
Oh, I absolutely love sharing this Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe because it’s one of those magical dishes that transforms humble potatoes and feta into a flavor-packed, cozy meal. When I first tried this combination, I was amazed at how the feta softens and melts just enough to mingle perfectly with herb-roasted potatoes, while the honey and lemon add that subtle sweet-tart brightness that keeps you coming back for more.
This recipe is fantastic for cozy weeknight dinners or when you want something simple yet impressive to serve friends. You’ll find that it works beautifully as a side or a main, especially when paired with fresh salads or grilled veggies. Once you get the hang of it, this Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe feels like a little kitchen win every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses basic pantry staples combined to create a gourmet-feeling dish without fuss.
- Comfort Food with a Twist: Crispy potatoes meet creamy baked feta with herbs and a hint of sweetness, making a comforting but unexpectedly exciting combo.
- Easy to Customize: You can swap herbs or adjust spice level to match your mood or what’s in your kitchen.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend brunch, this recipe always fits right in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The harmony of flavors in this Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe comes from a handful of simple yet complementary ingredients. I always recommend choosing a good quality feta and fresh basil to really make the dish shine.
- Baking potatoes: Russets or Yukon golds both work well; just pick firm ones without blemishes.
- Feta cheese: A block-style feta melts beautifully here—avoid crumbled feta as it won’t get that lovely melty texture.
- Olive oil: Extra virgin is my go-to for the best flavor and a nice crisp on the potatoes.
- Dried thyme and oregano: Classic Mediterranean herbs that layer in fragrant earthiness.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning every bite just right.
- Red chilli flakes: Adds a gentle heat—feel free to adjust based on your spice preference.
- Garlic (whole head): Roasting it whole mellows the sharpness into a creamy spread.
- Lemon: Brightens the dish with fresh juice that balances richness.
- Honey: A drizzle at the end for that sweet pop that makes this recipe memorable.
- Fresh basil: Adds vibrant, herbaceous notes and a lovely color contrast.
Variations
I love that this Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe feels like a flexible canvas. You can tweak it easily to suit what you have on hand or your current cravings. For instance, I often experiment with herbs or add extra veggies to bulk it up.
- Swap herbs: Rosemary or fresh thyme work beautifully if I’m out of oregano—it still tastes amazing with those swaps.
- Add veggies: Cherry tomatoes or thinly sliced red onions roast perfectly alongside and add color and sweetness.
- Boost spice level: Sometimes I toss in smoked paprika or increase the red chili flakes to give a smoky kick.
- Make it vegan: Substitute feta with marinated tofu or a plant-based cheese alternative and adjust seasonings accordingly.
How to Make Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Par-Boil Your Potatoes
Start by washing and cubing your potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Par-boiling them for about 6-8 minutes is a great trick I learned—it jumpstarts the cooking and ensures the potatoes get super tender inside without drying out. Just avoid overcooking here since they’ll go back into the oven later. After draining, give them a few minutes to steam dry so they crisp up wonderfully in the oven.
Step 2: Season and Roast Potatoes
Transfer your potatoes to a baking dish and toss them with the olive oil, dried thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of red chili flakes. I like to stir everything well to make sure every piece is nicely coated. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and roast for 30 to 40 minutes until the potatoes are golden and begin to crisp up around the edges. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid burning.
Step 3: Add the Feta and Whole Garlic
Now, here’s the fun part: place the block of feta gently in the middle of your potato tray. I like to dip one side of the feta in the seasoning leftover in the dish and then flip it over to coat both sides—this step adds fantastic flavor. Squeeze half your lemon over the dish, then tuck in the whole garlic head (top sliced off) amongst the potatoes. Roast everything for another 15 minutes so the feta softens and the garlic roasts to sweet, spreadable perfection.
Step 4: Mix in Garlic, Lemon Juice, Basil, and Honey
Carefully remove the garlic head and let it cool a minute. Then squeeze out that soft garlic pulp and mash it with the side of your knife. Pour in the juice from the other half of the lemon and add torn fresh basil leaves. Gently fold this mixture into the potatoes and feta so everything blends in but the potatoes keep their shape. A drizzle of honey at the end creates a perfectly balanced sweet and savory finish. Serve right away and watch everyone savor every bite!
Pro Tips for Making Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe
- Don’t Skip Par-Boiling: It’s key for perfectly tender potatoes without drying them out in the oven.
- Use a Good, Block Feta: Blocks melt and soften nicely, giving a creamier texture that crumbled feta can’t match.
- Squeeze Lemon Twice: Lemon juice before and after baking brightens the whole dish and cuts through the richness.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Dish: Give the potatoes space so they crisp up instead of steam.
How to Serve Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
I usually finish with a scatter of fresh basil and sometimes a tiny sprinkle of extra red chili flakes if we want a bit more kick. A few lemon zest shavings also add a nice aromatic touch that really makes the dish pop. Fresh herbs like parsley or mint can work wonderfully, too, depending on what you have.
Side Dishes
My family goes crazy for these potatoes served alongside simple grilled chicken or fish. They also pair beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil or even a cool cucumber yogurt dip for a refreshing contrast. For a vegetarian feast, roasted vegetables or a bright tomato and olive salad complement this dish perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to bring this out in a rustic cast-iron skillet placed right on the table so everyone can dig in family-style. Throw in some colorful heirloom cherry tomatoes or olives around the feta before baking to amp up the visual appeal. You could even serve portions on warm flatbreads with a side of fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a Mediterranean-inspired feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The potatoes tend to absorb some of the feta juices and still taste great, just keep the honey drizzle separate if you want to serve it again with that fresh pop of sweetness.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t my preferred method for this dish since the texture of baked potatoes can get a bit grainy upon thawing. If you do freeze it, wrap tightly and use within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to make the potatoes soggy and the feta less enjoyable to eat.
FAQs
-
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While baking potatoes like russets or Yukon gold are ideal for their fluffy insides and crisp skins, you can also use red potatoes or fingerlings. Just keep in mind you may need to adjust par-boiling time slightly depending on the size and type.
-
What does roasting the whole garlic head do?
Roasting garlic whole transforms it from sharp and pungent into soft, mellow, and almost sweet—the perfect spreadable addition to mix with your potatoes for a rich, comforting flavor without any harsh bite.
-
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the feta for a plant-based alternative that holds up well in baking, or try marinated tofu for similar creaminess. Adjust seasoning to your taste, and the rest of the recipe stays the same.
-
How spicy is this Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe?
The red chili flakes add a gentle background heat that complements the creamy feta and herbs without overpowering. You can easily reduce or omit them if you prefer no spice or add more if you like a kick.
-
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
Totally! You can cube and par-boil the potatoes earlier in the day and keep them covered in the fridge. When ready to cook, just bring them back to room temperature before roasting. The rest is best done fresh for maximum flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe has become one of those dishes I turn to when I want something that feels both comforting and a little special. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, but guests always think you’ve put in extra effort. I hope you find this recipe as joyful to make and eat as I do—once you try it, I bet it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen, too. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to savor every bite!
PrintBaked Feta Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Feta Potatoes is a deliciously savory side dish featuring crispy golden potatoes roasted with aromatic herbs, juicy garlic, zesty lemon, and creamy baked feta cheese, finished with a touch of honey and fresh basil for a perfect balance of flavors. This easy recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a flavorful addition to any dinner table.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 large baking potatoes
Feta and Cheese
- 1 200g block of feta
Herbs and Spices
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp red chilli flakes
- 1/4 cup | 20g fresh basil
Other Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 head of garlic (top cut off)
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) to prepare for roasting the potatoes and baking the feta.
- Prepare potatoes: Wash and cube the potatoes. Add them to a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Par-boil the potatoes for 6-8 minutes (no more than 10), then drain and steam dry for 2-3 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Season potatoes: Transfer the potatoes to a baking dish. Add thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir well to evenly coat the potatoes with the herbs and oil.
- Roast potatoes: Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes until they are golden, crispy, and almost fully cooked.
- Add feta and lemon: Place the block of feta in the middle of the baking dish, dipping one side in the seasonings before flipping it over to coat both sides. Squeeze half the lemon over the feta and potatoes for added zest.
- Prepare garlic: Remove the garlic head from the dish and once cooled, squeeze the soft garlic cloves out of their skins. Mash the garlic with the flat of a knife and set aside.
- Bake further: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes to allow the feta to become soft and flavorful.
- Mix garlic and fresh herbs: Stir the mashed garlic, juice of the other half of the lemon, and fresh basil into the roasted potatoes and baked feta gently, combining the flavors carefully with a spoon.
- Finish and serve: Drizzle the honey over the potatoes and sprinkle shredded basil on top for a sweet and fragrant finish. Serve immediately and enjoy your Baked Feta Potatoes!
Notes
- Par-boiling the potatoes before roasting helps to achieve a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
- Using fresh basil at the end preserves its flavor and aroma.
- Adjust red chilli flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Honey adds a subtle sweetness that balances the saltiness of feta.
- Ensure the garlic is fully cooled before squeezing out the cloves to avoid burning your hands.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg