Name: Roasted Potatoes with Baked Feta and Garlic
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb baby potatoes, halved; 200g feta cheese block; 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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A mouthwatering Mediterranean-inspired side dish that combines the humble potato with tangy feta cheese and aromatic garlic. This simple yet impressive recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a showstopping dish that pairs perfectly with almost any main course.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This roasted potatoes with baked feta and garlic recipe offers the perfect balance of textures and flavors in one dish. The potatoes become crispy on the outside while remaining fluffy inside, while the feta cheese melts into a creamy, tangy sauce that coats everything in deliciousness. It's incredibly simple to prepare, requiring minimal hands-on time, yet delivers maximum flavor. Whether you're serving a weeknight family dinner or entertaining guests, this versatile side dish is sure to impress. Plus, it's naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, making it suitable for many dietary preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Baby potatoes are the star of this dish, offering a naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture. Their small size allows them to roast quickly and develop those desirable crispy edges while maintaining a tender interior. If you can't find baby potatoes, any waxy potato variety cut into 1-inch chunks will work.

Feta cheese provides a tangy, salty punch that melts beautifully when baked, creating a creamy sauce that coats the potatoes. Traditional Greek feta made from sheep's milk offers the most authentic flavor, but any block-style feta will work well. Just be sure to use a block rather than pre-crumbled feta for the best melting qualities.

Garlic transforms as it roasts, becoming sweet and mellow rather than sharp and pungent. The smashed cloves infuse the oil with flavor while becoming soft enough to eat whole or spread onto the potatoes like butter.

Olive oil helps the potatoes crisp up in the oven while also preventing the feta from sticking to the pan. It adds a rich, fruity undertone that complements the Mediterranean flavors in this dish.

Dried oregano is a classic Mediterranean herb that stands up well to the high heat of roasting. Its earthy, slightly bitter flavor profile pairs perfectly with both the potatoes and feta.

Paprika adds a subtle warmth and beautiful color to the potatoes. Regular paprika works well, but for a deeper flavor, you could substitute smoked paprika.

Salt and pepper are essential for bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients. Remember that feta is naturally salty, so you may want to use a lighter hand with additional salt.

Fresh parsley provides a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, roasted elements when added as a garnish. Its vibrant green color also makes the dish more visually appealing.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place the halved baby potatoes on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper, and toss to coat evenly.
Make a space in the center of the baking sheet and place the block of feta cheese. Add the smashed garlic cloves around the potatoes.
Roast in the oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and crispy, and the feta has softened and slightly browned.
Remove from the oven and carefully break up the feta cheese with a spoon. Toss everything together, making sure the feta melts into the potatoes.
Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 4 servings, making it perfect for a family meal or small gathering. The dish takes approximately 10 minutes to prep and 40 minutes to cook, for a total time of 50 minutes. Each serving contains approximately 300 calories, offering a satisfying side dish that won't overpower your main course in terms of calories.

Variations

Mediterranean Version: Add halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and a handful of Kalamata olives to the baking sheet before roasting.

Lemon-Herb Upgrade: After roasting, finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and additional fresh herbs like dill, mint, or oregano.

Spicy Twist: Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes before roasting or a drizzle of hot honey when serving for a sweet-spicy kick.

Loaded Potato Style: After roasting, top with chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream.

Meal Prep Version: Add diced chicken breasts or chickpeas to the sheet pan before roasting to transform this side dish into a complete meal.

Storage/Reheating

This dish is best enjoyed immediately after preparation when the potatoes are at their crispiest and the feta is warm and melty. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place the potatoes in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for approximately 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This method helps restore some of the original crispiness. Alternatively, you can use a microwave for quick reheating, though the potatoes will be softer.

For meal prep purposes, you can prepare the potatoes and seasonings in advance, storing them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before roasting. Add the feta just before baking for the best results.

Freezing is not recommended for this dish as the texture of both the potatoes and feta will significantly change upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?

Yes, while baby potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture and quick cooking time, you can substitute with Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or even russet potatoes cut into 1-inch chunks. Just note that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the variety and size of your potato pieces.

My feta isn't melting properly. What am I doing wrong?

Some varieties of feta don't melt as well as others. For best results, use a block of traditional Greek feta rather than pre-crumbled feta, which often contains anti-caking agents. Also, ensure your feta is at room temperature before placing it in the oven to promote even melting.

Can I make this dish ahead of time for a party?

While this dish is best served fresh from the oven, you can prepare it a few hours ahead and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes before serving. For optimal results, consider roasting the potatoes and garlic ahead of time, then adding the feta during the reheating process.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Just be sure to check the packaging of your spices to ensure they haven't been processed in facilities that also handle wheat products.

Can I add other vegetables to the roasting pan?

Absolutely! This recipe works beautifully with added vegetables like cherry tomatoes, red onions, bell peppers, or zucchini. Add vegetables with similar cooking times to the potatoes, or introduce quick-cooking vegetables during the last 15-20 minutes of roasting.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the feta cheese with a block of vegan feta or firm tofu marinated in lemon juice, olive oil, and nutritional yeast. The roasting process will still create a delicious flavor profile, though the texture will be different.

What can I serve with these roasted potatoes?

These potatoes pair wonderfully with grilled or roasted meats, particularly Greek-style chicken or lamb. They also complement fish dishes beautifully and can be served alongside a fresh green salad for a complete vegetarian meal.

Why should I smash the garlic cloves instead of mincing them?

Smashing the garlic cloves rather than mincing them prevents the garlic from burning during the long roasting time while still allowing their flavor to infuse into the dish. The roasted garlic cloves become soft and sweet, perfect for spreading onto the potatoes.

Can I use goat cheese instead of feta?

Yes, a firm goat cheese can be substituted for feta in this recipe. It will provide a different but equally delicious tangy flavor. The texture and melting properties will vary slightly, so watch it carefully in the oven.

How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the baking sheet?

To prevent sticking, ensure your baking sheet is well-coated with olive oil before adding the potatoes. Additionally, using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat can make cleanup easier and further prevent sticking.

Conclusion

These roasted potatoes with baked feta and garlic offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that elevate the humble potato to star status. With minimal effort and just a handful of ingredients, you can create a side dish that's both comforting and sophisticated. The crispy potatoes, creamy feta, and mellow roasted garlic work in harmony to create a dish that's greater than the sum of its parts. Whether served alongside your favorite protein for a weeknight dinner or presented at a special gathering, this versatile recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. The Mediterranean flavors transport you to sun-drenched shores, while the familiar comfort of roasted potatoes keeps the dish grounded and accessible for any occasion.

Roasted Potatoes with Baked Feta and Garlic

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Author: Emmily
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These roasted potatoes with baked feta and garlic make the perfect savory side dish, combining crispy potatoes with creamy, flavorful feta and aromatic garlic.

Ingredients

1 lb baby potatoes, halved

200g feta cheese block

4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place the halved baby potatoes on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper, and toss to coat evenly.
Make a space in the center of the baking sheet and place the block of feta cheese. Add the smashed garlic cloves around the potatoes.
Roast in the oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and crispy, and the feta has softened and slightly browned.
Remove from the oven and carefully break up the feta cheese with a spoon. Toss everything together, making sure the feta melts into the potatoes.
Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.