Roasted Potatoes Baked Feta Garlic

This rustic roasted potato dish with feta and garlic transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The potatoes get crispy while the feta becomes creamy and slightly caramelized, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will leave you scraping the dish for every last morsel.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly busy week when I needed something impressive yet effortless for unexpected dinner guests. Since then, it's become my signature dish that friends specifically request when they visit.

Ingredients

• Baking potatoes: Chosen for their fluffy interior that crisps beautifully on the outside
• Block feta cheese: Use authentic Greek feta for the best flavor and melting quality
• Olive oil: Look for extra virgin for its robust flavor that stands up to roasting
• Dried herbs: Thyme and oregano provide Mediterranean flavor that permeates the dish
• Whole garlic head: Transforms into sweet roasted garlic that enriches everything it touches
• Fresh lemon: Adds brightness and balances the richness of the cheese
• Honey: Creates caramelization and counterbalances the saltiness of the feta
• Fresh basil: Brings a final aromatic element that ties everything together

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare:

Turn your oven to 390°F and ensure the rack is in the middle position. Wash your potatoes thoroughly, as we'll be eating the skins for extra texture and nutrition. Cut them into roughly 1inch cubes, keeping them uniform for even cooking. Use a baking dish large enough that potatoes can spread out without overcrowding.

Season the Potatoes:

Drizzle the first tablespoon of olive oil over the potatoes, making sure to move them around to coat all sides. Sprinkle the dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper evenly across the potatoes. Use your hands to toss everything together, ensuring each cube is well coated with oil and seasonings. This creates the flavor foundation for the entire dish.

Add the Feta and Garlic:

Place your block of feta right in the center where it will slowly melt and infuse the surrounding potatoes. For an extra flavor boost, press one side of the feta block into the herb mixture on the potatoes before placing it. Position the garlic head with its cut side up next to the feta. Tuck the lemon wedges around the dish and finish with another drizzle of olive oil over everything, focusing especially on the exposed garlic to prevent burning.

Bake to Perfection:

Roast for about 50 minutes, checking at the 35minute mark. The potatoes should be developing a golden crust, and the feta will start to soften and brown slightly. The garlic is done when the cloves are soft and can be easily pierced with a knife. If the garlic is browning too quickly, cover just that portion with a small piece of foil.

Mash and Mix:

Allow the garlic to cool slightly so you can handle it. Gently squeeze each clove from the bottom, pushing the soft, caramelized garlic onto the potatoes and feta. Use a fork to mash this into a rough paste. Squeeze the juice from the remaining lemon wedges over everything, catching any seeds. Scatter half the chopped basil across the dish and give everything a gentle stir, being careful not to break up the feta completely.

Finishing Touch:

While everything is still hot, drizzle the honey in a zigzag pattern across the dish. The warmth will help it distribute and create little pockets of sweetness. Finish with the remaining fresh basil for color and a final burst of herbal aroma.

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The roasted garlic is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. The first time I made this for my mother-in-law, who claimed to dislike garlic, she couldn't stop raving about the "mysterious sweet flavor" in the potatoes. When I revealed it was an entire head of garlic, she couldn't believe something so pungent could transform into something so mellow and delicious.

Make Ahead Options

This dish is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts. You can cube the potatoes and store them submerged in cold water in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just drain thoroughly and pat dry before proceeding with the recipe. You can also assemble the entire dish up to the baking stage and refrigerate covered for up to 8 hours. Allow an extra 10 minutes of cooking time if baking from cold.

Creative Variations

While this recipe is perfect as written, there are many ways to make it your own. Try adding cherry tomatoes in the last 15 minutes of roasting for bursts of juicy sweetness. Mediterranean olives scattered throughout add briny pops of flavor. For meat lovers, crispy pancetta or bacon bits sprinkled over the finished dish provide a savory contrast to the creamy feta. Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or dill based on what you have on hand.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with so many main courses. Serve alongside a simple roasted chicken for a complete meal. For a vegetarian feast, accompany with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The potatoes are also excellent as part of a Mediterranean mezze spread with hummus, olives, and fresh pita. During summer, this makes a substantial side to grilled meats or fish.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use sweet potatoes instead of baking potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes can be used, but they may cook slightly faster than regular baking potatoes, so monitor the roasting time closely.

→ How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

If the garlic starts browning too much during roasting, remove it after 35 minutes to avoid burning, then continue roasting the potatoes and feta.

→ What can I use instead of feta cheese?

You can substitute feta with halloumi, goat cheese, or ricotta, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare components like the potatoes and garlic paste ahead, then mix and reheat before serving.

→ What herbs pair well with this dish?

In addition to thyme and oregano, rosemary and parsley work wonderfully to enhance the flavor profile of this dish.