If you’re looking to wow your taste buds with a dish that’s as comforting as it is vibrant, the Baked Feta Potatoes with Lemon, Basil, and Honey Recipe is going to become your new favorite. This beautifully balanced dish brings together creamy, tangy feta, crispy golden potatoes, and a delightful harmony of fresh lemon, aromatic basil, and a touch of honey’s natural sweetness. Every bite is a little celebration of Mediterranean flavors that’s simple to prepare yet unforgettable in taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role, from the earthy potatoes that provide the perfect crispy base, to the fragrant herbs and bright lemon that enliven every bite. These simple staples come together to create a dish bursting with flavor, texture, and color.
- 2 large baking potatoes: The heart of the dish; starchy and perfect for roasting until golden.
- 200g block of feta: Adds creamy, salty richness that melts beautifully over the potatoes.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps crisp the potatoes and adds a fruity depth.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Offers subtle earthy and lemony notes.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: A classic herb that enhances the Mediterranean vibe.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- 1 tsp black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- 0.5 tsp red chilli flakes: For a mild kick that perks up the dish.
- 1 head of garlic (top cut off): Roasts to sweet, mellow perfection.
- 1 lemon, quartered: Its juice brightens and freshens the entire dish.
- 1 tbsp honey: Adds just the right amount of natural sweetness to balance flavors.
- 1/4 cup (20g) fresh basil: Brings vibrant color and aromatic freshness.
How to Make Baked Feta Potatoes with Lemon, Basil, and Honey Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 200C (390F). This ensures that everything gets that perfect roast from the moment it goes in. While the oven warms up, wash and cube your potatoes. They’re the canvas for all the other wonderful flavors.
Step 2: Par-Boil the Potatoes
Place the cubed potatoes in a saucepan, cover them with water, and bring to a boil. Par-boiling for 6 to 8 minutes tenderizes them just enough without falling apart, while steaming dry helps get that crispy texture when roasted.
Step 3: Season and Oil
Transfer the potatoes to your baking dish. Toss them with the dried thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, red chili flakes, and olive oil until every piece is coated. This step infuses the potatoes with layers of flavor that will carry through the entire bake.
Step 4: Roast the Potatoes
Place the dish in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for that gorgeous golden color and an irresistible crispy crust. Almost cooked is the key phrase here—these spuds will finish cooking alongside the feta.
Step 5: Add the Feta and Lemon
Pop the block of feta right in the middle of the baking dish. I like to dip one side of the feta into the herbs and spices then flip it, coating both sides for maximum flavor. Squeeze half a lemon over the potatoes and feta now for a bright punch.
Step 6: Roast the Garlic and Mash
Remove the garlic head from the dish (it will be beautifully soft now!). Once cool, squeeze the garlic cloves out of their skins and mash them gently with the flat of your knife for a sweet, mellow garlic treat that will blend perfectly into the potatoes.
Step 7: Continue Baking
Return the dish to the oven for another 15 minutes. This step melts the feta slightly and deepens the flavors, melding everything together wonderfully.
Step 8: Mix in Garlic, Lemon, and Basil
Take the dish out and stir the mashed garlic and juice from the other half of the lemon back into the potatoes. Add your fresh basil and fold everything gently. This fresh layer of herbs and citrus keeps the dish bright and herbaceous.
Step 9: Drizzle with Honey
The final flourish is a drizzle of honey across the shredded basil and potatoes, adding a delicate sweet contrast to the tangy feta and herbaceous notes.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!
Dish it out while warm, and prepare to savor this soulful medley of textures and tastes that make the Baked Feta Potatoes with Lemon, Basil, and Honey Recipe so irresistible.
How to Serve Baked Feta Potatoes with Lemon, Basil, and Honey Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh basil leaves or a light dusting of cracked black pepper are perfect simple garnishes that enhance the dish’s fresh flavors and add a pop of color, making each serving inviting and appetizing.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs brilliantly with light, crisp salads or grilled vegetables to keep things balanced and fresh. A chilled cucumber and tomato salad drizzled with olive oil complements the warm, toasted flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the baked feta potatoes in individual rustic bowls or alongside grilled protein like chicken or fish for an elegant, Mediterranean-inspired meal. A drizzle of extra honey or a wedge of lemon on the side allows guests to customize each bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Feta Potatoes with Lemon, Basil, and Honey Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure they’re cooled completely before storing to maintain their lovely textures.
Freezing
While potatoes can sometimes become a bit soft after freezing, you can freeze the cooked potatoes and feta separately for up to a month. Thaw slowly in the fridge overnight before reheating to preserve as much flavor and texture as possible.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in the oven at around 180C (350F) to help the potatoes regain their crispiness and warm the feta evenly. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delightful texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?
Feta’s tangy, crumbly texture is key to this dish, but you could experiment with halloumi or goat cheese for a different flavor profile. Just remember these cheeses have different melting properties, so the texture might change.
Are these potatoes suitable for a vegan diet?
Unfortunately, no. Feta cheese is a dairy product, so this recipe isn’t vegan. However, you could try substituting with a plant-based feta alternative if you want a vegan-friendly dish.
How spicy is this recipe?
The red chili flakes add only a mild heat that enhances the flavors without overpowering the dish. You can always adjust the amount depending on your spice preference.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can par-boil and season the potatoes in advance, refrigerate them, and then roast them when you’re ready to serve. Just be sure to adjust roasting times slightly if the potatoes are cold straight from the fridge.
What’s the best way to get crispy potatoes in this recipe?
Par-boiling the potatoes and then steaming them dry before roasting is the secret. Using enough olive oil and giving them space on the baking dish will also help ensure that perfect crunchy exterior.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Baked Feta Potatoes with Lemon, Basil, and Honey Recipe that makes it a standout in any meal rotation. It’s a delightful blend of simple ingredients coming together to create a dish that feels like an everyday treat. Whether served for a casual dinner or as part of a festive spread, it’s bound to bring smiles and requests for seconds. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Baked Feta Potatoes with Lemon, Basil, and Honey Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Feta Potatoes recipe offers a delightful Mediterranean-inspired side dish featuring crispy roasted potatoes infused with herbs and spices, topped with creamy baked feta cheese, fresh basil, garlic, and a touch of honey and lemon for brightness.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Seasoning
- 2 large baking potatoes
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp red chilli flakes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Cheese and Flavorings
- 200g block of feta
- 1 head of garlic (top cut off)
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup (20g) fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) to prepare for roasting the potatoes.
- Par-boil Potatoes: Wash and cube the potatoes. Place them in a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Par-boil the potatoes for 6-8 minutes (no more than 10), then drain and steam dry for 2-3 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Season Potatoes: Transfer the potatoes to a baking dish. Add thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, red chili flakes, and olive oil. Stir well to evenly coat the potatoes with the seasonings and oil.
- Initial Roasting: Roast the potatoes in the oven for 30-40 minutes until they turn golden, crispy, and are nearly cooked through.
- Add Feta and Lemon: Place the feta block in the center of the baking dish. Optionally, dip one side of the feta in the seasoning before flipping it over. Squeeze half the lemon over the feta and potatoes.
- Prepare Garlic: Remove the garlic head from the dish once cool enough to handle. Squeeze the garlic cloves out of their skins and mash them using the flat side of a knife. Set aside the mashed garlic.
- Continue Baking: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the feta to soften and flavors to meld.
- Mix Garlic and Basil: Stir the mashed garlic, juice from the remaining half of the lemon, and fresh basil gently into the baked potatoes and softened feta, combining everything evenly.
- Add Honey and Basil: Drizzle honey over the dish and sprinkle with shredded fresh basil for a sweet herbal finish.
- Serve: Serve the baked feta potatoes warm and enjoy their rich and vibrant flavors.
Notes
- Par-boiling the potatoes ensures they cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior during roasting.
- You can adjust the amount of red chili flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- Fresh basil adds brightness and freshness; substitute with parsley if preferred.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute feta with a vegan cheese alternative.
- Serve as a side dish with grilled meats, salads, or as a vegetarian main.
