These Easy Baked Feta Potatoes are a cozy dish packed with flavor! Soft potatoes are topped with creamy feta, garlic, and tasty herbs for a warm and comforting meal.
Making these is a breeze! Just pop them in the oven and let the magic happen. I love serving them with a sprinkle of extra herbs—because why not add more flavor? 🌿
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: Yellow or golden baby potatoes work best for their creamy texture. If they’re not available, try using fingerling or new potatoes for similar results.
Feta Cheese: This adds a salty, tangy flavor. If you want a vegan option, consider using tofu feta or a dairy-free cheese alternative. Just keep an eye on the seasoning, as they may differ in taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a wonderful aroma and flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder or garlic salt can work, but fresh is always best for this dish.
Herbs: Dried oregano and thyme are classic here. Feel free to swap with dried rosemary or Italian seasoning if you prefer. Fresh herbs can be used; just double the amount for more flavor!
How Do You Get Perfectly Roasted Potatoes?
Getting those potatoes crispy on the outside while soft inside can be a challenge! Here’s how:
- Ensure your oven is preheated to 400°F (200°C) before roasting. This helps them cook evenly.
- Spread the potatoes out in a single layer to avoid steaming. If they overlap, they’ll be more mushy than crispy.
- Turning the potatoes halfway through cooking encourages even browning.
Follow these tips, and your potatoes will turn out golden and crispy each time!
Easy Baked Feta Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes (yellow or golden), halved
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
For the Topping:
- 4 oz feta cheese, cut into small cubes
- Fresh thyme sprigs or parsley, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for prep and around 35-40 minutes for cooking, making the total time approximately 50 minutes. Perfect for a flavorful side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your potatoes roast evenly and become deliciously crispy!
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved baby potatoes with the olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Toss them all together until the potatoes are nicely coated. This is where all that tasty flavor begins!
3. Arrange the Potatoes:
Spread the seasoned potatoes out evenly on a baking sheet or in an oven-safe dish, cut side down. This helps them get crispy all over. Make sure they’re in one layer without overlapping!
4. Roast the Potatoes:
Place the potatoes in the oven and roast them for about 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for them to be tender and slightly golden on the edges. Agitate them gently halfway through for even cooking!
5. Add the Feta Cheese:
Once the potatoes are roasted, take them out and scatter the cubed feta cheese over the top. This will melt and add a delightful creaminess!
6. Finish Baking:
Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes. The feta should soften and turn golden, adding that beautiful richness to the dish.
7. Garnish and Serve:
After baking, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle fresh thyme sprigs or chopped parsley on top for a lovely herbal touch. Serve your warm, baked feta potatoes right away for a comforting dish bursting with flavor!
Enjoy your delicious baked feta potatoes infused with garlic and herbs!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes are perfect for this recipe, you can also use fingerling, red potatoes, or even Yukon gold potatoes. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if you use larger varieties, as they may require more time to become tender.
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If you don’t have feta cheese or prefer a different flavor, you can use goat cheese, ricotta, or a dairy-free feta alternative. Just note that the flavor profile will change slightly, but they can all add a nice creaminess to the dish!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them in short intervals, but they may lose some crispiness.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the feta cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or skip the cheese altogether. You might consider adding some tahini or nutritional yeast as a flavor booster!