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.
