If you’re craving a dish that feels both comforting and a little bit fancy, you’ll fall head over heels for this Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe. Imagine tender, crispy baby potatoes seasoned with smoky paprika and oregano, all roasted alongside a melting block of creamy feta cheese that you can mash in or savor in rich chunks. It’s a beautiful dance of flavors and textures that’s simple to make but impressively delicious—perfect for a cozy dinner or an inviting side at any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each chosen to bring out a unique flavor or texture. Fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and bold spices combine with the creamy tang of feta and the golden crispiness of roasted potatoes to create a dish that’s irresistible.
- Baby potatoes, 2 lbs, halved: These small potatoes roast evenly and get wonderfully crispy on the edges.
- Feta cheese, 7 oz block: The star ingredient providing a creamy, salty contrast that melts beautifully.
- Olive oil, 3 tablespoons: Helps everything crisp up and brings a fruity richness.
- Garlic cloves, 4 minced: Adds aromatic depth and a hint of spice to every bite.
- Dried oregano, 1 teaspoon: Gives a fragrant herbal lift with a touch of earthiness.
- Smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon: Infuses the potatoes with a gentle smoky warmth that’s utterly inviting.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance all the flavors.
- Lemon juice, from 1/2 lemon: Brightens the dish with fresh acidity right at the end.
- Fresh parsley, 1/4 cup chopped (optional): Adds a splash of color and a light herbal note as a garnish.
How to Make Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms up, get your baby potatoes washed and halved—this step ensures they roast quickly and develop those golden, crispy edges we all love.
Step 2: Season the Potatoes
Next, toss the halved potatoes in a large baking dish with olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mixing everything well at this stage ensures every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 3: Add the Feta
Create a cozy little nook in the center of your baking dish and nestle the block of feta cheese right in the middle. This allows the feta to slowly bake alongside the potatoes, softening into a creamy, lightly browned delight.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the potatoes are golden and crisp on the edges, and the feta is beautifully soft and gently browned on top. The aroma at this stage is absolutely mouthwatering.
Step 5: Finish with a Bright Touch
When you take the dish out of the oven, squeeze the juice of half a lemon over everything. This touch of acidity brightens the rich, savory flavors and balances the creaminess of the feta perfectly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Finally, you can either gently mash the warm feta into the potatoes for a luscious, creamy texture, or serve it in chunks to enjoy bursts of cheese with each bite. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like, and serve this crowd-pleaser warm.
How to Serve Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top is a classic finish, adding a pop of color and a subtle herbaceous note that complements the rich cheese and bold spices beautifully. You could also add a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat or drizzle extra virgin olive oil for a shiny, luxurious look.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. It can be a hearty side or a satisfying vegetarian main. The creamy feta keeps it comforting, while the spices keep it exciting on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe in individual ramekins for an elegant single-serve presentation. Alternatively, scoop the mixture onto toasted baguette slices for a fun appetizer or serve alongside a dollop of tzatziki for some refreshing creaminess that balances the warmth.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making this recipe great for easy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
Because the potatoes and feta have different moisture levels, freezing isn’t recommended as it can alter the texture and creaminess of the dish. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated and reheated promptly.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This helps the potatoes regain their crisp edges while warming the feta perfectly without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use regular feta instead of a block of feta?
Using crumbled feta won’t have the same melting effect that a block does during baking. The block offers a creamy texture that blends beautifully with the potatoes, so it’s best to stick with that if possible.
What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Baby or new potatoes are ideal because they roast evenly and develop crispy edges without drying out. Larger potatoes can be used but may require longer cooking time and more prep.
Is smoked paprika necessary?
Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor that really makes this dish pop. If you don’t have it, regular paprika can be used, though the smoky undertone will be less pronounced.
Can I make this dish vegan?
You could experiment with a vegan cheese alternative, but traditional feta is key to the signature creaminess here. For a vegan twist, consider using a firm tofu or cashew-based cheese that melts well.
How do I add more herbs?
Fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill can be added along with the oregano for a herbaceous boost. Just sprinkle them over the potatoes before baking or add fresh herbs right before serving for maximum aroma.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that feels both simple and a bit special, the Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe is a must-try. It’s effortless to prepare but delivers on all the deliciousness you want in a meal. Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a new favorite that’s sure to brighten any table and please every palate.
Print
Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This baked feta potatoes recipe combines tender, crispy baby potatoes with creamy, tangy feta cheese, seasoned with garlic, smoked paprika, and oregano. It’s a warm, comforting dish perfect as a side or a light main course.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Cheese
- 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 7 oz block of feta cheese
Seasonings and Garnish
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the potatoes evenly.
- Prepare the potatoes and seasoning: In a large baking dish, combine the halved baby potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything thoroughly to coat the potatoes evenly with the seasonings and oil.
- Add the feta cheese: Create a space in the center of the baking dish and place the block of feta cheese right in the middle, surrounded by the seasoned potatoes.
- Bake the dish: Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and crispy on the edges and the feta cheese has softened and is lightly browned on top.
- Add lemon juice: Remove the dish from the oven and immediately squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the potatoes and feta to add a fresh, tangy brightness to the flavors.
- Mix feta and potatoes: Depending on your preference, lightly mash the softened feta cheese into the potatoes for a creamy texture or leave the feta in chunks for a more distinct bite.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for color and freshness, if desired, and serve the baked feta potatoes warm.
Notes
- Halving the baby potatoes helps them cook evenly and develop crispy edges.
- You can adjust the seasoning amounts to your taste, adding more smoked paprika for extra smoky flavor.
- Optional parsley garnish adds a fresh herbal note but can be omitted if unavailable.
- For a vegan version, substitute the feta with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated; the potatoes may crisp back up under a broiler.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
