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
Scale
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.
