If you’re craving a dish that’s both cozy and bursting with flavor, this Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe is just what you need in your kitchen rotation. Imagine tender, golden baby potatoes roasted to perfection alongside a creamy block of warm feta cheese that soaks up every bit of seasoning and olive oil. This recipe effortlessly combines simple ingredients to create a dish that feels luxurious yet approachable. It’s the perfect side or even a main for casual dinners, guaranteed to become a go-to comfort food favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the creamy feta adding a tangy richness to the smoked paprika infusing a subtle warmth, every component shines in harmony.
- 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved: These small potatoes roast quickly and develop irresistibly crispy edges while staying fluffy inside.
- 7 oz block of feta cheese: A creamy, salty centerpiece that softens beautifully in the oven to mingle with every bite.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for coating the potatoes and creating that golden, slightly crisp finish.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Adds aromatic depth and a gentle pungency that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings an earthy, herbaceous note that complements both the potatoes and feta.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Provides a subtle smoky sweetness that makes the dish uniquely flavorful.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: The basics that balance and enhance every other ingredient.
- Juice of 1/2 lemon: Adds a bright zing to cut through the rich creaminess of the feta.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of green and a mild herbal finish.
How to Make Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is perfect to ensure those baby potatoes roast up with a crispy, golden exterior while cooking evenly through.
Step 2: Toss Potatoes with Flavors
In a large baking dish, toss the halved baby potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Make sure every potato is coated—this combination will infuse every bite with a fragrant, savory profile, setting the stage for that irresistible roasting magic.
Step 3: Position the Feta
Create a little well in the center of your baking dish and nestle the block of feta cheese right in. This allows the feta to soften evenly while mingling its creamy goodness with the potatoes around it.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Watch for the potatoes to turn golden and develop crispy edges, while the feta softens and browns lightly on top, creating a perfect marriage of textures.
Step 5: Brighten with Lemon
Once out of the oven, immediately squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the entire dish. This fresh acidity cuts through the rich, creamy feta and adds an exciting brightness to the roasted potatoes.
Step 6: Mash or Leave Chunky
Decide how you want to enjoy the feta—either lightly mash it into the potatoes for a luscious, creamy coating or leave it in chunks so you can savor little bursts of flavor throughout. Both ways are heavenly in their own right.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley if you like, for a pop of color and a touch of herbaceous freshness. Then serve warm and dive in!
How to Serve Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic choice here, adding visual appeal and a subtle herb flavor that brightens the dish. You might also experiment with fresh thyme or a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for an elegant touch.
Side Dishes
Baked Feta Potatoes make a fantastic side to grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even crispy fish. Pair them with a simple green salad or some sautéed greens to round out the meal with fresh textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish straight from the baking dish for a rustic feel or plate individual portions with a sprinkle of chili flakes for a bit of heat. You can also turn leftovers into a warm potato salad by mixing in some olives and cherry tomatoes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The potatoes will keep their texture fairly well, and the feta remains a deliciously creamy companion.
Freezing
Because baked potatoes can become a little watery after freezing, it’s best to enjoy this Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe fresh. However, you can freeze the feta separately if needed, but reheating might slightly change its texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to bring back some crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the potatoes soft and less appetizing.
FAQs
Can I use regular cheese instead of feta?
Feta’s unique creamy texture and tangy flavor are what make this recipe special. While you can experiment with other cheeses like halloumi or goat cheese, the final dish will have a different character.
Do I need to peel the baby potatoes?
No peeling required! The thin skins add texture and flavor, plus they become wonderfully crispy when roasted.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
For a vegan version, try substituting the feta for a plant-based cheese that melts well or a seasoned tofu. The flavor will differ but can still be delicious.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
Regular paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper can work in a pinch. The smoky element enhances the dish, but the potatoes will still taste great without it.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It can be made ahead and reheated. Just store properly, and you’ll have a flavorful, comforting side ready to go during busy weekdays.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s straightforward to make, irresistibly flavorful, and endlessly versatile. Give it a try and watch it become a cherished staple in your kitchen—you’ll wonder how you ever made potatoes any other way!
Print
Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Feta Potatoes are a delicious and easy-to-make side dish featuring tender baby potatoes roasted to golden perfection with a creamy block of feta cheese baked in the center. Infused with garlic, oregano, and smoked paprika, then finished with a splash of fresh lemon juice and optional parsley garnish, this recipe combines savory, tangy, and smoky flavors that pair well with a variety of meals.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Dairy
- 7 oz block of feta cheese
Oils and Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for roasting the potatoes and baking the feta.
- Prepare Potatoes: In a large baking dish, toss the halved baby potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until they are evenly coated with the seasonings.
- Add Feta Cheese: Create a space in the center of the baking dish and place the block of feta cheese right in the middle to allow it to bake evenly alongside the potatoes.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the edges and the feta cheese has softened and is lightly browned on top.
- Finish with Lemon: Remove the baking dish from the oven and immediately squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the entire dish to add brightness and a fresh tangy flavor.
- Mix or Serve: Lightly mash the softened feta into the potatoes with a spoon to create a creamy texture, or leave the feta in chunks depending on your preference.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish if using, and serve warm as a flavorful side dish.
Notes
- Baby potatoes can be substituted with fingerling potatoes or small Yukon Gold potatoes if preferred.
- For extra heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes before baking.
- Use fresh oregano in place of dried for a brighter herb flavor if available.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- This dish pairs excellently with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
