There is something truly magical about the combination of tender, golden potatoes with creamy, tangy feta cheese, all infused with the vibrant flavors of garlic and fresh lemon. This Baked Feta Potatoes with Garlic and Lemon Recipe is a simple yet exceptional dish that brings together ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen to create a comforting and flavorful experience. Perfect as a satisfying side or a light main, this recipe is bound to become a favorite for cozy dinners and casual gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture — from the hearty potatoes to the sharpness of feta, and the aromatic punch of garlic and lemon.
- Large baking potatoes: These provide a fluffy interior and crispy edges when roasted perfectly.
- Block of feta cheese (200g): Adds a creamy, salty contrast that melts delightfully with the potatoes.
- Olive oil: Essential for roasting, it helps create a golden crust and enhances the aroma.
- Dried thyme: Brings an earthy, slightly floral note that complements the potatoes beautifully.
- Dried oregano: Adds a rustic herbaceous flavor that pairs excellently with feta.
- Salt: Heightens all the other flavors perfectly.
- Black pepper: Gives a gentle heat and depth.
- Head of garlic (with the top cut off): Roasting softens the garlic, creating a sweet, mellow sweetness perfect for mashing.
- Lemon (quartered): Provides fresh citrus brightness that balances the richness.
- Honey: Just a touch to add subtle sweetness and harmony.
How to Make Baked Feta Potatoes with Garlic and Lemon Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Potatoes
Start by setting your oven to 390°F (200°C) to get it nice and hot, ensuring the potatoes will crisp up wonderfully. While it heats, wash and cube your baking potatoes into uniform pieces for even roasting and place them in a roomy baking dish.
Step 2: Season the Potatoes
Sprinkle the cubed potatoes generously with dried thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle one tablespoon of olive oil over everything, then toss to coat each piece evenly. This seasoning step is crucial for infusing the potatoes with rich herb flavors that come alive as they roast.
Step 3: Arrange Feta, Garlic, and Lemon
Nestle a whole block of feta right in the center of your potatoes for it to bake perfectly alongside. Surround the feta and potatoes with garlic whose top has been sliced off, exposing the cloves, and add the lemon quarters scattered around. Drizzle a little more olive oil over the top to help everything roast into tender, golden perfection.
Step 4: Roast Until Golden and Crispy
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. The potatoes should become golden and crispy on the outside while softening inside, the feta will turn luxuriously creamy, and the garlic will become sweet and tender — a perfect trio of textures and aromas.
Step 5: Mash and Combine
Once baked, carefully remove the garlic bulbs and squeeze the softened cloves into the potatoes. Mash the feta cheese into the potatoes to create a harmoniously creamy mixture, then add a fresh squeeze of lemon juice to brighten all the flavors. Give it a gentle mix and get ready to serve.
How to Serve Baked Feta Potatoes with Garlic and Lemon Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top adds a fresh, vibrant touch and a pop of color that looks as good as it tastes. For a little extra zing, you might also drizzle a bit more olive oil or a tiny splash of lemon juice before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish stands wonderfully on its own but also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a wholesome meal. It’s also a great companion to grilled chicken or fish, where the creamy feta potatoes offer a rich, satisfying contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style in the baking dish for a rustic vibe or transfer to individual plates and drizzle honey over the top for an unexpected touch of sweetness that lights up the palate. For a fun twist, consider topping with chopped toasted nuts like walnuts for crunch and extra flavor complexity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Baked Feta Potatoes with Garlic and Lemon Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
While freshly baked potatoes are best enjoyed immediately, you can freeze the cooked potatoes and feta mixture for up to one month. Place the cooled mixture in a freezer-safe container or bag, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in an oven at 350°F (175°C) to restore the crispy edges, or microwave on medium power stirring occasionally for even warming. Adding a small splash of olive oil before reheating helps bring back a lovely texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?
While feta is ideal for its tangy and creamy texture that pairs beautifully with potatoes, you can experiment with cheeses like halloumi or ricotta salata, but keep in mind the flavor profile and melting properties will differ.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Baked Feta Potatoes with Garlic and Lemon Recipe holds up well refrigerated and can be quickly reheated, making it a convenient and delicious option for meal prepping.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, fresh thyme and oregano will give a brighter and more aromatic flavor. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried to achieve the same intensity.
What if I don’t have lemon on hand?
Lemon adds a fresh acidity that balances the richness but you can substitute with a splash of white wine vinegar or a bit of lime juice — both provide a similar bright note.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
You’ll want to roast until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and golden on the outside. This usually takes between 45 and 55 minutes but can vary with potato size.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Baked Feta Potatoes with Garlic and Lemon Recipe, it’s hard to go back to plain roasted potatoes. The creamy feta and rich garlic combine with sunny lemon brightness in a dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare yet impressive in flavor. Whether you’re cooking for two or serving up a comforting side, this recipe is a winner any time of the year — do give it a go and bring some sunshine to your table!
Print
Baked Feta Potatoes with Garlic and Lemon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
- Total Time: 55-65 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Feta Potatoes recipe combines crispy golden potatoes with creamy baked feta cheese infused with garlic, lemon, and aromatic herbs. Perfect as a comforting side dish or a flavorful vegetarian main, this easy oven-baked recipe melds savory and tangy flavors with a luscious texture in just under an hour.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Cheese
- 1–2 large baking potatoes
- 1 (200g) block of feta cheese
Herbs and Seasoning
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 head of garlic (top cut off)
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1 tbsp honey
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 390°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the potatoes and feta.
- Prepare Potatoes: Wash the baking potatoes thoroughly and cube them into bite-sized pieces. Place these cubes into a baking dish.
- Season Potatoes: Sprinkle the potatoes evenly with dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the potatoes, then toss them well to ensure all pieces are coated with the herbs, seasoning, and oil.
- Arrange Feta and Aromatics: Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the baking dish, surrounded by the seasoned potatoes. Add the head of garlic with its top cut off and the lemon quarters around the potatoes and feta. Drizzle the remaining olive oil across the entire dish.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. The potatoes should become golden and crispy, and the feta soft and creamy.
- Prepare Garlic and Potatoes: Remove the garlic head from the dish. Squeeze the softened garlic cloves out of their skins and mash them into the potatoes, distributing the rich garlic flavor.
- Mash and Combine: Mash the baked feta cheese and mix it thoroughly with the potatoes and garlic. Add a squeeze of lemon juice from the baked lemon quarters to brighten the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm as a delicious side or vegetarian main dish.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of herbs and seasoning according to taste preference.
- Honey can be drizzled over the final dish for a subtle sweet contrast, although it is optional.
- For a crispier texture, you may broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
- Fresh herbs like basil are recommended for garnish to add a fresh, aromatic touch.
