If you are craving a cozy, comforting dish that packs a punch of flavor with minimal effort, this Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining tender, golden baby potatoes with creamy, slightly tangy baked feta cheese, this dish brings together simple ingredients into a deliciously satisfying meal or side. Every bite offers a wonderful contrast of textures and the perfect balance of seasoning, making it a family favorite or a brilliant way to impress guests with ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe, the ingredient list is refreshingly straightforward but each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, aroma, and texture. These few pantry staples come together to create a dish that feels both rustic and elevated.
- 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved: Choose firm, small potatoes for perfect roasting and a tender bite.
- 7 oz block of feta cheese: This gives the dish its signature creamy tang and becomes beautifully golden when baked.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and ensures the potatoes crisp up nicely.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Brings fragrant warmth and depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a subtle herbal note that complements the potatoes.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a smoky depth and a hint of color to brighten the dish.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential to balance and elevate all the flavors.
- Juice of 1/2 lemon: A fresh burst of acidity that brightens the creamy richness of the feta.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a pop of vibrant green and fresh herbal brightness.
How to Make Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
To get everything started on the right foot, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat is key to achieving those perfectly crispy edges on your potatoes and nicely browned feta.
Step 2: Toss Potatoes with Seasonings
In a large baking dish, combine the halved baby potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Give everything a good toss to make sure each potato half gets coated evenly. This step is where the magic in flavor begins, and it smells incredible already.
Step 3: Nestle the Feta Cheese in the Center
Create a little space right in the middle of the baking dish and place the block of feta there. This setup lets the cheese soften and bake beautifully while the potatoes roast around it, allowing the flavors to intermingle in the oven.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the dish into your preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. During this time, the potatoes will turn golden and crispy on their edges, while the feta cheese becomes soft and develops a light, appetizing brown crust. Your kitchen will start to smell utterly irresistible.
Step 5: Brighten with Lemon Juice
Once out of the oven, squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the potatoes and feta. This brightens up the dish and balances the richness, making every bite feel fresh and delightful.
Step 6: Mash or Mix for Creaminess
Depending on your preference, lightly mash the warm feta into the potatoes to create a creamy texture that beautifully coats each bite. Or, if you prefer distinct chunks of cheese, simply leave it as is. Either way, it’s divine!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve Warm
Finish off your Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe by sprinkling with freshly chopped parsley if you like. This fresh green touch adds color and a gentle herbal note. Serve the dish warm and enjoy the comforting blend of flavors and textures.
How to Serve Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of freshly chopped parsley or even some fresh thyme leaves are perfect for garnishing. They inject a lively green hue and fresh herbal aroma that contrast beautifully against the creamy feta and roasted potatoes. A few red chili flakes are another great option if you want a hint of heat.
Side Dishes
This Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple grilled meats like chicken or lamb, making it a fantastic centerpiece for a Mediterranean-inspired meal. It’s also a hit alongside a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables, balancing richness with vibrant freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the baked potatoes family-style, right in the baking dish, for a rustic feel that invites everyone to dig in. For a more elegant touch, plate them individually with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of lemon zest. You could also add some toasted pine nuts or olives nearby to elevate the presentation and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors often deepen even more after resting overnight.
Freezing
While the texture is best fresh, you can freeze the baked potatoes without the fresh parsley garnish. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1 month. Just note that potatoes may become slightly softer upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crisp edges are revived. You can also reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?
Feta is unique in this recipe for its creamy texture and tangy flavor that complements the potatoes so well. However, if you want to experiment, cheeses like halloumi or goat cheese can work, but the texture and taste will be a different experience.
What kind of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Baby potatoes are ideal because they roast evenly and have thin skins that crisp nicely. You can also use fingerling potatoes or small Yukon Golds if baby potatoes aren’t available.
Is it necessary to use smoked paprika?
Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky warmth and beautiful color to the dish, but if you don’t have it on hand, regular paprika or a pinch of chili powder can be used as a substitute. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
The feta cheese is central to this dish, but for a vegan twist, try using a plant-based feta alternative or marinated tofu. The textures won’t be exactly the same, but you can still create a flavorful baked potato dish.
How can I make the potatoes crispier?
To get extra crispy potatoes, make sure to toss them well in olive oil and spread them out in the baking dish so they’re not crowded. You can also broil for the last few minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe a try—it’s one of those wonderfully simple dishes that feels special every time you make it. Whether for a weeknight dinner or entertaining friends, the blend of crispy potatoes and creamy baked feta is guaranteed to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Enjoy every delicious bite!
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
This easy and flavorful Baked Feta Potatoes recipe combines crispy, golden baby potatoes with creamy, tangy feta cheese baked together for a perfect savory side dish. Enhanced with garlic, smoked paprika, and oregano, then finished with lemon juice and fresh parsley, it’s a deliciously simple dish great for any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Seasonings
- 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cheese & Garnish
- 7 oz block of feta cheese
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the potatoes and feta cheese evenly.
- Prepare Potatoes: In a large baking dish, combine the halved baby potatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything well to coat the potatoes evenly with the seasonings and oil.
- 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 bake alongside the potatoes.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes until the potatoes are golden brown with crispy edges and the feta cheese is soft and lightly browned on top.
- Add Lemon Juice: Remove the dish from the oven and squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the entire dish, adding a refreshing tang to balance the creaminess.
- Mash or Serve: Lightly mash the baked feta into the potatoes for a creamy texture or leave it in chunks depending on your preference.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish if desired, then serve warm as a delicious side or vegetarian-friendly main.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, soak the potatoes in cold water for 20 minutes before baking and dry thoroughly.
- Use full-fat feta cheese for the best creamy texture.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats or a fresh green salad.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave but are best enjoyed fresh.
- You can add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
