These Easy Cheesy Baked Feta Potatoes are a yummy twist on classic baked potatoes! Filled with creamy feta and topped with gooey cheese, they’re so comforting and delicious.
I always love how the cheese melts perfectly and makes everything so decadent. Pair them with a simple salad, and you’ve got a fun meal that everyone will enjoy! 🥔🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: I love using baby potatoes for their bite-sized convenience and creamy texture. If they’re unavailable, you can use regular potatoes—just chop them into smaller pieces for even cooking.
Olive Oil: It’s perfect for roasting as it adds flavor and helps to crisp the potatoes. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with avocado oil, which has a high smoke point.
Feta Cheese: Feta offers a tangy punch that’s essential in this recipe. If you can’t find feta or want something creamier, try goat cheese, which melts beautifully as well.
Dried Oregano: This herb gives a nice Italian flavor. If you don’t have it, Italian seasoning or Herbes de Provence make great substitutes for a similar taste.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Crispy Potatoes?
To get those potatoes crispy and golden, follow these tips:
- Dry the potatoes well after washing. This helps them crisp up better in the oven.
- Spread the potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding, as this traps steam and leads to sogginess.
- Flip them halfway through cooking. This allows for an even browning on all sides, resulting in crispy goodness.
- Leave them in the oven a bit longer if you prefer extra crispiness. Just keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
This method ensures every bite of your Easy Cheesy Baked Feta Potatoes is as crispy and delicious as it can be. Enjoy! 🥔✨
How to Make Easy Cheesy Baked Feta Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 ounces feta cheese, cut into small cubes
- Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 45 minutes to bake, totaling around 55 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick side dish or a satisfying light meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This gives the potatoes the perfect temperature to crisp up nicely.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
Wash the baby potatoes thoroughly under cold water. Cut them in half for quicker cooking. After cutting, pat them dry with a clean towel to ensure they crisp up well.
3. Season the Potatoes:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved potatoes with the olive oil, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Make sure all the potatoes are evenly coated in the seasoning.
4. Arrange and Bake:
Spread the seasoned potatoes out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. This helps them bake evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through for that crispy finish.
5. Add the Feta Cheese:
After 30 minutes, take the baking sheet out and scatter the cubed feta cheese evenly over the potatoes. This is where the magic happens!
6. Final Bake:
Return the baking sheet to the oven for another 10-15 minutes. You want the feta to be soft and slightly golden and the potatoes perfectly crispy.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and optional chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm and enjoy as a delightful side or a main dish!
Enjoy your deliciously crispy baked potatoes with creamy, tangy baked feta cheese! 🥔❤️
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Baked Feta Potatoes
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes are perfect for this recipe, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes as a substitute. Just cut them into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If you don’t have feta on hand, goat cheese is a great alternative that melts beautifully. You can also use cream cheese for a creamy texture, though it won’t have the same tanginess as feta.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy—perfect for a quick snack or side dish!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes would pair well with the potatoes and feta. Just chop them into similar sizes and add them to the baking sheet at the same time as the potatoes for a delicious veggie medley!
