Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! While starchy baking potatoes give you the fluffiest interior with crispy edges, waxy potatoes like Yukon Golds hold their shape better if you prefer more distinct potato pieces. Red potatoes also work well but may need slightly less cooking time.

What can I substitute for feta if I don't have any?

If feta isn't available, ricotta salata, goat cheese, or even halloumi make excellent substitutes. Each brings a different character to the dish – ricotta salata is milder, goat cheese adds tanginess, and halloumi offers more chew and less melt.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes! Replace the feta with a block of firm tofu that's been pressed and marinated in lemon juice, olive oil, and nutritional yeast for a tangy flavor. Use maple syrup instead of honey for the final drizzle.

Why did my feta get too hard during baking?

This usually happens when the feta bakes too long. Different brands of feta have varying moisture content, so cooking times can differ. If using a drier feta, consider adding it to the dish halfway through the potato cooking time instead of at the beginning.

Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe

Name: Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1-2 large baking potatoes (cubed); 1 200g block of feta cheese; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 head of garlic (top cut off); 1 lemon (quartered); 1 tbsp honey; 1/4 cup | 20g fresh basil (shredded)

This Baked Feta Potatoes recipe transforms humble potatoes into a Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece with minimal effort. Crispy potatoes and creamy baked feta mingle with aromatic herbs and sweet honey for a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. It’s the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors that will elevate your weeknight dinner routine without any complicated techniques.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday items that combine to create extraordinary flavor—no specialty shopping required!
Hands-Off Cooking: Once it’s in the oven, you’re free to prepare the rest of your meal or simply relax while delicious aromas fill your kitchen.
Perfect Texture Contrast: Crispy, golden potatoes against creamy, melty feta creates an irresistible combination that satisfies multiple cravings at once.
Versatile: Works beautifully as a main dish for a light dinner or as a show-stopping side that pairs with nearly anything.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baking Potatoes: The foundation of the dish, providing a hearty base that crisps up beautifully in the oven. Choose large, starchy potatoes for the best texture.
Feta Cheese: The star ingredient that melts partially while maintaining some structure, creating pockets of tangy creaminess throughout the dish.
Olive Oil: Helps the potatoes crisp up and adds richness to the overall flavor profile.
Dried Herbs (thyme and oregano): Infuse the dish with Mediterranean flavors that complement the feta perfectly.
Garlic: A whole head becomes sweet and mellow when roasted, transforming into a spreadable, flavor-packed addition.
Lemon: Brightens everything with its acidity, cutting through the richness of the cheese and potatoes.
Honey: Just a touch adds unexpected depth and balances the tanginess of the feta and lemon.
Fresh Basil: Adds a final aromatic note and vibrant color contrast that makes the dish pop.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño before baking for heat lovers.
Herb Variations: Swap the basil for fresh dill, mint, or parsley depending on what’s available.
Cheese Options: Try using halloumi or goat cheese instead of feta for a different flavor profile.
Add Vegetables: Toss in cherry tomatoes, red onion chunks, or bell pepper pieces before baking for extra color and nutrition.
Sweet Potato Version: Replace regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a more colorful dish with added nutrients.

How to Make Baked Feta Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Wash your potatoes thoroughly, then cut them into evenly sized cubes. The smaller you cut them, the faster they’ll cook through.

Step 2: Season the Potatoes

Place the potato cubes in your baking dish. Sprinkle with dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then toss thoroughly to ensure even coating.

Step 3: Add the Feta and Aromatics

Place the block of feta in the center of the dish (I love to dip one side in the seasonings first, then flip it over). Add the garlic head with the top cut off and nestle lemon quarters among the potatoes. Drizzle everything with the remaining olive oil.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 45-55 minutes until the potatoes are crispy and golden. Remove the garlic after about 35 minutes if it’s browning too quickly.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Elements

Once baked, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from their skins and mash them with a knife. Stir the mashed garlic and the juice from the remaining lemon half into the potatoes. Gently incorporate the baked feta using a spoon, creating a creamy mixture with chunks of cheese throughout.

Step 6: Final Touches

Drizzle with honey and scatter fresh basil over the top before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Potato Size Matters: Cut your potatoes into smaller, uniform cubes to ensure they cook through in the same timeframe as the feta bakes.
Protect Your Feta: If your potatoes need more time, don’t hesitate to remove the feta temporarily to prevent it from becoming rubbery.
Garlic Watch: Keep an eye on the garlic as it roasts – it can quickly go from perfectly caramelized to burnt.
Mixing Technique: When incorporating the feta at the end, use a gentle touch to maintain some texture rather than creating a uniform mash.
Rest Before Serving: Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes after coming out of the oven – this helps the flavors settle and prevents burnt tongues!

How to Serve

Main Course Pairing:

This versatile dish works wonderfully alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette, grilled chicken, or roasted lamb for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve straight from the baking dish for a rustic presentation, or transfer to a serving platter and garnish with extra basil and lemon wedges for a more elegant look.

Accompaniments:

A side of crusty bread is perfect for sopping up the delicious oils and melted feta that pool at the bottom of the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop beautifully overnight, making this a great make-ahead dish.

Freezing

While technically possible to freeze, the texture of the potatoes will change, and the feta may become crumbly. I’d recommend enjoying this fresh or as refrigerated leftovers instead.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. Add a drizzle of olive oil before reheating to revive the moisture. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but you’ll lose some of the textural contrast.

FAQs

Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! While starchy baking potatoes give you the fluffiest interior with crispy edges, waxy potatoes like Yukon Golds hold their shape better if you prefer more distinct potato pieces. Red potatoes also work well but may need slightly less cooking time.
What can I substitute for feta if I don’t have any?

If feta isn’t available, ricotta salata, goat cheese, or even halloumi make excellent substitutes. Each brings a different character to the dish – ricotta salata is milder, goat cheese adds tanginess, and halloumi offers more chew and less melt.
Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes! Replace the feta with a block of firm tofu that’s been pressed and marinated in lemon juice, olive oil, and nutritional yeast for a tangy flavor. Use maple syrup instead of honey for the final drizzle.
Why did my feta get too hard during baking?

This usually happens when the feta bakes too long. Different brands of feta have varying moisture content, so cooking times can differ. If using a drier feta, consider adding it to the dish halfway through the potato cooking time instead of at the beginning.

Final Thoughts

These Baked Feta Potatoes represent comfort food at its finest – simple ingredients transformed through the magic of your oven into something truly special. The combination of crispy potatoes, tangy cheese, and sweet-savory aromatics creates a dish that feels both familiar and extraordinary. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining friends, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort – exactly what we all need more of in our cooking repertoire!

Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe

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Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Side-dishes
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Print Recipe

Description

Baked Feta Potatoes are a delicious, flavor-packed dish featuring crispy roasted potatoes, creamy baked feta, and aromatic herbs. Bursting with Mediterranean flavors like thyme, oregano, basil, and a squeeze of fresh lemon, this recipe is perfect as a side dish or a comforting vegetarian main course. Drizzled with honey for a touch of sweetness, it’s a simple yet mouthwatering recipe that comes together with minimal effort.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F), ensuring it’s hot and ready to roast the ingredients to crispy perfection.
Prepare the Potatoes
Wash and cube the baking potatoes into even sizes to ensure consistent cooking. Place them in a baking dish, drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil over the potatoes, and season with thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss the potatoes well to coat evenly.
Add Feta and Aromatics
Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the baking dish. Optionally, dip one side of the feta in the seasonings and flip it over for extra flavor. Add the garlic head and half the lemon quarters around the dish, then drizzle the remaining olive oil over everything.
Bake the Dish
Roast in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the potatoes are crispy and golden brown. Check the garlic after 35 minutes, as it may turn brown – if so, remove it early.
Prepare the Garlic Mash
Once the garlic is roasted, squeeze the soft cloves out of their skins into a bowl. Use a sharp knife or fork to mash the roasted garlic into a paste.
Mix and Finish
Add the mashed garlic and juice from the remaining lemon quarters into the roasted potatoes, mixing gently to incorporate the flavors. Sprinkle the shredded fresh basil over the top and drizzle the honey for a sweet finish.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve the baked feta potatoes warm as a side dish or a hearty main course. Add more fresh basil for garnish if desired.

Notes

For perfectly cooked potatoes, try cutting them into smaller, bite-sized cubes to ensure even roasting within the allotted time.
If the potatoes take longer to cook, remove the feta from the dish once baked to prevent it from turning rubbery.