Who said comfort food has to be complicated? These Roasted Potatoes with Baked Feta and Garlic might just become your go-to dish for easy, utterly satisfying weeknight dinners. The golden potatoes are crisp and tender, while the warm, creamy baked feta mingles with the sweet, caramelized roasted garlic—topped with a hint of honey and an aromatic shower of fresh basil. Each bite is a delicious symphony of flavors and textures, ready in just about an hour with only a handful of steps. If you’re looking for a dish that truly celebrates simplicity but feels a little bit special, you are in the right place.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously Simple: This recipe is proof that minimal ingredients can dazzle. The oven does most of the heavy lifting here.
- Perfect for Busy Nights: With only about 10 minutes of hands-on prep, you can get back to your other to-dos while dinner roasts to perfection.
- Flavor Bomb: Roasting garlic and potatoes together? Absolute magic. Add salty, tangy feta and a drizzle of honey, and you’ve got next-level comfort.
- Workspace-Friendly: Only one baking dish needed—fewer dishes make all the difference after a long day.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s hearty enough for vegetarians and savory enough for any cheese lover at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need, and why each ingredient deserves its spot in this dreamy bake:
- Baking Potatoes: For creamy insides and golden, crispy edges. Make sure to cube them for even roasting.
- Feta Cheese: Go for the block, not pre-crumbled. When baked, feta becomes soft, creamy, and spreadable.
- Olive Oil: Essential for coating the potatoes and adding richness to the whole dish.
- Dried Thyme & Oregano: These Mediterranean herbs amp up the flavor, making every bite savory and aromatic.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Classic seasoning; don’t skimp here.
- Garlic Head: Roasting a whole head mellows it out and brings complex, buttery garlic notes.
- Lemon: The juice lifts everything with zesty brightness; roasting the wedges alongside infuses a subtle citrus scent.
- Honey: Just a drizzle balances all the saltiness with gentle sweetness.
- Fresh Basil: If you love a pop of green and herbal fragrance, this is not optional! Chop just before adding for peak freshness.
Tip: Play with your herbs—rosemary or dill would also be lovely here.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
Looking to make this recipe your own? Here are some fun ways to switch things up:
- Add Veggies: Throw in some cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or red onion to roast with the potatoes for extra color and flavor.
- Swap Cheese: While feta is the star, a good-quality goat cheese or halloumi can also work, though the texture will vary.
- Go Vegan: Use a plant-based feta alternative and agave or maple syrup in place of honey.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika for more heat and complexity.
- Different Herbs: Try fresh parsley, dill, or mint in place of basil if that’s what you have.
How to Make Roasted Potatoes with Baked Feta and Garlic
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 390°F (200°C). Cube your potatoes, making sure they’re even-sized for the loveliest roasted texture, and toss them into a baking dish.
Step 2: Season the Potatoes
Drizzle with half your olive oil, sprinkle on dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper, then toss to coat every piece. This is one of those “get in there with your hands” moments that makes all the difference.
Step 3: Arrange Feta and Garlic
Nestle the block of feta right in the center, pressing one side into the herby potatoes for max flavor before flipping. Add your garlic head (cut side up for easy access to those soon-to-be-creamy cloves) and half the lemon wedges around the edges. Drizzle with your remaining olive oil.
Step 4: Roast to Golden Perfection
Bake for 45-55 minutes. The potatoes should turn golden and crispy, the garlic will soften beautifully, and the feta gets lightly caramelized on top. Keep an eye on the garlic; if it’s browning too quickly, just take it out after 35 minutes—no harm done.
Step 5: Blend the Flavors
Once the garlic is cool enough, squeeze those luscious soft cloves from the skins and mash with a knife into a glorious paste. Scatter the fresh basil and squeeze in the juice from the remaining lemon wedges. Gently fold everything together in the dish so the potatoes pick up the creamy feta and roasted garlic flavor.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Drizzle honey over everything for a glossy, irresistible finish. A final sprinkle of fresh basil, and you’re ready to serve.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Cube Potatoes Evenly: Even sizing means even roasting. Aim for around 1-inch cubes.
- Use Block Feta: Pre-crumbled feta won’t melt the same way or give you that lovely creamy texture.
- Roast Garlic Cut Side Up: It both steams and roasts, guaranteeing super spreadable garlic perfection.
- Adjust Roasting Time: Every oven is different, so check potatoes around the 40-minute mark for crispiness.
- Mash Warm Garlic: Mash while warm for the smoothest, sweetest garlic paste.
How to Serve
This dish is so versatile, you’ll keep finding new ways to enjoy it:
- As a Main Dish: Serve straight from the baking dish for a rustic, comforting meal.
- Next to Grilled Protein: Perfect alongside grilled chicken, lamb, or fish for a hearty plate.
- On Toast or Flatbread: Smear the creamy feta-potato mix on warm bread and thank me later.
- With Fresh Greens: Pair with a simple salad with arugula or baby spinach for balance.
For extra flair, sprinkle extra chili flakes or a swirl of extra virgin olive oil just before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer leftovers (if you have any!) to an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days.
Freezing
While you can freeze this recipe, potatoes sometimes lose their texture after thawing. If you do freeze, reheat straight from frozen in the oven for best results.
Reheating
Warm gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes, or use a microwave if you’re in a rush. Add a splash of water or olive oil to keep things moist and delicious.
FAQs
-
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes roast up beautifully and pair wonderfully with feta. Expect a slightly sweeter flavor and possibly a shorter baking time.
-
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
No worries. Fresh parsley, dill, or even a sprinkle of extra dried oregano will add plenty of freshness. Just avoid dried basil—it doesn’t have the same impact here.
-
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can cube and season the potatoes ahead of time, and even assemble everything in the baking dish a few hours before baking. For the freshest taste, roast just before serving.
-
Is the honey necessary?
It’s highly recommended! That little touch brings all the flavors together while mellowing the saltiness of the feta. If you prefer, maple syrup or agave can be used instead.
Final Thoughts
Roasted Potatoes with Baked Feta and Garlic brings together simple ingredients and transforms them into something memorable—rich, tangy, and bursting with flavor from the very first bite. It’s the perfect recipe for busy nights or when you want pure, savory comfort without fuss. Give it a try and don’t be afraid to add your own personal twist!
PrintRoasted Potatoes with Baked Feta and Garlic Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Side-dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy rich, creamy baked feta paired with perfectly roasted potatoes, infused with aromatic garlic, herbs, fresh basil, and a hint of honey for balanced savory and sweet flavor. This impressive and easy side dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1–2 large baking potatoes, washed and cubed
- 1 head of garlic, top sliced off
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1/4 cup (20 g) fresh basil, chopped
Dairy
- 7 oz (200 g) block of feta cheese
Pantry
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon honey
Herbs & Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 390°F (200°C). Wash the potatoes well and cut them into cubes. Place the cubed potatoes in a baking dish, spreading them out evenly.
- Season the Potatoes: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the potatoes. Sprinkle them with dried thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss the potatoes thoroughly to make sure they are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
- Add the Feta and Garlic: Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the baking dish. For more flavor, press one side of the feta into the herbs and oil on the potatoes, then flip it over. Add the head of garlic and half the lemon wedges into the dish. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over everything.
- Bake to Perfection: Roast the dish in the oven for 45-55 minutes until the potatoes are golden and crispy. Check the garlic after about 35 minutes; if it starts to over-brown, remove it and continue baking the rest until done.
- Mash and Mix: Once the garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze the softened cloves from their skins into a bowl. Mash the garlic into a paste with a knife. Add the garlic paste, juice from the remaining lemon wedges, and chopped basil to the baking dish. Gently mix the roasted potatoes and feta together to combine all flavors.
- Finishing Touch: Drizzle honey over the top of the dish and sprinkle with extra fresh basil for added color and sweetness. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, use a high-quality, firm feta cheese.
- Feel free to add extra fresh herbs like parsley or dill for garnish.
- If you like extra crispy potatoes, spread them out so they’re not crowded in the pan.
- The honey can be swapped for maple syrup to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 recipe
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg