Roasted Potatoes with Baked Feta and Garlic is a simple yet flavor-packed dish that combines crispy golden potatoes with creamy, slightly tangy feta cheese and the rich depth of slow-roasted garlic. The herbs bring warmth and fragrance, while lemon and honey balance the savory notes with brightness and a touch of sweetness. This dish is perfect as a side for grilled meats, as part of a vegetarian meal, or even as a hearty appetizer or brunch option. What makes it so special is the contrast of textures: crisp potatoes, soft feta, and roasted garlic you can squeeze out like butter. The final touch of fresh basil elevates the whole dish, adding color and a clean, fresh finish.
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s rustic yet elegant, comforting yet refined, this one hits the mark. It’s incredibly easy to prepare with minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavor. Everything bakes together on one pan, making cleanup easy and the process efficient. The honey and lemon give this Mediterranean-inspired dish a beautifully balanced profile. Whether you’re serving guests or treating yourself to something special, this is a dish that won’t disappoint.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Flavor Balance: A harmony of savory, salty, sweet, and citrusy in every bite.
- Easy One-Pan Meal: Minimal dishes and maximum flavor all baked together.
- Incredible Texture: Crispy potatoes, creamy feta, and silky roasted garlic.
- Customizable and Flexible: Add or swap herbs and spices to suit your preferences.
- Visually Impressive: It looks beautiful on the table with its colorful, golden presentation.
Ingredients
- Baking potatoes
- Feta cheese
- Olive oil
- Dried thyme
- Dried oregano
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic
- Lemon
- Honey
- Fresh basil
Variations
- Add Veggies: Include red onions, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for added color and flavor.
- Use Goat Cheese: Swap feta for soft goat cheese for a more tangy and creamy result.
- Spice It Up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a little heat.
- Fresh Herb Twist: Use fresh thyme or oregano instead of dried for a brighter herb flavor.
- Vegan Option: Use a plant-based feta alternative and skip the honey or replace it with maple syrup.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet or oven-safe dish with parchment paper.
Step 2
Place the cubed potatoes in a large bowl and toss with half of the olive oil, dried thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3
Spread the seasoned potatoes on the baking sheet. Nestle the block of feta and whole garlic head (with the top sliced off) among the potatoes.
Step 4
Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the feta and garlic. Add the lemon quarters to the pan.
Step 5
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and crispy and the feta is soft and browned.
Step 6
Remove from the oven and drizzle the dish with honey while still warm. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil before serving.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Cut potatoes evenly to ensure they roast at the same rate.
- Use a quality block of feta, not crumbled, for best texture and flavor.
- Wrap the garlic loosely in foil if you prefer a milder roast.
- Squeeze the roasted garlic over the dish before serving for an extra boost of flavor.
- Stir everything together gently after baking to coat the potatoes in the melted feta and garlic.
How to Serve
Serve this dish warm as a side with roasted chicken, grilled lamb, or baked fish. It also works well as a vegetarian main with a fresh green salad or warm flatbread. For brunch, serve alongside poached or scrambled eggs. It makes an elegant and satisfying addition to any meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
While the potatoes freeze well, the feta may change texture slightly. If freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat in a 375°F oven until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it may make the potatoes soggy and the feta rubbery.
FAQs
1. Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block?
Yes, but a block of feta holds its shape and melts better during roasting.
2. Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No, just scrub them well. The skin adds texture and flavor.
3. What kind of potatoes work best?
Baking potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold are ideal for crispness and texture.
4. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic is key for roasting, but in a pinch, garlic powder can be added to the potatoes.
5. Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
6. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the potatoes and seasonings in advance and bake just before serving.
7. How do I make this vegan?
Use vegan feta and replace honey with maple syrup or agave.
8. Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
Yes, add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even cooked sausage to make it more filling.
9. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely, use about three times more fresh herbs for equivalent flavor.
10. How do I know when the feta is perfectly baked?
It should be soft, slightly golden on top, and starting to melt into the pan.
Conclusion
Roasted Potatoes with Baked Feta and Garlic is a beautifully balanced, easy-to-make dish that delivers bold Mediterranean flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, its crisp edges, creamy cheese, and roasted garlic will impress every time. Flexible, flavorful, and effortlessly elegant, this is a side dish worth keeping in your regular rotation.
Print
Roasted Potatoes with Baked Feta and Garlic
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, golden potatoes roast alongside creamy baked feta and aromatic garlic. A Mediterranean-inspired side or light main that’s both elegant and effortless—perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
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1–2 large baking potatoes, washed and cubed (~1½ lb / 680 g)
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7 oz (200 g) block of feta cheese
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2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
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1 tsp dried thyme
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1 tsp salt
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1 tsp black pepper
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1 head garlic, top sliced off
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1 lemon, quartered (plus optional zest/drizzle)
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1 Tbsp honey
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¼ cup (20 g) fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C).
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In a large bowl, toss cubed potatoes with 1 Tbsp olive oil, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper until coated.
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Spread potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet or dish, leaving space for the feta and garlic.
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Nestle the feta block in the center; drizzle feta with remaining olive oil, honey, and a sprinkle of oregano.
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Place the head of garlic (cut‑top) on the tray.
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Roast for 35–40 minutes, until potatoes are golden and feta softens; toss potatoes halfway through.
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Remove from oven; squeeze roasted garlic out of cloves and mash/mix into potatoes and feta.
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Squeeze lemon juice over the dish, toss gently, then garnish with fresh basil (and optional lemon zest).
- Serve immediately, hot and fragrant.
Notes
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Use waxy-style potatoes (Yukon Gold, baking potatoes) for best texture.
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Keeping the garlic head whole prevents burning; mash it in at the end.
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Honey adds balance—omit for a saltier profile.
- Lemon and basil brighten the rich flavors beautifully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean