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If you’re searching for a dish that brings together simplicity, vibrant flavors, and a touch of indulgence, the Baked Feta Potatoes with Lemon, Garlic, and Fresh Basil Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine crispy golden potato cubes infused with fragrant herbs, perfectly roasted garlic, tangy lemon juice, and creamy, salty feta melting into every bite. This recipe is a beautiful celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together effortlessly to create a dish full of personality and warmth. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, these baked feta potatoes will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to nailing this recipe. Each one plays a vital role in layering flavor, balancing textures, and bringing that inviting aroma to your kitchen.
- 2 large baking potatoes: The perfect canvas—starchy and sturdy to crisp up beautifully while holding the creamy toppings.
- 200g block of feta: Offers a rich, salty tang that melts in with the potatoes, adding a luscious creaminess.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps to roast the potatoes to a golden crisp while infusing subtle fruity notes.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Brings a warm, earthy aroma that complements the potatoes deeply.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Adds a touch of herbal brightness and Mediterranean charm.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
- 1 tsp black pepper: Offers a gentle heat that wakes up your taste buds.
- 0.5 tsp red chilli flakes: A little kick for those who appreciate a spicy edge.
- 1 head of garlic (top cut off): When roasted, it becomes sweet, soft, and perfect for mashing into the potatoes.
- 1 lemon, quartered: Brings a bright, zesty freshness that cuts through the richness.
- 1 tbsp honey: Adds a subtle floral sweetness that balances the tangy feta and lemon.
- 1/4 cup (20g) fresh basil: The vibrant, fragrant herb that finishes the dish with beautiful color and a hint of peppery sweetness.
How to Make Baked Feta Potatoes with Lemon, Garlic, and Fresh Basil Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 200C (390F). This ensures it’s hot and ready to deliver those perfect crispy edges. Meanwhile, wash your potatoes thoroughly and chop them into even cubes. Par-boiling the potatoes in salted water for 6 to 8 minutes softens them slightly, so they roast perfectly without losing their shape or becoming mushy. Draining and steaming dry them for a few minutes helps you achieve that coveted crispy exterior.
Step 2: Season and Roast the Potatoes
Transfer the par-boiled potatoes into a large baking dish. Sprinkle over thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red chilli flakes, then drizzle with olive oil. Give it all a good toss so every cube is luxuriously coated with flavor and oil. Pop the dish into the oven for 30 to 40 minutes. During this time, the potatoes will develop that irresistible golden crust while remaining tender inside.
Step 3: Add the Star Ingredient—Feta and Lemon
Once the potatoes are almost perfectly cooked, create a little space in the middle of your dish and nestle in the block of feta. To maximize flavor, dip one side of the feta in your seasonings, then flip it gently in the dish. Squeeze half the lemon directly over the feta and roast for another 15 minutes. This step allows the feta to soften and mingle with the potatoes, and the lemon juice adds an extra burst of brightness.
Step 4: Roast and Mash the Garlic
At this point, remove the head of garlic from the dish. Once it’s cool enough to handle, squeeze the roasted cloves from their skins and mash them with the flat side of a knife. This sweet and creamy garlic paste is a wonderful addition to the finished dish, injecting depth and richness.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
After the final roast, toss the potatoes gently with the mashed garlic, the juice from the remaining lemon quarters, and fresh torn basil leaves. This gentle mixing ensures each bite bursts with a lovely balance of tang, earthiness, and herbaceous freshness. Finally, dribble the honey over the top and scatter on more shredded basil for a beautiful, glossy finish.
How to Serve Baked Feta Potatoes with Lemon, Garlic, and Fresh Basil Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, consider adding a few extra fresh basil leaves or a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of color and flavor. A little extra drizzle of olive oil can give a lovely sheen to the potatoes before serving. These small touches make the dish feel extra special without complicating the process.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted veggies for a well-rounded meal. If you want to go heartier, grilled chicken or a crisp white fish with lemon would complement the rich and zesty flavors perfectly, creating a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Baked Feta Potatoes with Lemon, Garlic, and Fresh Basil Recipe in rustic bowls to highlight its comfort-food vibe, or platter-style for sharing around the table. You can also place the block of baked feta in the center to create a communal feel where guests help themselves. Fresh lemon wedges on the side add a fresh interactive element for anyone who loves an extra squeeze of citrus.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which might be unlikely), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The potatoes may lose some crispness, but reheating with a touch of olive oil or in the oven will help revive their texture wonderfully.
Freezing
While you can freeze cooked potatoes, I recommend enjoying this dish fresh because the feta and fresh basil don’t freeze well—they tend to lose their freshness and texture. If you want to prep in advance, consider storing the potatoes and seasonings separately from the baked feta and fresh herbs, then assemble before serving.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the leftovers in a preheated oven at 180C (350F) for about 10-15 minutes to bring back the potatoes’ crispness and warm the feta gently. Avoid microwaving when possible, as this can make the potatoes soggy and the feta grainy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While large baking potatoes work best for their starchiness and texture, Yukon Gold or red potatoes can also be used. Just adjust par-boil times accordingly to ensure they roast up crisp and tender.
Is it necessary to par-boil the potatoes first?
Par-boiling is key here because it softens the potato interiors, so when roasted, they have that beautiful crispy outside without being hard or undercooked inside. Skipping this step can result in uneven cooking.
What can I substitute for fresh basil if I don’t have any?
If fresh basil isn’t available, fresh parsley or even a touch of fresh oregano can add a lovely fresh herbal note. Just keep the quantity moderate so it doesn’t overwhelm the delicate balance of flavors.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You could swap the feta for a plant-based vegan cheese substitute that melts well, and ensure you check the ingredients list to match flavor profiles. Roasted garlic and lemon remain essential to keep the depth of flavor.
How spicy is this dish?
The red chilli flakes add a gentle warmth without overpowering the dish. If you prefer no heat, you can simply omit them; if you like it hotter, feel free to increase the quantity slightly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about diving into a plate of Baked Feta Potatoes with Lemon, Garlic, and Fresh Basil Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of rustic comfort and bright, fresh flavors that brighten up any mealtime. I urge you to try this recipe soon—it’s straightforward, rewarding, and bound to bring smiles around your table. Enjoy every bite and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes one of your favorite go-to dishes!
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Baked Feta Potatoes with Lemon, Garlic, and Fresh Basil Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Feta Potatoes recipe features tender, golden roasted potatoes seasoned with Mediterranean herbs and spices, topped with creamy baked feta cheese, fragrant garlic, fresh basil, and a drizzle of honey. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish perfect as a side or a vegetarian main, combining rustic textures with bright, savory, and slightly sweet notes.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Seasoning
- 2 large baking potatoes
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp red chilli flakes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Cheese and Aromatics
- 200g block of feta
- 1 head of garlic (top cut off)
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup (20g) fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) to ensure it’s hot and ready for roasting.
- Par-boil Potatoes: Wash and cube the potatoes. Place them in a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Par-boil the potatoes for 6-8 minutes, being careful not to exceed 10 minutes. Drain and steam dry for 2-3 minutes to remove moisture, which helps achieve a crispy texture.
- Season Potatoes: Transfer the drained potatoes to a baking dish. Add dried thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir well to coat all potato cubes evenly with the herbs and oil.
- Roast Potatoes: Place the baking dish in the oven and roast the potatoes for 30 to 40 minutes, until they turn golden brown, crispy on the outside, and almost cooked through.
- Add Feta and Lemon: Take a 200g block of feta, optionally dip one side in the seasoning left in the dish, then place it in the center of the potato tray. Squeeze half the lemon juice over the feta and potatoes for a fresh, zesty flavor.
- Prepare Garlic: Remove the garlic head from the tray. Once it has cooled enough to handle, squeeze the softened garlic cloves out of their skins and mash them lightly with the flat of a knife. Set this mashed garlic aside.
- Bake Again: Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes to allow the feta to soften and the flavors to meld.
- Mix in Garlic and Basil: After baking, remove the dish from the oven. Stir the mashed garlic, the juice of the remaining half of the lemon, and chopped fresh basil into the roasted potatoes and baked feta gently, ensuring the potatoes remain intact but all flavors combine well.
- Finish with Honey and Basil: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of honey over the top and sprinkle with additional shredded basil leaves for a sweet, herbal finish.
- Serve: Serve this dish warm and enjoy the melty, herby, crispy potato and creamy feta combination.
Notes
- Par-boiling potatoes before roasting helps achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside fluffy.
- You can adjust the red chili flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Use fresh herbs when possible for the best flavor.
- Honey adds a nice balance to the salty feta; you can substitute with maple syrup for a vegan alternative but feta would then need replacing.
- Serve as a hearty side dish with grilled meats or as a vegetarian main with a fresh salad.
