If you are looking for a deliciously comforting side that brings together crispy, tender potatoes and creamy, tangy cheese, this Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Inspired by the beloved baked feta pasta, this dish takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a golden, flavorful celebration of textures and Mediterranean flair. Every bite bursts with herbaceous notes, a hint of garlic sweetness, and just enough chili for a friendly kick. It’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or anytime you crave a cozy, cheesy treat with a fresh, bright finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play their own key role: the potatoes provide hearty comfort, the feta adds creaminess and tang, and the herbs and garlic bring layers of fragrant depth. Let’s talk about these essentials before you gather them:
- 2 large baking potatoes: Starchy and perfect for roasting into crispy, fluffy cubes.
- 1 block (200g) of feta cheese: Delivers that iconic creamy and salty element that melts beautifully.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps everything roast evenly and adds a fruity undertone.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Brings a subtle earthiness to complement the potato’s natural flavor.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Offers a classic Mediterranean aroma that pairs wonderfully with feta.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1 tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and slight bite.
- 0.5 tsp red chili flakes: Gives a dash of heat to awaken the palate.
- 1 head of garlic (top cut off): Roasting mellows and sweetens it, creating a rich condiment for the potatoes.
- 1 lemon, halved: Brightens the dish with fresh citrus zing.
- 1 tbsp honey: Balances the savory flavors with a hint of natural sweetness.
- 1/4 cup (20g) fresh basil: Adds a fragrant, herbaceous finish to elevate the recipe.
How to Make Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by washing and cubing your potatoes into bite-sized pieces — the kind that roast up crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. Par-boiling them for about 6 to 8 minutes is a clever trick that helps achieve that perfect texture later. After draining, steam them for a few minutes to dry off any excess moisture. This step ensures a golden crust during roasting.
Step 2: Season and Roast the Potatoes
Transfer the partially cooked potatoes to a baking dish and toss them with olive oil, dried thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Don’t forget the foil-wrapped garlic head nestled beside them, which will roast and infuse the dish with its mellow, sweet garlic essence. Roast everything for 30 to 40 minutes at 200C (390F) until the potatoes turn golden and irresistibly crispy.
Step 3: Add the Feta and Lemon
Once the potatoes are nearly cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven. Carefully unwrap the roasted garlic and set it aside to cool while you add the block of feta into the center of the dish. Dipping one side of the feta in the seasoning before placing it creates pockets of extra flavor. Squeeze half of the lemon over the feta and potatoes, then return the dish to the oven for an additional 15 minutes so the cheese softens and begins to melt.
Step 4: Mash Garlic and Combine
When the garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze it out of its skins and mash it with the side of a knife into a creamy paste. Depending on how intense you like garlic, add a little or all of this roasted garlic to the potatoes along with the juice from the other lemon half and fresh basil leaves. Gently fold everything together so the potatoes become luxuriously coated in the melted feta, fragrant herbs, and luscious garlic.
Step 5: Final Touches and Serve
Drizzle the honey over the combined potatoes and feta, then sprinkle with red chili flakes to add a bit of heat contrast. The result is a vibrant, layered dish boasting crisp textures, creamy undertones, aromatic herbs, and a subtle spicy-sweet finish.
How to Serve Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil scattered on top not only adds vivid green color but also provides a refreshing herbal note that balances the richness of the feta and potatoes. A final twist of lemon zest or extra chili flakes can personalize the flavor further and impress guests with your attention to detail.
Side Dishes
This baked feta potatoes recipe stands out as an excellent side to roast chicken, grilled fish, or Mediterranean-inspired mains like lamb chops or falafel. It also pairs wonderfully with fresh green salads or a simple cucumber and tomato salad for a light contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style straight from the baking tray for a rustic, casual vibe or transfer to a beautiful platter topped with scattered basil and lemon wedges. For an extra pop of texture and flavor, consider sprinkling toasted pine nuts or adding a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover baked feta potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate. They keep well for up to 3 days, making them a handy and flavorful ready-to-eat side for quick weekday meals.
Freezing
While the texture of roasted potatoes is best fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to one month. Use a freezer-safe container or bag, and remember that reheating may soften the crispy texture slightly, but the flavors remain delicious.
Reheating
For the best reheated experience, warm leftovers in the oven at 180C (350F) for around 15-20 minutes. This method helps the potatoes regain some crispiness without drying out the baked feta. Avoid using the microwave if you can for a better texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While baking potatoes work best for their fluffy interior and ability to crisp on the edges, Yukon Gold or red potatoes can also be used if you prefer a waxier texture. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, you could substitute the feta with a plant-based cheese that melts well. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will shift, but you can boost taste with additional herbs and a squeeze of lemon.
What can I do if I don’t like spicy food?
If heat isn’t your thing, simply omit the red chili flakes. The dish will still be rich, flavorful, and comforting without the spicy kick.
Do I have to par-boil the potatoes?
Par-boiling is highly recommended because it ensures the potatoes cook evenly and develop a perfectly crispy crust when roasted. Skipping this step might lead to longer roasting times or less crispness.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time and bake later?
You can prepare the potatoes and seasoning mixture in advance, but you’ll get best results when you roast them fresh. If you assemble everything too early, the potatoes may lose their texture before roasting.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about combining simple ingredients with a bit of love and patience, and this Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe is proof of that. It’s a flavorful, textural delight that’s easy enough for weeknight dinners yet special enough for guests. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the comforting warmth of crispy potatoes paired with creamy baked feta and fragrant herbs. Once you do, it might just become your go-to recipe for that perfect side dish every time.
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Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These baked feta potatoes are a delicious and flavorful side dish inspired by the viral baked feta pasta trend. Featuring crispy roasted potatoes combined with creamy baked feta cheese, aromatic herbs, roasted garlic, fresh basil, and a touch of honey and lemon, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Seasonings
- 2 large baking potatoes
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Cheese and Extras
- 1 200g block of feta cheese
- 0.5 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 head of garlic (top cut off)
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup (20g) fresh basil, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 200°C (390°F) to prepare for roasting.
- Par-boil the 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, ensuring not to exceed 10 minutes. Drain and let them steam dry for 2-3 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Season and oil the potatoes: Transfer the par-boiled potatoes to a baking dish. Add dried thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir well to coat all the potato cubes evenly.
- Prepare the garlic for roasting: Drizzle the garlic head with a little olive oil, wrap it tightly in foil, and place it inside the baking dish with the potatoes.
- Roast the potatoes and garlic: Place the baking dish in the oven and roast for 30 to 40 minutes, until the potatoes are golden, crispy, and almost fully cooked.
- Add the feta and lemon: Remove the baking dish from the oven and take out the garlic. Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tray, optionally dipping one side in the seasonings before flipping it over. Squeeze half of the lemon over the dish.
- Finish baking: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the feta to soften and slightly melt.
- Prepare the roasted garlic: Let the roasted garlic cool, then squeeze the softened garlic out of its skins and mash it with the flat side of a knife. Use either the whole head for full flavor or 1–2 teaspoons for a milder taste.
- Combine and season: Mix the mashed roasted garlic and juice from the remaining half lemon into the potatoes along with the fresh shredded basil. Gently stir to combine without breaking the potatoes.
- Final garnish and serve: Drizzle honey over the mixture and sprinkle red chili flakes on top. Serve warm and enjoy this rich and flavorful side dish!
Notes
- The potatoes are par-boiled before roasting to ensure they cook through evenly and develop a crispy exterior.
- Adding the feta cheese halfway through baking prevents it from becoming rubbery and keeps the potatoes crispy.
- Roasted garlic adds a mellow, sweet flavor that balances the tanginess of the feta.
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- Fresh basil and lemon juice brighten the dish and add fresh herbal notes.
- This recipe was updated in May 2025 to improve texture and flavor balance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean