with a poached egg which adds a luxurious richness as the yolk breaks and mingles with the feta and potatoes.

FAQs

Can I use different types of potatoes?
Yes, while baking potatoes are ideal for their fluffy interior, you can substitute Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just adjust the par-boiling time accordingly as waxy potatoes may need less time.

Is it necessary to par-boil the potatoes first?
Par-boiling is strongly recommended as it ensures the potatoes cook evenly and develop the perfect texture. Skipping this step may result in potatoes that are crispy on the outside but undercooked inside.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can par-boil the potatoes and prepare the ingredients up to a day ahead, but the final roasting should be done just before serving for the best texture and flavor in your baked feta potatoes.

What if I don’t have fresh basil?
If fresh basil isn’t available, you can substitute with fresh parsley or mint. If using dried herbs instead, reduce the quantity to 1 teaspoon and add it with the other dried herbs earlier in the cooking process.

Can I make this spicier?
Absolutely! Increase the red chili flakes to 1 teaspoon, or add a diced fresh chili pepper to the potatoes before roasting for an extra kick of heat in your baked feta potatoes.

Print