You know those nights when dinner needs to be *easy* but still feel special? That’s exactly when I reach for my go-to recipe for Oven-Baked Feta Potatoes. Forget boring spuds! This dish takes humble potatoes and transforms them into little bites of salty, herby heaven with a creamy feta finish. Honestly, it’s become such a staple in my kitchen because it’s ridiculously simple to whip up, and it pairs perfectly with almost anything – grilled chicken, a big salad, even just on its own. It reminds me of summer evenings spent by the sea in Greece, where simple ingredients shine.
Why You’ll Love These Oven-Baked Feta Potatoes
These Oven-Baked Feta Potatoes are an absolute game-changer for so many reasons:
- Super Speedy Prep: Seriously, all you need to do is chop, toss, and bake. It’s my secret weapon for busy weeknights!
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory oregano, garlic, salty feta, and tender potatoes is just *chef’s kiss*.
- Amazingly Versatile: These potatoes are the ultimate sidekick to almost any main dish. Chicken, steak, fish, veggie burgers – they all get along famously.
- Crispy Outside, Fluffy Inside: We get that perfect texture every single time thanks to the right oven temp and a little bit of feta magic.
- Customizable! Feeling adventurous? Toss in some paprika or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Or maybe some fresh rosemary? Go for it!
- Makes You Look Like a Pro: Even though it’s a breeze, these potatoes always impress guests. They’ll be asking for the recipe, I promise!
Gather Your Ingredients for Oven-Baked Feta Potatoes
Alright, let’s get our ingredients ready! The beauty of this dish is that it uses simple, good-quality stuff you probably already have, or can easily grab. Trust me, the quality of your feta can make a difference, so try to get a nice block if you can!
- 1 kg Potatoes: I like to cut these into nice, bite-sized 1-inch cubes. Russets or Yukon Golds work wonderfully here – they get nice and fluffy inside.
- 1/2 cup Olive oil: A good extra virgin olive oil makes a difference in flavor, so use one you enjoy.
- 1 tsp Dried oregano: This is your main herb, and it brings that lovely Mediterranean vibe.
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder: For that savory punch without burning fresh garlic.
- 1 tsp Salt: Adjust this to your taste, especially with the salty feta coming later.
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper: Freshly ground is always best, of course!
- 150g Feta cheese: Get the good stuff, preferably a block packed in brine, and crumble it up.
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley: Chopped nice and fine for a pop of green and freshness right at the end.
Recipe Notes & Tips
If you’re feeling a bit frisky, don’t be afraid to toss in some smoked paprika or even a pinch of red pepper flakes with the potatoes before they go in the oven. It adds a lovely warmth and depth. And remember, these are best served hot right out of the oven!
Essential Equipment for Perfect Oven-Baked Feta Potatoes
You don’t need a ton of fancy gadgets for this recipe, thank goodness! Just grab a good old baking sheet – a rimmed one is best so nothing rolls off. You’ll also want a large bowl for tossing everything together. That’s really it! Simple tools for a simple, delicious dish.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Oven-Baked Feta Potatoes
Okay, let’s get these amazing Oven-Baked Feta Potatoes into the oven! It’s honestly just a few simple steps, and before you know it, you’ll have the most incredible side dish ready to go. I promise, even if you’re new to cooking, you can totally nail this! If you’re looking for more ways to roast your potatoes, check out these garlic herb roasted potatoes for inspiration!
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Get that oven hot! First things first, crank your oven up to 400°F (that’s 200°C). It needs to be nice and toasty to get those potatoes perfectly crispy. While it’s heating, grab your large bowl.
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Toss ’em up! Throw your cubed potatoes into the big bowl. Now, drizzle in that olive oil. Sprinkle over the dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. I like to get my hands in there (after washing them, of course!) to make sure every single potato cube is coated. You want them glistening!
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Single Layer Smartness: This is key, folks! Spread your seasoned potatoes out onto your baking sheet. Make sure they’re in a single layer, not piled on top of each other. This gives them space to roast and get those lovely crispy edges. Trust me, this little step makes all the difference between roasted and steamed potatoes!
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Bake and Flip: Pop that baking sheet into the hot oven. Let them bake for about 30-35 minutes. Around the halfway mark, give them a good flip with a spatula. This helps them brown evenly on all sides.
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Feta Time! Once your potatoes are tender and starting to look golden brown, carefully take the baking sheet out of the oven. Now for the star of the show – sprinkle that crumbled feta cheese all over the gorgeous hot potatoes. It’s going to start getting melty and so delicious!
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Melty Feta Finish: Slide the baking sheet back into the oven for just another 5-10 minutes. You just want to give the feta enough time to soften up and get a little melty. It’ll create these creamy pockets throughout the potatoes.
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Garnish and Serve: Take them out of the oven for the last time.
Sprinkle that fresh, chopped parsley all over the top. It adds a beautiful pop of color and a fresh, herby bite. Serve these Oven-Baked Feta Potatoes hot and watch them disappear!
Tips for Success with Oven-Baked Feta Potatoes
Getting these Oven-Baked Feta Potatoes just right is all about a few little tricks I’ve picked up. Honestly, they’re pretty forgiving, but these tips will make sure they turn out absolutely stellar every single time.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: I know I mentioned it in the steps, but it’s worth repeating! Potatoes need space to get crispy. If you pile them up, they’ll steam instead of roast, and you won’t get those glorious golden edges. Use two baking sheets if you have to – better a little extra washing up than soggy potatoes!
- Cube Them Evenly: Try your best to cut the potatoes into roughly the same size cubes. This way, they’ll all cook at the same rate. Nobody likes a mix of perfectly cooked and still-hard potato pieces, right?
- Add Feta at the End: Resist the urge to toss the feta in with the potatoes at the beginning! Baking it the whole time can make it turn mushy or even a bit gritty. Adding it for the last 5-10 minutes lets it soften and get creamy without losing its lovely texture.
- Taste and Adjust Seasonings: Before they go in the oven, give your seasoned potatoes a quick taste (if you’re comfortable doing so!). Salt levels can vary, especially since feta is already quite salty. You can always add more salt later, but you can’t take it away!
Serving Suggestions for Your Oven-Baked Feta Potatoes
Now that you’ve got these delicious Oven-Baked Feta Potatoes, what should you serve them with? Honestly, they’re so flexible! They’re absolutely banging alongside a grilled steak or some juicy chicken. They also make a fantastic partner to something light and fresh, like a big pork dish or even a hearty one-pot wonder like this chicken and rice. Really, they just add that perfect touch of Mediterranean warmth to any meal!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! These Oven-Baked Feta Potatoes are still seriously tasty the next day. Just pop any cooled leftovers into an airtight container and stash them in the fridge. They should be good for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready for round two, I find the best way to reheat them is in a single layer on a baking sheet in a moderate oven (around 350°F or 175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, just until they’re warmed through and maybe a little crispy again. Microwave works in a pinch, but you won’t get that wonderful crispiness back!
Frequently Asked Questions about Oven-Baked Feta Potatoes
Got some questions buzzing around your head about these delicious Oven-Baked Feta Potatoes? I get it! Let’s clear a few things up:
Can I use different types of potatoes?
Absolutely! While I love Yukon Golds or Russets for their fluffy texture, almost any potato will work. Red potatoes or fingerlings hold their shape really well if you prefer something a bit firmer. Just make sure to cut them into roughly 1-inch cubes so they cook evenly!
What if I don’t have feta cheese?
Oh, that’s a tough one because the feta is kind of the star! But if you absolutely must, you could try a salty crumbly cheese like Halloumi, though it won’t melt quite the same. Some people also like to add a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra cheesy goodness, but it’s not quite the same flavor profile as feta. If you’re looking for other feta-based recipes, you should totally check out this chickpea feta salad – it’s amazing!
Can I make these ahead of time?
These are definitely best served fresh and hot right out of the oven when they’re at their crispiest! However, you can totally prep the potatoes earlier in the day. Just chop them, toss them with the oil and seasonings, and keep them covered in the fridge. Then, just spread them on the baking sheet and bake as usual (they might need a few extra minutes since they’ll be cold from the fridge). Adding the feta still happens right at the end!
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
You sure can! If you want to bulk it up, try adding some chopped bell peppers, red onion wedges, or even some broccoli florets to the baking sheet along with the potatoes. Just make sure they’re cut into pieces that will cook in about the same amount of time as the potatoes, or add them a bit later in the baking process if they cook faster.
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Just a heads-up, the numbers below are approximate! Things like the exact size of your potatoes, how much oil you *really* used, and the specific brand of feta can change things. But for a serving of these scrumptious Oven-Baked Feta Potatoes, you’re generally looking at around 350-400 calories, with roughly 20-25g of fat, about 10-15g of protein, and 30-40g of carbs. Enjoy!
Oven-Baked Feta Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the potato cubes with olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and golden brown, flipping them halfway through.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the hot potatoes.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, or until the feta is softened and slightly melted.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.