Okay, so I’m always on the hunt for those magical side dishes that look impressive but are secretly super easy, right? Well, let me tell you, these Oven-Baked Feta Potatoes totally nailed it for me last weekend when my sister popped over for an impromptu dinner. We’re talking perfectly crispy potatoes on the outside, then that crazy tender, fluffy inside, all smothered in this creamy, dreamy melted feta sauce. Seriously, it’s like a flavor party in your mouth, and the best part? Minimal effort, maximum deliciousness. If you need a go-to easy side dish, you’ve gotta try these!
Why You’ll Love These Oven-Baked Feta Potatoes
Seriously, these potatoes are a game-changer. Here’s why you’ll be making them again and again:
- Super Easy: Honestly, it’s mostly hands-off once everything’s in the oven!
- Amazing Flavor Combo: That salty feta mixed with earthy potatoes and herbs? Chef’s kiss!
- Perfect Texture: Crispy edges, tender centers – it’s the potato dream.
- Loads of Versatility: They go with *everything*, seriously.
- Crowd Pleaser: Even picky eaters usually gobble these up.
- Quick to Prep: You can have them seasoned and ready for the oven in under 15 minutes.
Ingredients for Oven-Baked Feta Potatoes
Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make these incredibly delicious oven-baked feta potatoes. It’s pretty straightforward, just good, honest ingredients that come together beautifully.
For the Potatoes:
- 1 kg potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Feta Topping:
- 200 g feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
When you’re grabbing your feta, try to get a good quality block feta packed in brine. It just tastes so much better and melts like a dream compared to pre-crumbled stuff. Trust me on this one!
Essential Equipment for Oven-Baked Feta Potatoes
You don’t need a fancy kitchen for these potatoes! Really, all you need is a good old baking sheet – a nice big one so the potatoes aren’t all crowded. Also, grab a large bowl for tossing everything together. That’s pretty much it! Simple as that.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Oven-Baked Feta Potatoes
Alright, let’s get these amazing potatoes into the oven! It’s a pretty simple process, but following these steps will make sure you get those perfectly crispy, feta-topped delights every single time. Trust me, it’s worth a little attention! For more ideas on roasting potatoes perfectly, you should totally check out my Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes recipe.
Preheating and Preparing the Pan
First things first, get that oven humming! You want to preheat it to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, lightly grease your baking sheet. You can use a little cooking spray, some more olive oil, or even a brush of butter. This little step is key to getting those lovely crispy edges instead of stuck-on spuds.
Seasoning the Potatoes
Grab your big bowl and dump those cubed potatoes in. Now, drizzle in your olive oil and sprinkle on the oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Get in there with your hands (or a big spoon!) and really toss them around until every single potato cube is coated. You want to make sure all those yummy seasonings cling on tight for maximum flavor!
First Bake and Potato Stir
Spread the seasoned potatoes out on your baking sheet in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan – give ’em some breathing room so they can roast and get crispy instead of steaming. Pop them into the hot oven for about 25 minutes. Once that time is up, pull them out and give them a good stir. This helps ensure they brown evenly on all sides.
Adding the Feta Topping
Okay, this is where the magic really happens! While the potatoes are still hot from their first bake, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese all over them. Then, scatter your minced garlic and chopped fresh parsley. Try to distribute everything evenly so you get that delicious feta goodness in every bite. If you’re making something like a Mediterranean Quinoa Salad, this step is going to complement it perfectly!
Final Bake for Melted Feta
Pop that baking sheet back into the oven for another 20 minutes. You’re looking for the potatoes to be completely tender when you poke them with a fork, and the feta should be beautifully melted and just starting to get a little golden around the edges. It smells amazing at this point, I promise!
Tips for Perfect Oven-Baked Feta Potatoes
Okay, so you’ve got this fantastic recipe, but let’s really elevate these oven-baked feta potatoes from great to absolutely stunning! My biggest tip? Don’t crowd the pan! seriously. It’s tempting to just shove them all in, but giving those potato cubes space to breathe lets them crisp up beautifully. If your baking sheet looks too full, just grab another one. Also, using Yukon Golds or red potatoes gives you a really lovely creamy texture inside that contrasts perfectly with the crispy outside. And honestly, don’t skimp on the feta – a good quality block feta really makes all the difference here. Looking for more potato inspo? You’ve gotta see my Potato Taco Bowls! They’re a whole different kind of potato magic!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Oven-Baked Feta Potatoes
Let’s chat about these fabulous oven-baked feta potatoes and some little tweaks you might want to make! For the feta itself, I really love using a good block of feta packed in brine – it tastes way richer and melts so much creamier than the pre-crumbled stuff. If you can’t find that, or if you’re not a huge feta fan, crumbled goat cheese is a pretty yummy alternative; it’ll give you a different kind of tang, which is also delicious. As for the herbs, fresh parsley is my go-to for that pop of freshness, but feel free to swap in some fresh dill or even chives if that’s what you have on hand. And if you’re out of olive oil, a light avocado oil or even melted butter would work in a pinch!
Serving Suggestions for Oven-Baked Feta Potatoes
These oven-baked feta potatoes are so versatile, they basically go with anything! They’re fantastic alongside a juicy piece of grilled chicken, like my Marry Me Chicken – the creamy and savory flavors just sing together. They’re also amazing with simple baked fish or even a hearty steak. Honestly, if you’re looking for a more complete meal in one go, they pair beautifully with something like my Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies. They just add that perfect, comforting potato element to round out any dinner table!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! To store these amazing oven-baked feta potatoes, just pop them into an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll be good for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, try spreading them out on a baking sheet in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes. This helps them get a little bit crispy again instead of just getting mushy in the microwave!
Frequently Asked Questions about Oven-Baked Feta Potatoes
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Oh, that’s a fun idea! You absolutely can try using sweet potatoes for this recipe. They’ll have a slightly different flavor and a softer texture, but the sweet and salty combo with feta is still amazing. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized cubes so they cook evenly, and keep an eye on them as they might cook a touch faster than regular potatoes.
What kind of potatoes are best for oven-baked feta potatoes?
Honestly, I love using Yukon Golds or even red potatoes for this. They have a great balance of creamy inside and they hold their shape well while still getting wonderfully crispy on the outside. Russets work too, but they can sometimes get a bit fluffier and might break apart more easily. Just avoid waxy potatoes like fingerlings if you want that perfect crispy bit alongside that melty feta!
Can I prep these oven-baked feta potatoes ahead of time?
You can totally get a head start! Go ahead and cube your potatoes and toss them with the oil and seasonings up to a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just spread them on the sheet and follow the recipe – they might need a few extra minutes in the oven since they’ll be starting out cold. Just add the feta later in the cooking process as usual!
I don’t have fresh parsley, what can I do?
No worries at all! If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can either skip it, or use about 2 teaspoons of dried parsley instead. It won’t have quite the same bright pop of flavor, but it will still be delicious! A little sprinkle of dried oregano on top at the end could also work if you want to add a bit more herby flavor after baking.
How do I make sure the feta doesn’t burn?
That’s a great question! The key is to add the feta cheese during the final part of the baking time. This way, it has just enough time to melt into that glorious, creamy sauce without having too much exposure to the high heat. Keep an eye on it during that final 20 minutes, and if it looks like it’s browning too quickly, you can always loosely tent the baking sheet with foil for the last few minutes.
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Just a heads-up, these numbers are just a ballpark estimate since every kitchen and every batch of ingredients can be a little different! Based on a typical serving, you’re looking at roughly 300-350 calories, with about 15-20g of fat (thanks, feta and olive oil!), maybe 5g of protein, and around 35-40g of carbs. Enjoy these delicious oven-baked feta potatoes responsibly!
Oven-Baked Feta Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, toss the potato cubes with olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25 minutes, then remove from the oven and stir the potatoes.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese, minced garlic, and chopped parsley over the potatoes.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the feta is melted and slightly golden.
- Serve hot.