These Easy Baked Feta Potatoes are a total treat! Soft potatoes topped with creamy feta cheese and roasted to perfection are irresistible. And those crispy edges? Yes, please!
I love how simple this dish is to make! Just pop everything in the oven and relax. You might even want to eat the crispy edges first—they’re like little potato hugs!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: These little gems are ideal because they cook evenly and have a creamy texture. If you can’t find baby potatoes, you can cut larger potatoes into quarters. Just keep an eye on the cooking time.
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps achieve crispy edges. You could substitute it with avocado oil or melted butter for a different taste, but olive oil is my go-to!
Feta Cheese: Feta gives this dish its unique creaminess. If you’re avoiding dairy, try a plant-based feta cheese alternative, or use a combination of nutritional yeast and cashews for a cheesy flavor.
Garlic Powder & Dried Oregano: Both add amazing flavor! Fresh garlic and fresh oregano work well too. Just use a bit more of the fresh herbs since they are milder in flavor.
How Do You Get the Perfectly Crispy Edges on Potatoes?
Getting crispy edges on your baked potatoes is all about the right technique! Here’s how to achieve that crunchy goodness:
- Make sure to toss the potatoes well with olive oil. This ensures they’re fully coated and crisp up nicely.
- Spread them out in a single layer on your baking sheet. Crowding can lead to steaming instead of roasting.
- Turn them halfway through cooking. This helps them brown evenly on all sides!
- Finally, don’t skip the second bake after adding feta. This step raises the flavor and texture game by crisping the potatoes more.
Easy Baked Feta Potatoes with Crispy Edges
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Feta Topping:
- 8 ounces feta cheese, cut into small cubes or crumbled
- Fresh thyme sprigs (or fresh oregano), for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, then you will bake the potatoes for approximately 35-45 minutes in total. It’s a quick dish that rewards you with flavorful and gooey feta goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the potatoes will cook evenly and get nice and crispy.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
In a large bowl, add the halved baby potatoes. Drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle the garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper over them. Toss everything together until the potatoes are well-coated—this enhances their flavor and crispiness!
3. Arrange on a Baking Sheet:
Spread the seasoned potatoes out on a baking sheet in a single layer. This is important because it helps them roast rather than steam. No one likes soggy potatoes!
4. Bake for Tenderness:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the potatoes for about 25-30 minutes. Remember to turn them halfway through to ensure an even golden color and texture.
5. Add the Feta:
Once the potatoes are starting to get tender and slightly golden, take the baking sheet out. Evenly scatter the feta cheese cubes on top of the potatoes. This will melt and mingle beautifully with the warm potatoes.
6. Final Bake for Crispiness:
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes. You want the feta to soften and get attractive, slight browning, while the potatoes should have crispy, golden edges.
7. Garnish and Serve:
When done, take them out of the oven and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a lovely herbal touch. Serve the baked feta potatoes warm as a delightful side dish or a satisfying light meal. Enjoy every bite of creamy feta paired with beautifully crispy potatoes!
This dish combines simple ingredients with rich flavors, making it a perfect addition to any meal or a lovely centerpiece for a gathering!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes are great for their creamy texture, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes as well. Just cut them into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover baked feta potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can pop them back in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to restore their crispiness.
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Yes! Simply replace the feta cheese with a plant-based feta alternative or try using nutritional yeast combined with soaked cashews blended until creamy for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
What Variations Can I Try?
You can get creative with this recipe by adding vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or even spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. Just toss them in with the potatoes before baking to enjoy additional colors and tastes!
