Description
Baked Feta Potatoes is a deliciously savory and aromatic dish featuring crispy roasted potatoes combined with creamy baked feta cheese. Infused with herbs, roasted garlic, lemon juice, and a hint of honey and chili flakes, this recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an excellent side or light main course.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Seasonings
- 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 Aromatics
- 1 200g block of feta
- 1 head of garlic (top cut off)
- 1 lemon, halved
- 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 and garlic.
- 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, then drain and steam dry for 2-3 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Season Potatoes: Transfer the par-boiled potatoes to a baking dish. Add dried thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, and 2 tbsp of olive oil. Stir to coat the potatoes evenly with the seasonings and oil.
- Prepare Garlic: Drizzle the garlic head with a little olive oil, wrap it tightly in foil, and place it in the baking dish alongside the potatoes.
- Roast Potatoes and Garlic: Roast in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, until the potatoes are golden, crispy, and nearly cooked through.
- Add Feta and Lemon: Remove the baking dish from the oven and take out the garlic. Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tray. Optionally, dip one side of feta in the seasoning, then flip it over. Squeeze half the lemon over the feta and potatoes.
- Return to Oven: Roast the dish in the oven for an additional 15 minutes so the feta softens and absorbs flavors.
- Prepare Roasted Garlic: Once the garlic has cooled, squeeze the cloves out of their skins and mash them with the flat of a knife to a smooth paste.
- Mix In Garlic, Lemon, and Basil: Stir the mashed roasted garlic and the juice from the remaining half of the lemon into the potatoes and feta. Add fresh basil and gently mix everything together for even flavor distribution.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle honey over the top, sprinkle with red chili flakes and shredded basil, then serve immediately and enjoy this flavorful baked feta potato dish.
Notes
- Par-boiling the potatoes ensures they roast evenly and achieve a crispy exterior.
- Adjust the amount of red chili flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Fresh basil adds a vibrant herbal note; substitute with parsley if preferred.
- For a milder garlic flavor, reduce the amount of roasted garlic added.
- This dish pairs well with a green salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
