Name: The BEST Baked Feta Potatoes EVER
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-485206H30M21S
Total time: PT-485206H30M21S
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1-2 large potatoes; 1 (200g) block of feta; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 head of garlic (top cut off); 1 lemon, quartered; 1 tbsp honey; 1/4 cup (20g) fresh basil

A Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines crispy roasted potatoes with creamy baked feta, aromatic herbs, and sweet honey for a simple yet impressive meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked feta potatoes recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication. The combination of crispy, herb-seasoned potatoes with creamy, melted feta creates a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. The roasted garlic adds depth, while fresh lemon brightens the dish. This one-pan wonder requires minimal prep time but delivers restaurant-quality results, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. It’s vegetarian-friendly, naturally gluten-free, and can easily serve as a satisfying main dish or impressive side.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Potatoes form the hearty base of this dish, becoming wonderfully crispy on the outside while staying tender inside. Choose starchy varieties like Russets or all-purpose potatoes like Yukon Golds for the best texture.

Feta cheese is the star of the show, transforming from a crumbly block to a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth delight when baked. Traditional Greek feta made from sheep’s milk offers the most authentic flavor, but any feta will work beautifully.

Olive oil helps the potatoes crisp up nicely while also adding its distinctive Mediterranean flavor. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil if possible for the best taste.

Dried thyme and oregano infuse the dish with classic Greek flavors that complement both the potatoes and feta perfectly. These herbs stand up well to the high roasting temperature.

Salt and black pepper are essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors in the dish. The salt particularly helps to draw out moisture from the potatoes, contributing to their crispiness.

Garlic transforms into sweet, spreadable goodness when roasted whole. Don’t be alarmed by using an entire head—the roasting process mellows the flavor significantly.

Lemon adds brightness and acidity that cuts through the richness of the feta and potatoes. Both the juice and the caramelized roasted lemon segments contribute different layers of flavor.

Honey drizzled at the end creates a beautiful sweet-savory balance that elevates this dish to something special. The slight sweetness perfectly complements the tangy feta.

Fresh basil brings a pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes that lighten the dish. Added at the end, it maintains its vibrant flavor and appearance.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
Wash and cube your potatoes, then add them to your baking dish.
Add the thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper to the potatoes along with 1 tbsp olive oil. Stir to coat evenly.
Place the feta in the middle of the tray, dipping one side in the seasonings, then flipping it over.
Add the garlic and half the lemon to the tray, and drizzle over the remaining olive oil.
Bake the potatoes and feta for 45-55 minutes, until the potatoes are crispy and golden. Remove the garlic after 35 minutes if it looks like it’s browning.
Squeeze the garlic cloves out of their skins and mash them with a sharp knife.
Stir the garlic mixture and the juice of the remaining lemon into the potatoes, along with the fresh basil. Gently mix the roasted potatoes with the baked feta.
Drizzle with honey and sprinkle over shredded basil.
Serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 2-3 servings, making it perfect for a small family dinner or a date night meal with leftovers. The entire process takes about 50-60 minutes, with only 5 minutes of active preparation time and 45-55 minutes of baking time. This efficiency makes it an excellent option for weeknight dinners when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.

Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, offering a satisfying portion that works well as a main dish, especially when paired with a simple green salad.

Variations

Mediterranean Version: Add halved cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and red onion wedges to the baking dish before roasting for a more substantial Mediterranean-style dish.

Herbed Variation: Swap the dried herbs for fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs for an even more aromatic experience.

Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey instead of regular honey for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

Loaded Potato Style: After baking, top with chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream for a fusion dish that combines Greek and American comfort food flavors.

Lemon-Garlic Emphasis: Double the garlic and add lemon zest along with the juice for an intensified citrus-garlic flavor profile.

Sweet Potato Substitute: Replace regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a different flavor dimension and added nutritional benefits.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight, making this a great make-ahead dish.

To reheat, place the potatoes in an oven-safe dish and warm in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This method helps maintain the crispy texture of the potatoes better than microwave reheating.

If you do use a microwave for convenience, heat on medium power with a slightly damp paper towel over the top to prevent the dish from drying out. Stir halfway through heating.

The dish can also be frozen for up to 1 month, though the texture of the potatoes may change slightly upon thawing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

For meal prep purposes, you can pre-cube the potatoes and store them in water in the refrigerator up to a day ahead. Just be sure to drain and thoroughly pat them dry before proceeding with the recipe.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?

Yes, while feta provides the signature flavor for this dish, you can experiment with halloumi (which won’t melt as much but browns nicely), goat cheese (for a tangier profile), or even brie (for extreme creaminess). Each cheese will create a different but equally delicious variation of the dish.

My feta isn’t melting as shown in photos. What went wrong?

Not all feta melts the same way. Some varieties, particularly those with higher salt content or those made with cow’s milk, may not become as creamy when baked. For the meltiest result, look for Greek feta made from sheep’s milk with a fat content of at least 45%.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Absolutely! Replace the feta with a block of firm tofu that’s been pressed and marinated in lemon juice, olive oil, and nutritional yeast. Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey for the finishing drizzle.

What can I serve with baked feta potatoes?

This versatile dish works beautifully as a main with a simple green salad, or as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, lamb chops, or a hearty fish like salmon. It also pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a Greek salad for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prep all ingredients in advance and arrange them in the baking dish, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold. However, the dish is best enjoyed freshly baked for optimal texture.

My potatoes aren’t crisping up. How can I fix this?

Make sure your potatoes are thoroughly dried after washing and cut into even-sized pieces. Overcrowding the pan can also prevent proper crisping—use a large enough dish so potatoes are in a single layer. If needed, you can increase the oven temperature to 220°C (425°F) for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

Is it necessary to use an entire head of garlic?

While it might seem like a lot, roasted garlic becomes surprisingly mild and sweet. However, you can certainly use less if preferred. Even 4-5 cloves will provide good flavor, though the full head creates that luxurious, spreadable garlic paste that makes this dish special.

Can I omit the honey?

Yes, the honey is primarily a finishing touch that adds complexity by balancing the tanginess of the feta and lemon. The dish will still be delicious without it, or you could substitute with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a different but complementary sweet-acidic note.

How do I know when the feta is properly baked?

Perfectly baked feta should be soft throughout and slightly golden on top. You can test it by gently pressing with a fork—it should give way easily. Depending on your oven and the size/type of feta, this typically happens within the 45-55 minute baking time specified.

Can I use new potatoes or baby potatoes instead of large ones?

Yes, new or baby potatoes work wonderfully in this recipe. If using smaller potatoes, you can halve or quarter them instead of cubing. They may cook slightly faster, so check for doneness around the 35-40 minute mark.

Conclusion

Baked Feta Potatoes represents Mediterranean comfort food at its finest—simple ingredients transformed through thoughtful preparation into something truly special. The contrast between crispy, herb-infused potatoes and creamy, melted feta creates a memorable dish that feels both familiar and exciting. The addition of roasted garlic, fresh lemon, and a finishing touch of honey elevates this recipe beyond ordinary roasted potatoes.

What makes this dish particularly appealing is its versatility. It works as an impressive vegetarian main, a substantial side dish, or even as the centerpiece of a casual gathering with friends. The minimal hands-on preparation time belies the complex flavors that develop in the oven.

Whether you’re looking to expand your Mediterranean recipe collection or simply need a reliable, delicious dish that doesn’t require constant attention, these Baked Feta Potatoes deserve a regular spot in your cooking rotation. The combination of accessibility and sophistication makes this a recipe you’ll return to time and again, possibly creating your own variations along the way.

The BEST Baked Feta Potatoes EVER