Potato Feta Garlic Bake

This roasted potatoes with baked feta and garlic dish transforms humble ingredients into something magical. The potatoes become crispy on the outside while staying fluffy inside, and the feta turns wonderfully creamy as it bakes. Add in sweet roasted garlic and bright herbs, and you've got a dish that will disappear quickly from any table.

I first made this dish when I needed something special yet uncomplicated for a Sunday dinner with friends. They were so impressed that it's now requested at every gathering we have, and I've happily shared the recipe countless times.

Ingredients

• Baking potatoes: choose starchy russets or Yukon golds for the perfect crispy exterior and fluffy interior
• Block feta cheese: authentic Greek feta provides the best creamy texture and tangy flavor when baked
• Olive oil: use a good quality extra virgin for superior flavor that complements the Mediterranean herbs
• Dried thyme: adds earthy aromatic notes that stand up well to roasting
• Dried oregano: provides classic Mediterranean flavor that pairs perfectly with feta
• Whole garlic head: transforms into sweet spreadable goodness that elevates the entire dish
• Fresh lemon: brightens all flavors and balances the richness of the cheese and potatoes
• Honey: just a touch creates beautiful caramelization and balances the tangy feta
• Fresh basil: adds a vibrant finish that brings everything together

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare:

Heat your oven to a perfect 390°F while you wash your potatoes thoroughly under cool running water. Cut them into 1-inch cubes that will provide the ideal surface area for crisping. Arrange them in a single layer in your baking dish to ensure even cooking.

Season the Potatoes:

Drizzle your first tablespoon of olive oil over the potato cubes, making sure they all get a light coating. Sprinkle your dried herbs, salt, and pepper evenly over everything. Use your hands to toss everything thoroughly, ensuring each potato piece is seasoned on all sides for maximum flavor development.

Add the Feta and Garlic:

Position your block of feta right in the center where it will melt and infuse the surrounding potatoes with its tangy goodness. For an extra flavor boost, press one side of the feta block into the seasoned potatoes first to pick up some of the herbs before flipping it over. Take your garlic head and slice off just the top portion to expose all the cloves inside. Place it in the dish along with a couple lemon wedges that will soften and caramelize as they roast. Finish with your remaining tablespoon of olive oil drizzled over everything.

Bake to Perfection:

Slide your dish into the preheated oven and let the magic happen for about 50 minutes. You're looking for potatoes that have developed a golden brown exterior with crispy edges. The feta should be softened completely through and taking on some color on top. Keep watch on your garlic around the 35-minute mark as it might cook faster than everything else. If it's getting too dark, simply remove it early.

Mash and Mix:

Once your garlic has cooled slightly, gently squeeze the bottom to push out all those soft, sweet cloves. They should slide right out of their papery skins. Use your knife to mash them into a smooth paste on your cutting board. Add this garlic paste to your baking dish along with the juice from your remaining fresh lemon wedges. Scatter most of your chopped basil over everything and gently mix to incorporate all these wonderful flavors throughout the dish.

Finishing Touch:

Just before serving, drizzle a tablespoon of honey over the dish in a thin stream, allowing it to create little pockets of sweetness throughout. Garnish with your remaining fresh basil for a beautiful color contrast and that fresh herbaceous aroma.

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My favorite part of this recipe is how the feta transforms as it bakes. Unlike crumbled feta that just melts away, a whole block develops this incredible creamy texture while maintaining its shape. I discovered this technique while traveling through Greece where I watched a local cook prepare something similar in a small village taverna.

Make Ahead and Storage

This dish is perfect for making ahead when entertaining. You can prepare everything up to the baking stage, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time since you're starting with cold ingredients. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until warmed through. The microwave works too but you'll lose some of the crispy texture of the potatoes.

Delicious Variations

Transform this dish with a few simple swaps. Try sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a beautiful color contrast and slightly sweeter flavor profile. Not a fan of feta? Goat cheese or even brie work beautifully in this recipe. For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes before baking. You can also add vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers to roast alongside the potatoes for a more complete one-dish meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this versatile dish alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It also pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a light vegetarian dinner. For brunch, top with a fried egg and let the yolk create a luscious sauce when broken. When entertaining, I like to serve this family-style right in the baking dish with some crusty bread on the side for scooping up all the delicious juices and soft feta.

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Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ Can I use different types of cheese instead of feta?

Yes, you can substitute other semi-firm cheeses like halloumi or goat cheese. Keep in mind that different cheeses have varying melting properties - feta softens but maintains its shape, while other cheeses might melt more completely.

→ What potatoes work best for this dish?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal choices. Russets become fluffy inside and crispy outside, while Yukon Golds offer a buttery flavor and hold their shape well when roasted.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the components ahead of time, but for best results, roast everything just before serving. If needed, you can pre-cut the potatoes (store in water to prevent browning) and pre-measure seasonings to save time.

→ What herbs can I substitute for basil?

Fresh parsley, mint, or dill work wonderfully as alternatives to basil. Each will bring a different flavor profile - parsley for brightness, mint for freshness, or dill for a subtle anise note.

→ How can I make this into a complete meal?

Turn this into a complete meal by adding protein such as grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, or a fried egg on top. You could also serve it alongside a simple green salad for a balanced Mediterranean-inspired dinner.

→ Is there a substitute for honey in this recipe?

Maple syrup or agave nectar make excellent substitutes for honey. For a savory alternative, skip the sweetener altogether and finish with a drizzle of good quality olive oil and fresh lemon juice.