I absolutely love how the flavors come together in this Baked Feta Potatoes with Lemon, Garlic, and Basil Recipe. It s like a warm hug on a plate-comforting, bright, and so satisfying. The tangy feta pairs beautifully with the citrusy lemon and aromatic basil, while the garlic adds a mellow depth that just sings with every bite.
This dish works perfectly as a hearty side or even a light main when you want something that feels special but doesn t demand hours in the kitchen. You ll find it s a fantastic way to elevate humble potatoes with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. Trust me, once you try this Baked Feta Potatoes with Lemon, Garlic, and Basil Recipe, it ll become a go-to for cozy dinners and casual entertaining.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of lemon, garlic, and basil with baked feta creates a flavor-packed experience unlike any typical roasted potatoes.
- Easy Yet Elegant: It s simple to prepare but looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen-perfect for impressing guests or weeknight meals.
- Perfect Texture: Par-boiling the potatoes before roasting ensures they re tender inside and crispy on the outside, which really makes the dish stand out.
- Versatile and Adaptable: You can tweak herbs, spice levels, or add extras easily to suit your family s tastes or what s in your pantry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Baked Feta Potatoes with Lemon, Garlic, and Basil Recipe are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen to complement each other perfectly. When shopping, look for firm baking potatoes and a good-quality block of feta-you ll taste the difference.
- Baking potatoes: Choose large, starchy potatoes like Russets for a fluffier interior after roasting.
- Feta cheese block: A good-quality feta adds a salty creaminess that balances the lemon and herbs.
- Olive oil: Use extra virgin if possible, it brings out the herbs flavors while crisping the potatoes.
- Dried thyme: This herb adds subtle earthiness without overpowering the dish.
- Dried oregano: Brings a Mediterranean flair that harmonizes with feta perfectly.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning your potatoes and making all the flavors pop.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground works best for a hint of spice.
- Red chili flakes: Optional but highly recommended if you like a little heat.
- Garlic head: Roasting the whole head softens it into a sweet, mellow paste that s incredible stirred through the potatoes.
- Lemon: You ll use both juice and wedges to brighten every bite.
- Honey: Just a drizzle to balance acidity with gentle sweetness.
- Fresh basil: Adds freshness and vibrant color at the end.
Variations
I love that this Baked Feta Potatoes with Lemon, Garlic, and Basil Recipe is a blank canvas for you to make your own. Over time, I ve tried a few tweaks to suit different moods or what I had in the pantry, and each variation brings something fun to the plate.
- Herb swaps: I sometimes swap oregano for rosemary or fresh thyme for a slightly woodier aroma-I ve found any fresh herb works wonderfully here.
- Spice it up: Adding smoked paprika or cayenne instead of chili flakes gives the dish a warm smoky kick that my family adores.
- Cheese alternatives: In a pinch, goat cheese works as a substitute, though feta s crumbly texture and saltiness are tough to beat.
- Vegan version: Skip the feta and add marinated tofu cubes or vegan feta for a dairy-free twist.
How to Make Baked Feta Potatoes with Lemon, Garlic, and Basil Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Parboil Your Potatoes
Start by washing and cubing your potatoes into even pieces-about 1-inch cubes work best to get that perfect crispy outside and fluffy inside later. Pop them into a saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. I ve learned it s crucial not to overcook here; parboil for 6-8 minutes max. You want them just tender enough to cook through in the oven, not falling apart. Drain and let them steam dry for a couple of minutes-that dry surface is key for crispiness.
Step 2: Season and Roast the Potatoes
Transfer the parboiled potatoes into a baking dish. Add your dried thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, chili flakes, and the olive oil. Stir everything well so each piece is evenly coated-that s when the magic starts. Roast uncovered at 200°C (390°F) for 30-40 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the potatoes are golden and crispy. This step is what gives you that incredible texture that everyone will rave about.
Step 3: Add the Feta and Lemon
Once the potatoes are almost done, nestle the block of feta right in the middle of the dish. I like to lightly coat one side in seasonings before flipping it, which helps the flavor seep in. Squeeze half the lemon over the potatoes and cheese. Remove the garlic head from its foil or paper wrap-it ll be soft and fragrant by now. Return the dish to the oven for another 15 minutes so the feta can get warm and slightly melty.
Step 4: Mash Roasted Garlic and Toss Everything Together
Take the garlic head out once it s cooled enough to handle. Squeeze the roasted cloves out of their skins and mash them gently with the flat of your knife-this sweet, mellow garlic paste makes all the difference. In a bowl or right in the baking dish, combine the roasted potatoes, crumbled feta, garlic paste, the juice from the other half of the lemon, fresh torn basil, and a drizzle of honey. Mix gently to keep the feta chunks somewhat intact but spread that beautiful flavor everywhere. This final mix is the part I look forward to every time-I swear the fresh basil makes it feel so vibrant.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Baked Feta Potatoes with Lemon, Garlic, and Basil Recipe warm, straight from the pan or platter. I love watching people s faces light up with each bite-it s simple food that feels like a special occasion.
Pro Tips for Making Baked Feta Potatoes with Lemon, Garlic, and Basil Recipe
- Don t Skip Parboiling: This step is essential for tender but crispy potatoes; skipping it leads to uneven cooking.
- Use a Heavy Baking Dish: A ceramic or cast-iron dish holds heat better and crisps edges more evenly than glass or thin pans.
- Timing the Garlic: Roast the whole garlic head early with the potatoes to develop its sweet, mellow flavor without burning.
- Gentle Mixing: Stir the final mixture carefully to keep feta chunks intact-they add wonderful bursts of creaminess.
How to Serve Baked Feta Potatoes with Lemon, Garlic, and Basil Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing this dish with a bit more fresh basil for color and brightness, maybe a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Sometimes I grate a little lemon zest on top to amplify the citrusy punch-it s such a fresh, vibrant touch that wakes up the whole dish.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a light grilled chicken or fish. For a vegetarian option, some roasted vegetables or a chickpea salad complement the lemon and feta notes nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I like to serve these potatoes in a shallow ceramic dish surrounded by fresh lemon wedges and basil sprigs. Layering in a few colorful heirloom tomatoes or olives around the edges adds Mediterranean charm and makes the table look festive and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Feta Potatoes with Lemon, Garlic, and Basil store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always cool them completely before refrigerating to keep the texture as good as possible.
Freezing
While I haven t had much success freezing this dish without losing that crisp roast texture, you can freeze the baked potatoes and feta separately if needed. Just know fresh tastes best, so I usually recommend enjoying leftovers within a few days.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop the leftovers in a warm oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes to help crisp the potatoes again. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve texture, though it works in a pinch.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While I recommend starchy baking potatoes like Russets for the best texture, you can use Yukon Golds or red potatoes. Just keep in mind waxy potatoes hold their shape differently and may produce a less fluffy interior.
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What if I don t have fresh basil on hand?
You can substitute fresh basil with a teaspoon of dried basil or even fresh parsley. The flavor won t be quite as vibrant, but it still adds nice herbal notes to the dish.
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Is it necessary to roast the whole garlic head?
Roasting the whole garlic head softens it into a sweet, paste-like consistency that blends perfectly with the potatoes. While you can add chopped garlic instead, the flavor will be sharper and less mellow.
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Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes! Replace the feta with a vegan cheese alternative or marinated tofu cubes. The rest of the recipe remains the same and still packs plenty of flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Feta Potatoes with Lemon, Garlic, and Basil Recipe has quickly become one of my favorites to make anytime I want something tasty but fuss-free. It s that perfect mix of creamy, tangy, and herby with comforting crispy potatoes-just what I want on a laid-back evening. I really hope you give it a try and enjoy every bite as much as I do; it s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again, I promise.
Print
Baked Feta Potatoes with Lemon, Garlic, and Basil Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Feta Potatoes is a deliciously savory and comforting dish featuring crispy roasted potatoes infused with herbs and olive oil, topped with creamy baked feta cheese, fresh basil, and a hint of honey and lemon for a perfect balance of flavors. This simple, oven-baked recipe delivers a perfect side or light main dish with a Mediterranean twist.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 large baking potatoes
Cheese & Flavorings
- 1 200g block of feta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp red chilli flakes
- 1 head of garlic (top cut off)
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup (20g) fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) to prepare for roasting your potatoes and baking the feta.
- Parboil Potatoes: Wash and cube the potatoes. Place them in a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Parboil the potatoes for 6-8 minutes, ensuring not to exceed 10 minutes. Drain and steam dry for 2-3 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Coat Potatoes: Transfer the parboiled potatoes to a baking dish. Add the dried thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir well to coat the potatoes evenly with the seasonings and oil.
- Roast Potatoes: Roast the seasoned potatoes in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes until they turn golden brown, crispy on the outside, and nearly cooked through.
- Add Feta & Lemon: Place the block of feta in the center of the baking dish. Optionally, dip one side of the feta in the seasonings before flipping it. Squeeze half of the lemon over the feta and potatoes.
- Prepare Garlic: Remove the whole head of garlic from the dish after initial roasting and allow it to cool slightly. Then squeeze the softened garlic cloves out of their skins and mash with the flat side of a knife. Set aside the mashed garlic.
- Bake Feta & Potatoes Again: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the feta to soften and the flavors to meld.
- Mix Garlic & Basil: Remove the dish from the oven and gently stir in the mashed garlic, juice from the remaining half of the lemon, and fresh basil leaves. Use a spoon to combine the roast potatoes with the melted feta, creating a creamy mixture.
- Finish & Serve: Drizzle the honey over the top and garnish with additional shredded basil if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, flavorful baked feta potatoes.
Notes
- Parboiling the potatoes ensures they cook through while roasting and develop a crispy exterior.
- Use fresh basil for a vibrant flavor contrast to the salty feta and roasted garlic.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the red chili flakes.
- Honey adds a subtle sweetness to balance the tangy feta and lemon juice.
- This dish can be a vegetarian main or a hearty side for meat dishes.
- Ensure garlic is softened well during roasting for easy mashing and mellow flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
