If you crave a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then the Roasted Potatoes with Baked Feta and Garlic Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. This vibrant combination of crispy golden potatoes, creamy baked feta, and mellow roasted garlic creates a harmony of flavors that is both rustic and luxuriously comforting. Every bite delivers a delightful blend of textures and tastes, enhanced by fresh herbs and a touch of honey that makes this recipe truly unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing a friend, this dish is a showstopper that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Roasted Potatoes with Baked Feta and Garlic Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that pack a punch. Each element plays a key role—from the creamy feta that melts slightly in the oven to the fragrant garlic that infuses the dish with warmth and depth.
- 1-2 large baking potatoes, washed and cubed: The hearty base that crisps beautifully in the oven for the perfect bite.
- 1 head of garlic, top sliced off: Roasting softens it into a sweet, mellow paste that adds rich flavor.
- 1 lemon, quartered: Adds fresh acidity and brightness that wakes up the dish.
- ¼ cup (20 g) fresh basil, chopped: Provides a fresh, aromatic finish with a pop of green color.
- 7 oz (200 g) block of feta cheese: Creamy, tangy, and perfect for baking until slightly golden.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Essential for roasting the potatoes to crispy perfection and melding flavors.
- 1 tablespoon honey: A subtle sweetness to balance the savory and tangy elements beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Earthy herb that enhances the potato’s natural flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a Mediterranean flair that pairs perfectly with feta.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Heightens all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a touch of gentle heat and complexity.
How to Make Roasted Potatoes with Baked Feta and Garlic Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 390°F (200°C). While the oven warms, wash the potatoes thoroughly and chop them into evenly sized cubes to ensure they roast uniformly. Spread these cubes evenly in a baking dish, setting the stage for a beautifully caramelized and crispy result.
Step 2: Season the Potatoes
Drizzle one tablespoon of olive oil over the potatoes to help them crisp up during roasting. Sprinkle the dried thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper over the potatoes, then toss everything together to make sure every piece is perfectly coated with herbs and seasoning. This simple step creates a flavorful base that’s essential to the final dish.
Step 3: Add the Feta and Garlic
Place the block of feta right in the center of the potato bed—this allows it to gently bake alongside the potatoes, absorbing their flavors while releasing its own creamy goodness. For an extra herbaceous kick, press one side of the feta into the seasoned potatoes before flipping it over. Nestle the head of garlic and half of the lemon wedges around the dish, and pour the remaining olive oil over everything for added richness.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop the baking dish in the oven and roast for 45-55 minutes. Keep an eye on the garlic after about 35 minutes, removing it if it starts to brown too much so it doesn’t become bitter. The potatoes should turn a gorgeous golden brown with crispy edges, and the feta should soften and start to turn lightly golden on top.
Step 5: Mash and Mix
Once the garlic has cooled enough to handle, squeeze the softened cloves out of their skins into a small bowl. Use a knife to mash the garlic into a smooth paste. Add this paste, the juice from the remaining lemon wedges, and the chopped basil directly into the baking dish. Gently fold everything together, combining the crispy potatoes with creamy feta and fragrant herbs for bursts of bold flavor in every bite.
Step 6: Finishing Touch
Drizzle the honey on top of the dish to add a layer of subtle sweetness that complements the savory and tangy components. Sprinkle with extra basil for a fresh, vibrant look. Serve immediately, and prepare for generous compliments!
How to Serve Roasted Potatoes with Baked Feta and Garlic Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil works wonders as a garnish, bringing a lovely herbal note and an inviting pop of green to the dish. A light squeeze of extra lemon juice right before serving can also brighten the flavors beautifully and add a fresh zing.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad, perhaps dressed with lemon vinaigrette to keep the flavors fresh and vibrant. Alternatively, roasted or grilled vegetables complement the richness of the potatoes and feta perfectly, rounding out a well-balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, serve the potatoes and baked feta in rustic individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets. This not only keeps the portions warm but also makes a charming presentation that’s perfect for sharing at dinner parties or cozy family meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover roasted potatoes with baked feta and garlic in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making this dish a great option for easy reheats during a busy week.
Freezing
While the potatoes and feta are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. Place them in a freezer-safe container and be sure to thaw slowly in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back that crispiness after refrigeration, reheat the dish in a hot oven (around 350°F/175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to make the potatoes soggy rather than wonderfully crispy.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes add a lovely sweetness that pairs beautifully with the feta and honey, though they might roast a bit faster, so keep an eye on the cooking time.
Is it necessary to use a whole head of garlic?
Yes, roasting a whole head softens the garlic cloves into a sweet, spreadable paste that enhances the dish, but if you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you can reduce the amount or roast fewer cloves separately.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can swap the feta with a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well, and replace honey with maple syrup to keep it vegan-friendly while preserving the sweet-savory balance.
What type of olive oil should I use?
Extra virgin olive oil is ideal because of its rich flavor and health benefits. It elevates the dish with its fruity, slightly peppery notes.
How spicy is this Roasted Potatoes with Baked Feta and Garlic Recipe?
This recipe is not spicy; it has warm, earthy, and savory tones with bright herbal and citrus highlights. Feel free to add a pinch of chili flakes if you want to introduce some heat.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Potatoes with Baked Feta and Garlic Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Each step brings out harmonious layers of flavor and texture that satisfy every craving for comfort food without feeling heavy. I can’t recommend enough that you try it soon—it’s the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen, perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!
Print
Roasted Potatoes with Baked Feta and Garlic Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This Roasted Potatoes with Baked Feta and Garlic recipe combines crispy, golden cubed potatoes with creamy baked feta cheese, aromatic garlic, and fresh herbs. Enhanced with a drizzle of honey and lemon juice, this warm, comforting dish is perfect as a side or a light main meal. The recipe features simple ingredients and straightforward oven roasting for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired flavor experience.
Ingredients
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 Flavorings
- 7 oz (200 g) block of feta cheese
- 1 head of garlic, top sliced off
- 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. Place these cubed potatoes evenly in a baking dish.
- Season the Potatoes: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the potatoes. Sprinkle dried thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper on them. Toss well to ensure even coating of oil and seasonings on all the potato cubes.
- Add the Feta and Garlic: Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the baking dish. For extra flavor, press one side of the feta into the herbs and oil on the potatoes, then flip it over. Add the whole head of garlic (with the top sliced off) and half of the lemon wedges into the dish. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over everything.
- Bake to Perfection: Roast the entire dish in the oven for 45 to 55 minutes, until the potatoes are golden and crispy. Check the garlic after about 35 minutes; if it begins to over-brown, remove it from the dish and continue baking the potatoes and feta until fully cooked.
- Mash and Mix: Once the garlic has cooled enough to handle, squeeze the softened garlic cloves out of their skins into a bowl and mash into a paste with a knife. Add this garlic paste, juice from the remaining lemon wedges, and chopped basil to the baking dish. Gently mix the roasted potatoes and baked feta together to combine all the flavors.
- Finishing Touch: Drizzle honey over the top of the potato and feta mixture and sprinkle additional fresh basil for color and a touch of sweetness. Serve immediately and enjoy this flavorful dish!
Notes
- Make sure to cut potatoes into evenly sized cubes for consistent roasting.
- Monitoring the garlic during baking prevents it from burning and becoming bitter.
- You can substitute fresh oregano and thyme if available for a brighter flavor.
- For a vegan version, substitute feta with a plant-based cheese.
- Serve as a side dish with grilled meats or as a vegetarian main course.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
