Ready in: 1 hour · Serves: 6 · Technique: Baked · Storage: Up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Quick Answer
Baked Feta Potatoes combine creamy feta and tender potatoes for a flavorful dish perfect for cozy gatherings.
As the leaves turn and a crisp bite fills the air in New York City, the anticipation of cozy gatherings and festive meals begins to stir. With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, I find myself gravitating toward dishes that not only comfort the palate but also invite conversation and delight. One such dish that has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen is Baked Feta Potatoes. This dish combines the creamy, salty goodness of feta with tender potatoes, creating a harmonious blend that warms both hearts and bellies.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This dish combines creamy feta and tender potatoes for a comforting flavor sensation.
- Easy to make, it’s perfect for festive gatherings without the fuss.
- The warmth of garlic and oregano fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma.
- Balanced with a squeeze of fresh lemon, it elevates the dish to new heights.
- Great for meal prep, leftovers can be enjoyed for days.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious dish:
For the Potatoes
- 2 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed and halved
- 1 block of Greek feta cheese in brine (8 ounces)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How to Make Baked Feta Potatoes (Step-by-Step)
This simple yet elegant recipe is sure to impress your guests. Follow these steps for a delightful dish.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This sets the stage for a beautifully baked dish that will fill your home with warmth and aroma.
Step 2: Prep the Potatoes
Halve the Yukon Gold potatoes and place them in a large pot. Cover them with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Cook until just tender, about 10-15 minutes, ensuring they remain fluffy after baking.
Step 3: Mix the Flavor Base
While the potatoes cook, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This mixture will infuse the potatoes with rich flavor.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Drain the potatoes and transfer them to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the olive oil mixture over the warm potatoes and toss to coat. Nestle the block of feta cheese in the center of the potatoes.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the potatoes are golden and crispy, and the feta is melted. Keep an eye on it—the bubbling feta is hard to resist!
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley for color. Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over the dish, adding a delightful brightness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the potatoes: You want them tender but not mushy; keep an eye on them while boiling.
- Not using fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs make all the difference; dried herbs won’t provide the same flavor punch.
- Skipping the lemon: Trust me; this dish needs that citrusy bite to elevate the rich feta and potatoes.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For an extra layer of flavor, add some cherry tomatoes alongside the potatoes for roasting.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad to balance its richness.
Variations
- Substitute feta with goat cheese for a tangy flavor.
- Add spinach or kale for extra greens.
- Use sweet potatoes for a sweeter, healthier alternative.
How to Serve
- Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side.
- Pair with a glass of white wine for a delightful experience.
- Garnish with extra parsley or a sprinkle of feta for presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- Storage: Store leftover Baked Feta Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven to regain the texture; microwave if you’re short on time.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as potatoes may become mushy once thawed.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
While testing this recipe, I found that the combination of crispy edges and creamy feta makes this dish a crowd-pleaser, perfect for the holiday season. Remember, not every dish has to be complicated—sometimes, less is more, especially when it tastes this good!
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 4 servings · Serving Size: 1/4 of the dish
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~320 calories · 8g protein · 45g carbs · 14g fat
Creamy Baked Feta Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Halve the Yukon Gold potatoes, place in a large pot, cover with cold water, add salt, and bring to a boil. Cook until just tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- While potatoes cook, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Drain the potatoes and transfer them to a baking dish. Pour the olive oil mixture over the warm potatoes and toss. Nestle feta cheese in the center.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the potatoes are golden and the feta is melted.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with parsley, and serve warm with lemon wedges.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I prepare Baked Feta Potatoes in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the potatoes and the olive oil mixture ahead of time. Just assemble everything and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
2. What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this dish due to their creamy texture and buttery flavor, but you can also use other waxy potatoes.
3. Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?
While feta is key to the flavor of this dish, you could try using goat cheese or a cream cheese for a different taste, but it will change the overall flavor profile.
4. How can I make Baked Feta Potatoes spicy?
You can add red pepper flakes to the olive oil mixture or roast some spicy peppers alongside the potatoes for an extra kick.
5. What should I serve with Baked Feta Potatoes?
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or grilled vegetables to complement its richness.
