These Easy Cheesy Baked Feta Potatoes are a creamy, cheesy delight! With soft potatoes topped with crumbled feta and melted cheese, they’re perfect for a cozy meal.
You won’t believe how simple it is to make them! Just bake the potatoes, add the feta, and toss them back in the oven for a bubbly finish. Seriously, it’s a cheese lover’s dream! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Yellow Potatoes: These potatoes are perfect for roasting because they’re creamy and flavorful. If you can’t find baby yellows, you can substitute with regular potatoes; just cut them into smaller chunks for even cooking.
Feta Cheese: Feta brings a lovely tangy flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using almond or cashew-based feta. For something creamier, ricotta or goat cheese works well too.
Olive Oil: It adds richness and helps the potatoes crisp up. If you prefer, you could use avocado oil or melted butter for a different flavor profile.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives great flavor, but garlic powder can be used if you’re in a pinch. Just use about half a teaspoon.
How Do You Make the Potatoes Extra Crispy?
To achieve crispy potatoes, you need to ensure they’re evenly coated in oil and spaced out properly on the baking sheet. Here are some key tips:
- Cut the potatoes in halves to create more surface area that can crisp up.
- Spread them out in a single layer, giving them enough space; overcrowding can lead to steaming.
- Turning the potatoes cut-side down initially helps create a wonderful golden crust.
For extra crispiness, you can also broil them for a few minutes after baking! Just watch closely to avoid burning.
Easy Cheesy Baked Feta Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 pounds baby yellow potatoes, halved
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 oz feta cheese, cut into small cubes or crumbled
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes to prep your ingredients and then around 40-45 minutes for cooking. This includes baking the potatoes until golden and crispy, plus an extra bake to melt the feta cheese. Total, you’re looking at about 50-55 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps ensure even cooking and a nice crisp on the potatoes.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved baby yellow potatoes with olive oil, salt, freshly ground pepper, dried oregano, and minced garlic. Make sure they’re all coated well! This will add flavor and help them crisp up.
3. First Bake:
Once your potatoes are coated, spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a lightly greased baking dish, making sure the cut side is facing down. Bake them for about 25-30 minutes, until they’re golden and tender.
4. Add the Feta:
After baking, pull the potatoes out of the oven and gently toss them so the cut side is up. Sprinkle the feta cheese evenly over the top of the potatoes. The melting feta will add delicious creaminess!
5. Final Bake:
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the feta to melt slightly and the potatoes to get nice and crispy on the edges.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once they’re done baking, take them out and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if you’d like. They’re great served warm as a delightful side dish or even as a light main course.
Enjoy your delicious, easy-to-make cheesy baked feta potatoes! They’re bound to be a hit!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Baked Feta Potatoes
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby yellow potatoes are perfect for their creamy texture, you can use red potatoes, fingerlings, or even russet potatoes. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If feta isn’t your style, you can try goat cheese for a tangy twist, or cottage cheese for a lighter option. For a dairy-free choice, look for almond or cashew-based feta available in grocery stores.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through or in the microwave for a quicker option.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! You can mix in some colorful veggies like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or spinach during the last 10-15 minutes of baking for added flavor and nutrition. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the type and size of the vegetables you add.
