Description
Baked Feta Potatoes are a deliciously rich and flavorful side dish inspired by the viral baked feta pasta trend. Crispy roasted potatoes are combined with creamy baked feta cheese, aromatic herbs, roasted garlic, fresh basil, and a hint of honey and chili flakes, creating a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 large baking potatoes
Cheese and Seasonings
- 1 200g block of feta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp red chilli flakes
Other Flavorings
- 1 head of garlic (top cut off)
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup (20g) fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven temperature to 200°C (390°F) to prepare for roasting the potatoes and garlic.
- Par-boil the Potatoes: Wash and cube the potatoes. Place them in a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Par-boil for 6-8 minutes, ensuring not to exceed 10 minutes. Drain the potatoes and let them steam dry for 2-3 minutes.
- Season the Potatoes: Transfer the potatoes to a baking dish. Add dried thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir to evenly coat all the potato pieces with the seasonings and oil.
- Prepare the Garlic: Drizzle the garlic head with a little olive oil, wrap it tightly in foil, and place it in the baking dish alongside the potatoes.
- Roast Potatoes and Garlic: Roast in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes until the potatoes are golden, crispy, and nearly cooked through.
- Add the Feta and Lemon: Remove the baking dish from the oven and carefully take out the garlic. Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the dish. Optionally dip one side of the feta in the seasoning then flip it to coat both sides. Squeeze half the lemon over the cheese and potatoes.
- Continue Baking: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the feta to soften and blend with the potatoes.
- Mash the Roasted Garlic: Once cooled enough to handle, squeeze the garlic cloves out of their skins and mash them using the flat side of a knife. Adjust the amount based on your preferred garlic intensity (whole head for strong flavor, 1-2 teaspoons for mild).
- Combine and Finish: Stir the mashed roasted garlic, juice of the remaining lemon half, and fresh basil gently into the potatoes and baked feta to combine flavors without breaking up the potatoes.
- Garnish and Serve: Drizzle honey evenly over the mixture and sprinkle with red chili flakes. Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful baked feta potatoes.
Notes
- Par-boiling the potatoes before roasting ensures they become crispy on the outside while staying tender inside.
- Wrapping the garlic in foil before roasting mellows and intensifies its flavor, creating a sweet, creamy texture perfect for mixing into the potatoes.
- You can adjust the quantity of chili flakes to control the dish’s spiciness according to your taste.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be served as a hearty vegetarian side.
- For a dairy-free variation, substitute feta with a plant-based cheese, though the flavor profile will differ.
