Can I use pre-crumbled feta or feta-style cheese?

It’s best to use a whole block of feta. Pre-crumbled feta often contains anti-caking agents and won’t melt as beautifully or stay creamy. If you’re seeking a vegan option, try a block-style vegan feta.

Why do I need to parboil the potatoes before roasting?

Parboiling gives you a head start on tenderness, so the potatoes roast up crispy on the outside and pillowy on the inside. Skipping this step can leave you with tough or unevenly cooked potatoes.

How can I make this dish ahead for a dinner party?

You can parboil and season the potatoes ahead, then finish roasting and add the feta just before serving. If you do assemble fully in advance, reheat everything in the oven for 15 minutes before guests arrive, adding the basil and honey at the last minute.

Is there a way to make this with less oil?

You can reduce the olive oil slightly, but don’t cut it out completely—it’s essential for perfect roasting and rich flavor. If you’re worried about oil, use a nonstick tray and add a splash of broth before adding the feta to keep things moist.

Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe

Name: Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 large baking potatoes; 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 (200g) block of feta cheese; 0.5 tsp red chilli flakes; 1 tbsp honey; 1/4 cup (20g) fresh basil, shredded

Description

This baked feta potatoes recipe features golden, crispy potatoes roasted with fragrant herbs, then paired with creamy baked feta, caramelized garlic, and a touch of honey and basil for a Mediterranean-inspired side dish that’s full of flavor and easy to make.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Potatoes and Base

2 large baking potatoes
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

Cheese and Finishing

1 (200g) block of feta cheese
0.5 tsp red chilli flakes
1 tbsp honey
1/4 cup (20g) fresh basil, shredded

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) to ensure it’s hot and ready for roasting the potatoes, which will help achieve maximum crispiness.
Prepare and Parboil Potatoes: Wash and cube the baking potatoes. Place them in a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Parboil the potatoes for 6-8 minutes (no more than 10), just until they start to soften. Drain well and let them steam dry for 2-3 minutes so excess moisture evaporates.
Season and Roast Potatoes: Add the parboiled potatoes to a baking dish. Sprinkle with dried thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle over 2 tablespoons of olive oil and stir to coat all the potatoes evenly in seasoning and oil. Place the prepared head of garlic and lemon wedges in the roasting dish. Roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden, crispy, and nearly cooked through.
Add Feta and Lemon: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Place the 200g block of feta in the center of the tray, dipping one side into the pan seasonings before flipping it over for even flavor. Squeeze over half of the lemon, then return the dish to the oven for a further 15 minutes, allowing the feta to bake and soften.
Mash Roasted Garlic: Remove the garlic head and allow it to cool enough to handle. Squeeze out the softened garlic cloves and mash them into a paste with the flat side of your knife. Set aside for the final mix.
Mix and Finish: Take the dish out of the oven. Add in the mashed roasted garlic and squeeze the juice from the remaining half of the lemon over the potatoes. Add the fresh, shredded basil, then use a spoon to gently mix the potatoes with the baked feta and incorporate everything together.
Drizzle with Honey and Serve: Finish the dish by drizzling over the honey and any remaining basil. Serve immediately and enjoy this flavorful, comforting side.

Notes

Parboiling the potatoes before roasting ensures they get extra crispy in the oven.
Baking the feta only towards the end prevents it from becoming rubbery while ensuring perfect creaminess.
The roasted garlic adds a sweet, mellow flavor—don’t skip mixing it in at the end!
For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili flakes.
Great as a side or even a vegetarian main when paired with a salad.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 280
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 980mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 33mg