These Easy Cheesy Baked Feta Potatoes are a comforting dish packed with creamy feta, buttery potatoes, and lots of gooey cheese. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home!
Honestly, who can resist cheesy potatoes? I love topping them with fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor. They’re a hit every time, even with picky eaters! 🧀🥔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Yellow Potatoes: These small, waxy potatoes are perfect for roasting since they hold their shape well. If you can’t find them, feel free to use any small potato variety, like fingerlings or baby red potatoes.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a creamy, tangy flavor. If you’re looking for a substitute, goat cheese works well for a similar texture, or even a mild ricotta for a different spin.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds richness and helps with browning. You can swap it out for melted butter or another cooking oil like avocado oil if you prefer.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a nice punch. If you’re short on fresh garlic, use garlic powder instead, about 1/4 teaspoon should do the trick.
How Do I Ensure My Potatoes Are Extra Crispy?
For potatoes to be crispy and delicious, proper preparation makes a difference. Start by patted them dry to remove any moisture, which helps them roast instead of steam. Arranging them cut side down in the baking dish ensures a lovely golden crust. Keep an eye on them as they bake, and don’t hesitate to give them a little extra time in the oven if needed.
- Preheat your oven fully before adding the potatoes to get that maximum crisp.
- Baking them at a higher temperature helps achieve a crunchy outer layer while keeping the inside soft.
- If you want an even deeper crunch, consider flipping the potatoes halfway through the baking time.
Easy Cheesy Baked Feta Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds baby yellow potatoes, halved
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme sprigs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time and around 45 minutes of baking time. In total, you’ll spend about 55 minutes from start to finish before you can dig into these delicious potatoes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is essential for getting that nice, crispy texture on the potatoes.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
Wash the baby yellow potatoes under cold water and then cut them in half. It’s important to dry them off with a paper towel; this helps them roast better and get crispier in the oven!
3. Season the Potatoes:
In a mixing bowl, toss those halved potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Make sure they are well coated so every bite is bursting with flavor!
4. Bake the Potatoes:
Transfer the seasoned potatoes to a baking dish, arranging them in a single layer with the cut side facing down. This helps them brown evenly. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until they start to turn golden and are tender when poked with a fork.
5. Add Feta Cheese:
Take the baking dish out of the oven carefully, and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the potatoes. This will add that cheesy goodness we all love!
6. Final Bake:
Return the dish to the oven and let it bake for another 10-15 minutes. The feta will soften and become slightly brown—just perfect!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a minute. If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh thyme or parsley on top for a pop of color. Serve these cheesy baked feta potatoes hot, and enjoy every bite!
Enjoy your easy, cheesy baked feta potatoes — crispy on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside! Perfect as a side dish or even a main course!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Baked Feta Potatoes
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While feta adds a unique tanginess, you can substitute it with goat cheese for a similar creamy texture or mozzarella for a milder, gooey result. Just keep in mind that different cheeses may alter the flavor slightly.
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can pre-wash and season the potatoes a day ahead and store them in the fridge. Just let them come to room temperature before baking. You can also bake the potatoes and reheat them, but they may lose some crispiness.
How Do I Store Leftover Baked Feta Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. This will help restore some of the crispiness!
What Can I Serve with Baked Feta Potatoes?
These cheesy potatoes pair wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. They’re versatile enough to be served as a side dish or even as a standalone meal!
