Potatoes with Feta and Garlic

This roasted potato recipe transforms simple ingredients into a Mediterranean-inspired feast with creamy feta, aromatic herbs, and roasted garlic. The high-temperature roasting caramelizes the potatoes while the feta melts into a creamy, tangy topping that creates a delicious contrast of textures and flavors.

I discovered this dish during a cooking experiment when I had limited ingredients in my pantry. What started as a necessity quickly became a family favorite that even my cheese-skeptical teenager requests regularly.

Ingredients

• Baking potatoes: Chosen for their fluffy interior that becomes creamy while the exterior crisps beautifully
• Block feta cheese: Rather than crumbled for that dramatic melting effect in the oven
• Olive oil: Use a good quality one as it adds significant flavor to the finished dish
• Dried herbs (thyme and oregano): Provide classic Mediterranean flavors that stand up to roasting
• Fresh garlic: An entire head transforms into sweet spreadable goodness when roasted
• Lemon: Adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the cheese
• Honey: Creates a surprising sweet contrast with the salty feta
• Fresh basil: Added at the end for color and a pop of fresh flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and prepare:

Heat your oven to 390°F and get your baking dish ready. The high temperature is crucial for developing those crispy edges on the potatoes. Choose a dish that allows the potatoes to spread out rather than pile up this ensures even roasting and maximum crispiness.

Season the potatoes:

After drizzling with olive oil, the herb mixture coats each cube with flavor. Take time to toss thoroughly so every potato piece gets covered. The seasoning at this stage creates the flavor foundation for the entire dish.

Add the feta and garlic:

Positioning the feta block in the center creates a dramatic presentation. The clever trick of pressing one side into the seasoned oil before flipping ensures the cheese absorbs maximum flavor. For the garlic, cutting just the top exposes all the cloves while keeping them contained for easy roasting.

Bake to perfection:

During the 45-55 minute roasting time, magic happens. The potatoes develop a golden crust while their interiors become tender. The feta softens without completely melting, creating a creamy texture that will eventually blend with the potatoes. The garlic transforms from sharp and pungent to sweet and spreadable.

Mash and mix:

This step brings everything together. The roasted garlic becomes a paste that distributes garlicky goodness throughout the dish. When you mix the soft feta with the potatoes, you create varied textures in each bite some with more cheese, some with more potato, making every forkful interesting.

Finishing touch:

The drizzle of honey might seem unusual, but this final addition balances the savory, salty elements with a touch of sweetness that elevates the entire dish. The fresh basil adds color and a fresh herbal note that lightens the richness.

Pin it

This recipe reminds me of summers spent in Greece where similar combinations of feta, potatoes, and herbs appeared on tables everywhere. The first time I served it at a family gathering, my uncle who claims to dislike both feta and garlic had three helpings and then asked for the recipe.

Make It Your Own

The basic formula of potatoes, feta, and garlic provides endless opportunities for customization. Add cherry tomatoes or bell peppers during roasting for extra color and sweetness. Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes if you enjoy heat. You could even scatter olives throughout for a briny punch that complements the feta beautifully.

Storage and Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This helps restore some crispness to the potatoes. Avoid microwave reheating if possible as it makes the potatoes soggy.

Ingredient Swaps

No need to worry if you dont have exact ingredients. Baby potatoes work beautifully instead of larger baking potatoes. Goat cheese can substitute for feta if you prefer a different tangy flavor. Fresh herbs like rosemary or dill can replace or complement the dried herbs. For a dairy-free version, try a block of firm tofu marinaded in lemon, nutritional yeast, and herbs.

Pin it

Now that you have all the tips, tricks, and steps to create this dish, it's time to enjoy your Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes! While baking potatoes work well for their fluffy interior and crispy exterior, you can substitute Yukon Gold for a buttery flavor or red potatoes for a waxier texture that holds shape better. Just adjust cooking time slightly based on the variety and size of your potato cubes.

→ What can I substitute for feta cheese?

If feta isn't available, try goat cheese for a similar tangy flavor, halloumi for a firmer texture that won't melt as much, or even brie for a creamier result. Each will create a different flavor profile but work well with the potatoes and garlic.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can pre-cut the potatoes and store them in cold water up to 24 hours ahead. The completed dish is best served fresh from the oven when the potatoes are crispy and the feta is warm, but leftovers reheat well in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a diced fresh chili when seasoning the potatoes. You could also drizzle with chili-infused olive oil at the end or add a pinch of smoked paprika before baking for a smoky heat.

→ What can I serve with this potato and feta dish?

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It also works well alongside a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. For a vegetarian feast, serve it with a bean salad or Mediterranean dips like hummus and tzatziki.

→ Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

Fresh basil adds brightness that's difficult to replicate with dried herbs. If unavailable, use 1 teaspoon dried basil added with the other dried herbs before baking. Alternatively, substitute fresh parsley, mint, or dill at the end for a similar fresh herb finish.