These Easy Baked Feta Potatoes are a treat! Soft, warm potatoes topped with creamy feta, herbs, and some olive oil make a wonderful dish full of flavor.
Honestly, once you try these potatoes, they may become your new favorite side! I love how easy they are—just bake, top, and enjoy. Perfect for sharing, or not! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: I love using yellow or gold baby potatoes because they get nice and crispy. If you can’t find them, you could use regular potatoes, just cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Feta Cheese: Feta is essential for that creamy, tangy flavor! If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, try using vegan feta or a nut-based cheese. They might change the taste a bit but can still be delicious!
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds richness and helps the potatoes crisp up. You could swap it for avocado oil if you’d like a different flavor or want a higher smoke point when roasting.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme adds a nice aroma and flavor. If you don’t have it, dried thyme works too! Adjust the amount since dried herbs are more potent—about 1/3 teaspoon is enough.
How Do I Get the Potatoes Extra Crispy?
Getting those beautiful golden, crispy potatoes takes a little care. First, ensure that the oven is fully preheated. Start by baking them cut side down, which helps create a nice crust. Plus, flipping them halfway through is key to even crisping!
- Spread them out on the baking sheet; avoid overcrowding, as that traps steam and makes them soggy.
- After the initial roast, adding feta and herbs lets everything bake together, enhancing the flavors.
This method helps achieve that perfect combination of crispy outside and fluffy inside, making for a delightful dish!
Easy Baked Feta Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 1.5 pounds small baby potatoes (yellow or gold variety)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Topping:
- 4 oz block of feta cheese, cubed or crumbled
- Fresh thyme sprigs (about 6-8 sprigs)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation time and 40-47 minutes total cooking time. This includes 30-35 minutes of baking for the potatoes, followed by an additional 10-12 minutes for the feta. A delicious and easy dish ready in less than an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First things first! Set your oven to preheat at 400°F (200°C). This is key to getting those potatoes perfectly crispy.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
Give the baby potatoes a good wash to remove any dirt. Cut each potato in half, making sure they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
3. Mix It Up:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix them well so every potato is coated in those yummy flavors!
4. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Spread the potatoes cut side down on a baking sheet or in an oven-safe dish. Make sure they’re in a single layer; this helps them roast evenly and get that lovely crispiness.
5. Roast the Potatoes:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You want the potatoes to be tender on the inside and golden brown on the edges. Check them around the 25-minute mark to see how they’re doing!
6. Add the Feta:
Once the potatoes are roasted, take them out and sprinkle the cubed or crumbled feta cheese evenly over the hot potatoes. This is where the magic happens!
7. Sprinkle Over Thyme:
Gently place fresh thyme sprigs on top of the feta and potatoes for that delightful aroma and flavor. It really brings everything together!
8. Final Bake:
Put the dish back in the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes. This allows the feta to soften and develop a light golden color—yum!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
When done, take it out of the oven and give everything a gentle toss for a delightful mix of flavors. Serve warm, garnished with a bit more fresh black pepper if you’d like. Enjoy your creamy, tangy, herb-infused Baked Feta Potatoes as a side dish or a light main with a fresh salad!
These potatoes are bursting with flavors, making them a perfect addition to any meal. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Baked Feta Potatoes
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes are perfect for this recipe, you can use any type of potato. Just remember to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work great too!
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If you’re looking for a substitute, crumbled goat cheese or ricotta can work in a pinch, though the flavor will differ. For a dairy-free option, try using a vegan feta or a nut-based cheese to keep the creamy consistency.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave until heated through. You can add a splash of olive oil before reheating for extra flavor!
Can I Customize the Herbs and Spices?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs like rosemary, basil, or parsley. You can even add some crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Adjust according to your taste preferences!