If you’re craving a dish that feels like a cozy hug straight from the Mediterranean, the Greek Twice-Baked Potatoes Recipe is an absolute must-try. These potatoes are perfectly crispy on the outside with a luscious, garlicky, lemony filling studded with creamy feta and fresh oregano that will transport your taste buds to sun-drenched Greek islands. Whether you’re serving it as a standout side or a crave-worthy vegetarian main, this recipe manages to be indulgent yet fresh, simple yet extraordinary. Trust me, once you make this dish, it will become one of your go-to recipes for dinner parties or weeknight comforts alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Greek Twice-Baked Potatoes Recipe calls for straightforward, vibrant ingredients that harmonize beautifully. Each one is key to building the irresistible flavors and texture you’ll love, from the crispy skin to the creamy, tangy potato filling.
- 4 large russet potatoes, well-scrubbed: Perfectly starchy for the ideal fluffy interior and crisp skin.
- 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided: Brings richness and helps create that golden, flavorful crust.
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more as needed: Enhances all the flavors throughout the process.
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped: Infuses the dish with a gentle but unmistakable aromatic kick.
- 1/4 cup chicken stock: Adds moisture and subtle savory depth to the potato mash.
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced: Provides bright, fresh acidity that lifts the whole dish.
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh oregano: Delivers authentic Greek herbal notes for that real Mediterranean vibe.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Offers just the right amount of warmth and spice.
- 1 8-ounce block feta cheese, drained and crumbled: The star of the filling, creamy and tangy, perfect for folding inside and sprinkling on top.
- Chopped fresh herbs (optional): Adds a fresh, colorful final touch if you like.
How to Make Greek Twice-Baked Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Potatoes
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and setting up a baking sheet on the bottom rack to catch drips. Poke holes in the potatoes with a fork to help steam escape, then toss them with olive oil and kosher salt for a perfectly seasoned, crisp skin. Roast these beauties on the middle rack for an hour until the skins are gorgeously crispy and the insides are soft enough to melt in your mouth. Let them cool just a bit before moving on so you can handle them safely.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Olive Oil
While the potatoes are roasting, gently warm the remaining olive oil with finely chopped garlic in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Keep it moving and watch closely because garlic can burn quickly! Once the oil shimmers and garlic smells fragrant, remove it from the heat. This garlic-infused olive oil is what will give your potato filling that amazing depth of flavor.
Step 3: Scoop and Season the Potato Flesh
Slice those roasted potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out the soft interior into a clean bowl. Now, mash or whip them until smooth and lump-free, then stir in the garlic olive oil, chicken stock, lemon zest, lemon juice, and season generously with salt and fresh cracked black pepper. The bright lemony freshness combined with creamy feta and savory oregano will elevate every bite.
Step 4: Incorporate the Herbs and Feta
Gently fold in fresh oregano and half of the crumbled feta cheese into your potato mixture. This is the moment when the classic Greek flavors come together beautifully in that creamy, dreamy filling.
Step 5: Stuff and Bake Again
Fill the potato skins generously with the seasoned mixture, then sprinkle the remaining feta on top for a lovely, melty, slightly browned finish. Bake again for 15 to 20 minutes until heated all the way through and the tops have golden spots of feta bliss. This final bake gives a delightful contrast between the crisp potato skins and the creamy, tangy filling inside.
How to Serve Greek Twice-Baked Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like oregano or parsley on top right after baking. It adds a vibrant pop of color and a fresh herbal brightness that complements the rich feta and lemon flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
These Greek Twice-Baked Potatoes make a fabulous accompaniment to grilled lamb or chicken, a crisp Greek salad, or even a light tzatziki to cool things down. Their bold flavor and texture balance out meats and veggies perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try piping the potato filling back into the skins using a large star tip for a pretty, restaurant-worthy presentation. Alternatively, customize by adding chopped kalamata olives or sun-dried tomatoes for extra bursts of Mediterranean flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Greek Twice-Baked Potatoes should be cooled completely and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making them a convenient and delicious option for next-day meals.
Freezing
If you want to freeze them, prepare and bake the potatoes through the first baking step, then cool entirely. Wrap each stuffed potato tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to 2 months. For best results, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the reheating time.
Reheating
To reheat, place the potatoes in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through and the feta top has softened and slightly browned again. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep that crispy skin texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness that pairs well with the salty feta and lemon. Just be aware the texture will be a bit softer and the flavor sweeter, creating an entirely different but equally delicious experience.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes! Simply substitute the chicken stock with vegetable stock or even water infused with herbs. The dish will remain flavorful, fresh, and satisfying.
Can I prepare the potato filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can scoop and mash the potato filling a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Bring it to room temperature before stuffing to make spreading easier and ensure even baking.
How do I achieve crispy potato skins every time?
The secret is coating the potatoes generously with olive oil and kosher salt before the first bake and roasting them directly on the oven rack. This method dries out the skin nicely and creates that coveted crispness.
What’s the best way to add more herbs if I want a stronger flavor?
Try mixing chopped fresh oregano with a bit of fresh thyme or dill and folding them into the potato filling. You can also sprinkle extra herbs on top just before serving to enhance aroma and taste.
Final Thoughts
Making the Greek Twice-Baked Potatoes Recipe is like inviting a slice of the Mediterranean into your home kitchen. This dish brings warmth, freshness, and wonderful textures together in a way that’s both comforting and exciting. I can’t recommend it enough for your next meal — once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for more. So go ahead, grab those potatoes, and treat yourself to this unforgettable Greek-inspired delight!
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Greek Twice-Baked Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Greek Twice-Baked Potatoes combine crispy roasted potato skins filled with a creamy, flavorful mixture of mashed potato, garlic-infused olive oil, fresh lemon, chicken stock, oregano, and tangy feta cheese. Finished with a golden, bubbly feta topping and optional fresh herbs, this comforting dish is perfect as a savory side or a satisfying vegetarian main.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Seasoning
- 4 large russet potatoes, well-scrubbed
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
- Freshly ground black pepper, to season
Garlic Olive Oil
- 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
Filling and Garnish
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh oregano
- 1 8-ounce block feta cheese, drained and crumbled
- Chopped fresh herbs, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Get ready: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place a rimmed baking sheet on the bottom rack of the oven and position a second rack above it in the middle of the oven to prepare for baking the potatoes and catching any drips.
- Prepare the potatoes: Poke a few holes in each potato using a fork or a metal skewer. Place potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon kosher salt. Toss until evenly coated. Wipe the bowl clean and set aside for later.
- Bake the potatoes: Arrange the potatoes directly on the middle oven rack, with the baking sheet directly below. Roast for 60 minutes, or until skins are crispy and interiors are completely soft. Remove from oven and let cool for about 20 minutes. Keep oven on but remove the baking sheet and set aside.
- Make the garlic oil: While potatoes roast, combine remaining 4 tablespoons olive oil and chopped garlic in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low, swirling frequently until the oil shimmers and garlic becomes fragrant (about 4 minutes) without browning. Remove from heat and scrape garlic oil into a large heat-proof bowl. Allow to cool slightly.
- Scrape out the potatoes: When cool enough to handle, cut potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop the flesh into the reserved bowl with garlic oil. Place empty potato skins on the reserved baking sheet.
- Season the potatoes: Mash the potatoes until smooth with no large lumps. Stir in chicken stock, lemon zest and juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Fold in fresh oregano and half of the crumbled feta cheese gently.
- Fill the potato skins: Spoon or pipe the potato mixture back into the empty potato skins. Sprinkle the remaining feta cheese evenly on top.
- Bake and serve: Return the filled potatoes to the center rack of the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the filling is warmed through and the feta topping is slightly browned. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use gloves or a towel when handling hot potatoes to avoid burns.
- You can substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock for a vegetarian option.
- Ensure garlic does not burn when making garlic oil, as burnt garlic will impart bitterness.
- Feta cheese can be substituted with a similar crumbly cheese like cotija or queso fresco for variation.
- Make sure potatoes are fully cooked and soft before mashing for a creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek