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
Scale
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.
