Baked Feta Potatoes

This hearty baked feta potatoes recipe transforms simple ingredients into a Mediterranean-inspired dish that's perfect for both weeknight dinners and meal prep. The magic happens when the feta melts into a creamy sauce that coats the golden potatoes and burst tomatoes.

I first made these potatoes during a particularly busy week when I needed something effortless yet satisfying. The combination was so popular with my family that it's become our go to solution for those nights when we need comfort food without the fuss.

Ingredients

• Baby potatoes these waxy varieties hold their shape beautifully when roasted and develop a wonderful crispy exterior
• Feta cheese the star ingredient that transforms into a creamy tangy sauce choose a block in brine for the best melting quality
• Cherry tomatoes they burst during roasting releasing sweet juices that balance the salty feta
• Olive oil use a good quality extra virgin for the best flavor as it coats everything
• Garlic fresh minced cloves provide aromatic depth that infuses the entire dish
• Dried oregano this Mediterranean herb pairs perfectly with feta and tomatoes look for bright green dried leaves for maximum flavor
• Black pepper adds subtle heat that complements the tangy cheese
• Salt just a touch as the feta already provides plenty of saltiness
• Fresh herbs optional but highly recommended for a bright finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F while you prepare the vegetables. Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces ensuring they will cook at the same rate. The key here is consistency in size rather than perfect shapes. Combine them in your baking dish with the halved tomatoes which will release their juices during roasting. Add the minced garlic, ensuring it's evenly distributed to prevent burning. Drizzle everything with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano, pepper, and just a touch of salt, then toss until every piece is coated with the flavorful mixture.

Add the Feta

Position the block of feta cheese right in the center of your prepared vegetables. This central position allows the cheese to slowly melt and infuse the surrounding ingredients with its tangy flavor. The extra drizzle of olive oil on top prevents the feta from drying out and helps it develop a beautiful golden crust while keeping the interior creamy.

Roast Until Golden

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and let the magic happen for 35 to 40 minutes. About halfway through, gently stir the potatoes to ensure they brown evenly on all sides. You're looking for potatoes with crispy edges and tender centers, tomatoes that have softened and started to caramelize, and feta that has softened significantly and begun to take on a golden hue on top.

Stir and Serve

The final step transforms this dish from good to extraordinary. While everything is still hot from the oven, use a fork to break up the softened feta and stir it through the potatoes and tomatoes. The cheese will melt completely into a creamy sauce that coats every bite with tangy richness. Scatter fresh herbs over the top for a pop of color and brightness that balances the rich flavors.

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The cherry tomatoes are truly the unsung heroes of this dish. I discovered their importance one time when I made the recipe without them, and the sauce lacked that perfect sweet acidity that balances the salty feta. Now I sometimes even add extra tomatoes because their burst juices create the most wonderful sauce base.

Make Ahead and Storage

This dish shines as a meal prep option. After cooling completely, portion it into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight as everything melds together. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it's thickened too much in the refrigerator. A quick 2 minute stint in the microwave brings it back to life beautifully.

Customize Your Potatoes

The basic recipe is wonderful on its own, but you can easily adapt it to suit your preferences or use what you have on hand. Add red pepper flakes for heat, lemon zest for brightness, or kalamata olives for more Mediterranean flavor. For a complete meal, add protein like chickpeas before baking or top with grilled chicken afterward. Even the cheese can be switched out for goat cheese or brie if feta isn't available, though the texture and flavor profile will change slightly.

Serving Suggestions

These potatoes work beautifully as both a side dish and a main course. For a simple dinner, serve them alongside a green salad with a light vinaigrette. They also pair wonderfully with grilled meats or fish for a more substantial meal. One of my favorite ways to enjoy them is to top with a fried egg for breakfast or brunch the creamy yolk creates an additional sauce that takes this dish to a new level of deliciousness.

The Mediterranean Connection

This dish draws inspiration from Greek cuisine, where feta, tomatoes, and herbs form the backbone of many traditional recipes. The technique of baking feta until soft originated in rural Greek cooking, where simple, nourishing ingredients were transformed through straightforward cooking methods. By bringing these elements together, you're participating in a culinary tradition that spans generations across the Mediterranean region.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I use different types of potatoes for this dish?

Yes! While the recipe recommends baby potatoes, you can substitute with red potatoes or fingerlings as they hold their shape well during roasting. Russet potatoes will work but may break down more, creating a different texture.

→ How can I add more protein to this dish?

To increase protein content, consider adding chickpeas to roast alongside the potatoes, or serve with grilled chicken, baked salmon, or a fried egg on top. For vegetarians, roasted chickpeas or white beans make excellent additions.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish reheats beautifully and can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. The flavors often develop further after a day.

→ What can I substitute for feta cheese?

If you're not a fan of feta, try goat cheese for a similar tangy flavor but creamier texture. Halloumi will provide a different experience but works well with potatoes. For a dairy-free version, firm tofu seasoned with nutritional yeast and lemon can mimic some of the tangy qualities.

→ What sides pair well with baked feta potatoes?

This dish works wonderfully with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, or a crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a complete Mediterranean meal, serve with grilled fish and a side of tzatziki.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

To add heat, incorporate red pepper flakes when seasoning the potatoes or add sliced fresh chili peppers to roast alongside everything. A drizzle of chili oil just before serving also works wonderfully to add a spicy kick.