If you’ve been searching for that perfect cozy yet vibrant dish, look no further than this Roasted Potatoes with Baked Feta and Garlic Recipe. It’s a glorious combination where crispy, golden potatoes meet creamy, tangy baked feta, all beautifully infused with roasted garlic and fresh herbs. This recipe brings together a symphony of textures and flavors that transform simple ingredients into a comforting dish that feels both special and wonderfully homey. Whether you’re cooking for two or want a fabulous side, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for an effortlessly impressive meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s amazing about this Roasted Potatoes with Baked Feta and Garlic Recipe is that it uses straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the starchiness of the potatoes to the rich creaminess of feta and the aromatic punch of garlic and herbs, every component adds delicious depth and character.
- 1-2 large baking potatoes, washed and cubed: These provide the crispy, fluffy base for the dish.
- 1 head of garlic, top sliced off: Roasted garlic softens into a sweet, mellow paste that elevates every bite.
- 1 lemon, quartered: Adds bright citrus notes that balance richness.
- ¼ cup (20 g) fresh basil, chopped: Fresh herbs brighten the flavor and add lovely color.
- 7 oz (200 g) block of feta cheese: The star of creaminess, bringing tang and savory depth.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Essential for roasting and ensuring that perfect golden texture.
- 1 tablespoon honey: A subtle sweetness to finish the dish with a touch of magic.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Herbs that bring an earthy, aromatic note.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds that classic Mediterranean flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: A gentle warmth and spice to round out the seasoning.
How to Make Roasted Potatoes with Baked Feta and Garlic Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, heat your oven to 390°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, wash your potatoes thoroughly and chop them into cubes. Spread them evenly in a baking dish—this gives each piece room to crisp up beautifully.
Step 2: Season the Potatoes
Drizzle half of your olive oil over the cubed potatoes, then sprinkle on the thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything so the potatoes are evenly coated, making sure each cube is infused with herbaceous flavor and a touch of saltiness.
Step 3: Add the Feta and Garlic
Nestle the block of feta right in the center of the potatoes. For a burst of flavor, press one side of the feta into the herb-coated potatoes before flipping it to expose all the seasoning. Now, tuck in the head of garlic and half the lemon wedges into the dish, then drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over everything.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into your oven and roast for 45 to 55 minutes until the potatoes turn irresistible shades of gold and crisp up. Keep an eye on the garlic—check around 35 minutes and remove it if it’s browning too much, letting the potatoes and feta finish roasting without burning the garlic.
Step 5: Mash and Mix
Once the garlic has cooled enough, squeeze the soft cloves out of their skins and mash into a paste. Add this garlicky goodness back into the baking dish along with the juice from the remaining lemon wedges and the chopped fresh basil. Gently stir everything together so that the potatoes mingle with the luscious cheese and brilliant flavors meld perfectly.
Step 6: Finishing Touch
To finish, drizzle honey across the entire dish and sprinkle on some extra fresh basil for a pop of color and sweetness. Serve immediately and enjoy the harmony of crispy, creamy, tangy, and sweet all in one bite.
How to Serve Roasted Potatoes with Baked Feta and Garlic Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil not only adds a vibrant green contrast but also a fragrance that invites you in for that first delicious bite. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt or some crushed red pepper flakes can add that little extra punch for more adventurous palates.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully versatile. Pair it with a crisp green salad for balance or alongside roasted chicken or grilled fish to create a full, satisfying meal that feels thoughtfully put together without fuss.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the roasted potatoes and baked feta straight from the baking dish for a rustic, family-style vibe, or plate it elegantly in a shallow bowl, garnished with fresh herbs and a lemon wedge on the side for guests. You can even turn leftovers into a tasty base for a frittata the next day!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it a perfect prepared meal for busy days.
Freezing
This dish freezes well. Pop it into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the texture of potatoes might soften slightly after thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through to maintain the crispiness of the potatoes and keep the feta creamy. Microwaving works too but may soften the texture a bit.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Absolutely! While baking potatoes work best for crispiness and fluffiness, Yukon Gold potatoes also make a great choice due to their creamy texture.
Is it necessary to use a whole head of garlic?
Using a whole head lends a mellow, sweet garlic flavor that softens in the oven. You can reduce the amount if you’re not a big garlic fan, but don’t skip it entirely!
Can I substitute the feta cheese?
Feta is iconic in this recipe for its tangy creaminess, but you could experiment with halloumi or goat cheese for a slightly different flavor profile.
How do I make this recipe vegan?
Replace the dairy feta with a plant-based alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey to keep it vegan-friendly while preserving the essence of the dish.
Can this recipe be scaled for more people?
Yes! Just multiply the ingredients accordingly and use a larger baking dish to ensure the potatoes roast evenly and the feta has space in the center.
Final Thoughts
It’s rare to find a dish that feels both indulgent and simple, but this Roasted Potatoes with Baked Feta and Garlic Recipe nails it with effortless flavor and heartwarming comfort. I can’t wait for you to try it out and see how these humble ingredients come alive in the oven to create something truly special. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll be a staple in your cooking rotation!
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Roasted Potatoes with Baked Feta and Garlic Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Roasted Potatoes with Baked Feta and Garlic recipe offers a delightful combination of crispy, golden potatoes paired with creamy, flavorful baked feta cheese and sweet, mellow garlic. Infused with aromatic herbs and a hint of lemon and honey, this dish is perfect as a comforting side or a vegetarian main dish, showcasing Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Seasonings
- 1–2 large baking potatoes, washed and cubed
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Cheese and Garlic
- 7 oz (200 g) block of feta cheese
- 1 head of garlic, top sliced off
Herbs and Flavorings
- 1 lemon, quartered
- ¼ cup (20 g) fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 390°F (200°C). Wash the potatoes thoroughly and cut them into cubes. Spread the cubed potatoes evenly in a baking dish to ensure uniform roasting.
- Season the Potatoes: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the potatoes. Evenly sprinkle dried thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper on top. Toss the potatoes well so that all pieces are coated evenly with the oil and seasonings for robust flavor.
- Add the Feta and Garlic: Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the baking dish. To maximize flavor infusion, press one side of the feta into the seasoned potatoes and oil, then flip it to coat the other side. Add the whole head of garlic with its top sliced off and half the lemon wedges into the dish. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the entire dish.
- Bake to Perfection: Roast the dish in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, until the potatoes turn golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on the garlic after about 35 minutes; if it begins to brown excessively, remove it to prevent burning and continue baking the rest until done.
- Mash and Mix: Once the garlic has cooled enough to handle, squeeze the softened cloves from their skins into a bowl and mash them into a smooth paste with a knife. Add this garlic paste, the juice from the remaining lemon wedges, and the chopped fresh basil directly to the baking dish. Gently mix the roasted potatoes and feta cheese together to combine all the flavorful elements evenly.
- Finishing Touch: Drizzle the tablespoon of honey over the top of the dish and sprinkle with additional fresh basil for a pop of color and a touch of natural sweetness. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the delicious blend of textures and Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
Notes
- You can adjust the herbs according to your preference – rosemary works well as an alternative to thyme or oregano.
- For extra crispy potatoes, consider broiling the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- The honey adds a lovely balance to the salty feta, but feel free to reduce or omit if preferred.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor impact.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for more servings.
