Crispy Roasted Potatoes with Baked Feta

Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of Roasted Potatoes and Baked Feta with this Mediterranean-inspired recipe that is sure to wow your taste buds. The crispy potatoes, creamy feta, and mellow roasted garlic come together in harmony, creating a dish that is both comforting and elegant. Perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a delicious meal, this recipe is a must-try for any food enthusiast.

My journey with Roasted Potatoes and Baked Feta began during a cozy weekend getaway with friends at a mountain cabin. With limited ingredients on hand, I whipped up this flavorful creation that has since become a staple on my dining table. The subtle sweetness of the overroasted garlic, combined with the earthy herbs and zesty lemon, adds layers of complexity to this dish that will keep you coming back for more.

For a delightful twist, experiment with different cheeses like halloumi or goat cheese to customize the flavor profile. Whether served as a side dish or the star of the meal, this versatile recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that promises to elevate any dining experience. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat the oven, and get ready to savor every bite of these Roasted Potatoes and Baked Feta delights!

Quick Benefits

• Impressive and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish
• Easy to prepare and perfect for entertaining guests
• Versatile – can be served as a side or a vegetarian main course
• Leftovers can be stored and reheated without compromising flavor or texture

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Roasted Potatoes with Baked Feta Recipe

• Impressively Flavorful: The combination of crispy roasted potatoes, creamy feta cheese, and mellow roasted garlic creates a symphony of flavors that feels both comforting and sophisticated.
• Quick and Easy to Prepare: Despite the impressive end result, this recipe doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and entertaining.
• Happy Accidents Lead to Delicious Results: Even if you slightly overroast the garlic, it develops a deep, complex sweetness that perfectly complements the dish, adding a whole new dimension to the flavors.
• Crispy and Well-Seasoned Potatoes: By cubing the potatoes evenly, tossing them thoroughly with oil and seasonings, and avoiding overcrowding the baking dish, you can achieve perfectly crispy potatoes with a delicious blend of herbs and spices.
• Versatile and Adaptable: You can swap the feta for other cheeses like halloumi or goat cheese, adjust the seasonings to your taste, and serve it as a side or a light vegetarian main course, making it a versatile dish for various occasions.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: While best served fresh, you can prepare this dish ahead of time and reheat it in the oven at a low temperature to preserve its texture and flavor, allowing you to plan and prep in advance.
• Perfect Accompaniment: This dish pairs well with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or can stand alone as a satisfying vegetarian meal, offering a delicious and flexible option for any dining situation.
• Leftover Friendly: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat in the oven to maintain the texture and flavors, ensuring you can enjoy this tasty dish even after the initial serving.

Ingredients for Crispy Roasted Potatoes with Baked Feta

• 1-2 large baking potatoes, washed and cubed
• 20 g fresh basil, chopped
• 1 lemon, quartered
• 1 head of garlic, top sliced off
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 200 g block of feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt

Pro Tips for Crispy Roasted Potatoes with Baked Feta

Pro tip 1: For perfectly crispy potatoes, ensure they are cut evenly for consistent cooking. Toss them thoroughly with oil and seasonings before roasting, and avoid overcrowding the pan to allow proper air circulation, promoting crispiness.

Pro tip 2: If you enjoy a sweeter, more mellow garlic flavor, slightly overroasting the garlic can result in deep, caramelized notes that complement the dish well. Experiment with the roasting time to achieve your preferred level of sweetness.

Pro tip 3: While feta cheese is traditional for this recipe, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like halloumi or goat cheese for unique flavors. Keep in mind that different cheeses will provide variations in texture and taste, adding a personal touch to the dish.

How to Make Crispy Roasted Potatoes with Baked Feta

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F). Wash and cube potatoes, then place in a baking dish.

Step 2: Season the Potatoes

Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes, then sprinkle with dried thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 3: Add the Feta and Garlic

Position the feta block in the middle of the baking dish. Press one side of the feta into the potato seasonings, then flip it over. Place the garlic head and half of the lemon wedges in the dish. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over all ingredients.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Roast in the oven for 45-55 minutes until the potatoes are crispy and golden. Check the garlic at 35 minutes and remove if needed to prevent over-browning.

Step 5: Mash and Mix

Once the roasted garlic has cooled, remove the cloves from their skins and mash into a paste. Add to the dish along with lemon juice and chopped basil, then gently mix to combine.

Step 6: Finishing Touch

Drizzle honey over the top and sprinkle with fresh basil for added flavor and color.

Storage Tips

Once you’ve enjoyed your Mediterranean-inspired roasted potatoes and baked feta dish, it’s important to store any leftovers properly to maintain their flavor and texture. Store the dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, it’s best to use the oven to preserve the crispy texture of the potatoes and the creamy consistency of the feta, rather than using a microwave.

If you plan to prepare this dish ahead of time, you can store it in the refrigerator before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply place the dish in the oven and bake as directed in the recipe. Remember to add fresh basil just before serving to maintain its vibrant flavor and color. This dish is a great make-ahead option for entertaining or meal prepping for busy weekdays.

The combination of crispy potatoes, creamy baked feta, and roasted garlic develops deep, complex flavors over time, making it a delicious leftover meal. Whether served as a side dish or a light vegetarian main course, this versatile dish will continue to impress your taste buds even after being stored in the refrigerator.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to make a variation of this dish, you can try switching out the feta cheese with halloumi or goat cheese. Both cheeses bake well and will provide a different texture and flavor profile to the dish. Halloumi will lend a saltier and squeaky texture when baked, while goat cheese will bring a tangy and creamy element to the roasted potatoes.

If you don’t have fresh basil on hand, you can use dried basil as a substitute. Just remember that dried herbs are more potent than fresh, so adjust the quantity accordingly. Alternatively, you can also try using other fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to add a different herbaceous note to the dish.

For a vegan version of this recipe, you can swap the feta cheese with a plant-based feta alternative or marinated tofu cubes. You can also use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey as a vegan-friendly sweetener. These substitutions will help you cater to dietary preferences while still enjoying a flavorful and satisfying roasted potato dish.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, consider presenting the Roasted Potatoes and Baked Feta dish in individual cast-iron skillets or mini ceramic baking dishes. This not only adds a charming rustic touch to your table setting but also allows each guest to enjoy their portion straight from the oven to the table, keeping the dish warm and inviting.

To elevate the presentation further, sprinkle some extra crumbled feta on top of the dish just before serving. The added cheese will create a beautiful contrast of textures and flavors, giving a delightful finishing touch to this already delicious Mediterranean-inspired creation. Serve with a side of fresh crusty bread or a simple green salad to complete the meal.

FAQs for Crispy Roasted Potatoes with Baked Feta

Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute feta with other cheeses that bake well, such as halloumi or goat cheese, though the texture and flavor will vary slightly.

How can I prevent the garlic from becoming bitter when roasting?

Roasting the garlic softens and sweetens its flavor, turning it into a creamy paste that enhances the dish with a mellow, aromatic taste. Even if slightly overroasted, garlic can develop a deep, complex sweetness that complements the potatoes.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare it ahead and reheat in the oven at a low temperature to preserve the texture and flavor. Add fresh basil just before serving for the best taste.

How should I store leftovers of this dish?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to preserve the texture, rather than using a microwave, for the best results.

Conclusion

As you savor the delightful combination of flavors and textures in this Roasted Potatoes and Baked Feta dish, I hope it becomes a staple in your kitchen just as it has in mine. The crispy potatoes, creamy feta, and caramelized garlic are sure to impress your guests while also providing you with a simple yet elegant recipe for any occasion.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs or cheeses to make this dish your own. Whether you enjoy it as a side or a main course, the versatility of Roasted Potatoes and Baked Feta makes it a go-to option that never disappoints. Remember, cooking is a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, so embrace the happy accidents that lead to new culinary discoveries.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the aromas of roasted garlic and herbs fill your kitchen as you prepare this delicious Roasted Potatoes and Baked Feta dish. Bon appétit!

Crispy Roasted Potatoes with Baked Feta

Crispy roasted potatoes and creamy baked feta with caramelized garlic create a Mediterranean symphony of flavors perfect for impressing guests.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 Minutes

Cook Time50 Minutes

Total Time60 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings2 Servings

Ingredients

• 1-2 large baking potatoes, washed and cubed
• 20 g fresh basil, chopped
• 1 lemon, quartered
• 1 head of garlic, top sliced off
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 200 g block of feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F). Wash and cube potatoes, then place in a baking dish.
2. Season the Potatoes: Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes, then sprinkle with dried thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
3. Add the Feta and Garlic: Position the feta block in the middle of the baking dish. Press one side of the feta into the potato seasonings, then flip it over. Place the garlic head and half of the lemon wedges in the dish. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over all ingredients.
4. Bake to Perfection: Roast in the oven for 45-55 minutes until the potatoes are crispy and golden. Check the garlic at 35 minutes and remove if needed to prevent over-browning.
5. Mash and Mix: Once the roasted garlic has cooled, remove the cloves from their skins and mash into a paste. Add to the dish along with lemon juice and chopped basil, then gently mix to combine.
6. Finishing Touch: Drizzle honey over the top and sprinkle with fresh basil for added flavor and color.