Description
These Baked Feta Potatoes are a delightful and easy-to-make dish featuring crispy roasted baby potatoes combined with creamy, baked feta cheese. Infused with garlic, smoked paprika, and oregano, this flavorful meal is perfect as a comforting side or a vegetarian main course. The addition of lemon juice brightens the flavors, while fresh parsley adds a touch of color and freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved
Cheese
- 7 oz block of feta cheese
Seasonings & Oil
- 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
Garnish (Optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the potatoes and baking the feta cheese.
- Prepare the Potatoes: 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 ensure the potatoes are evenly coated with the seasonings and oil.
- Add the Feta Cheese: Create a small space in the center of the baking dish and place the entire block of feta cheese there. This allows the cheese to bake alongside the potatoes, softening and developing a lightly browned crust.
- Bake the Dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The potatoes should become golden and crispy on the edges, while the feta softens and takes on a light brown color.
- Add Lemon Juice: Remove the dish from the oven and immediately squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the potatoes and feta. This adds a fresh, tangy brightness to the dish.
- Mash or Mix Feta: Lightly mash the softened feta into the potatoes for a creamy texture or leave the feta in chunks based on your preference, mixing gently to combine the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish if desired, and serve the baked feta potatoes warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute baby potatoes with fingerling or new potatoes for similar results.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and smoked paprika to taste for a milder or spicier flavor.
- If you prefer a creamier dish, mash the feta thoroughly into the potatoes.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary could be added to enhance the aroma and taste.
- This recipe can also be prepared in a cast-iron skillet suitable for oven use.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean