These Easy Baked Feta Potatoes are a comforting dish you’ll love! Creamy feta cheese gets melted over fluffy potatoes, making a cheesy, dreamy delight for your taste buds.
Honestly, who can resist warm, cheesy potatoes? I always add a sprinkle of herbs on top for a pop of flavor. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or as a fun side for gatherings!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: Small Yukon Gold or baby potatoes are perfect as they get crispy on the outside while staying fluffy inside. If you can’t find these, red potatoes or even larger potatoes cut into smaller pieces work well too!
Feta Cheese: This is the star ingredient that adds creaminess and tang. If you want a lighter option, try goat cheese! If you can’t find either, a soft cheese like ricotta could work, but it won’t be as flavorful.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil gives a rich taste. If you’re out of it, feel free to use melted butter or any other cooking oil you have, just keep in mind it may change the flavor slightly.
Fresh Herbs: Thyme is great here, but if you don’t have it, oregano, rosemary, or even parsley could work as substitutes. Fresh herbs give a lovely aroma, adding to the dish’s appeal.
How Do You Get the Potatoes Crispy and the Feta Perfectly Baked?
Achieving that crispy exterior on your potatoes while ensuring the feta is creamy is all about timing and temperature. Here’s the method I’ve found works best:
- Preheat your oven: Get it to 400°F (200°C) before placing your potatoes in – this helps them crisp up faster.
- Toss freely: Coat the potatoes well with oil and seasonings. This gives them tasty flavor and helps with that crispy finish.
- Single layer: Spread the potatoes in a single layer to ensure even cooking. If they’re overcrowded, they’ll steam instead of roast.
- Watch the feta: Add the feta halfway through baking. This way, it gets soft and slightly golden without melting entirely; it creates a nice topping.
Remember, the key is to keep an eye on the potatoes in the last stages to avoid burning. With these tips, you’re sure to have a delicious dish every time!
Easy Baked Feta Potatoes with Cheese
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes (or small Yukon Gold potatoes), halved
- 5 oz (150 g) feta cheese, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme sprigs
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 40-45 minutes to cook, making a total of about 50-55 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a delightful side for a special gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is super important to get those potatoes nice and crispy!
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
In a large bowl, toss the halved potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Make sure all the potatoes are evenly coated to absorb all the tasty flavors.
3. Roast the Potatoes:
Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a baking dish or baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden and tender. Give them a little shake halfway through for even cooking!
4. Add the Feta:
Once the potatoes are ready, carefully remove them from the oven. Gently place the cubes of feta cheese over the potatoes. Sprinkle dried thyme, or tuck in fresh thyme sprigs if you have them. This step adds a fragrant flavor that pairs beautifully with the feta.
5. Return to Oven:
Pop the dish back in the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the feta is soft and starting to golden. The aroma will be irresistible!
6. Garnish and Serve:
When they’re done, remove the dish from the oven and garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm, and enjoy these delicious potatoes as a side dish or a tasty snack!
Enjoy the crispy, golden potatoes contrasted by the creamy, tangy baked feta cheese – a simple yet irresistible combo!
FAQ for Easy Baked Feta Potatoes with Cheese
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While feta provides a unique tangy flavor, you can substitute it with goat cheese or even a mild cheddar for a different taste. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor will vary depending on the cheese you choose.
How Do I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
If you want to make a dairy-free version, you can skip the cheese altogether or use a creamy vegan cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor without dairy, mixed in with your spices for extra tastiness!
Can I Prepare These Potatoes in Advance?
Yes! You can wash and halve the potatoes ahead of time. Just store them in a bowl of water in the fridge to prevent browning. You can also pre-cook the potatoes and reheat them in the oven with the feta before serving for a convenient option!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which will help bring back some of that crispy texture!
