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