Hey there, fellow food lovers! Are you craving a dish that’s both ridiculously easy to make and unbelievably delicious? Then look no further than these perfectly crispy roasted potatoes with baked feta and garlic. I’m telling you, this recipe is a game-changer. It’s the kind of dish that disappears in minutes, leaving everyone wanting more. The combination of crispy, golden-brown potatoes, creamy, salty feta, and fragrant garlic is simply irresistible. Imagine the incredible aroma filling your kitchen as these beauties roast – it’s pure comfort food heaven.
What makes this recipe so special? Well, for starters, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the seasonings to your liking, adding herbs, spices, or even a little chili flakes for a kick. The best part? It’s incredibly quick to prepare. You’ll be enjoying these delightful potatoes in under an hour, which is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze – minimal dishes mean more time for enjoying the delicious results.
This recipe isn’t just about satisfying hunger; it’s about creating a mood. It’s the perfect side dish for a cozy weeknight dinner, a relaxed weekend brunch, or even a festive gathering with friends. The simple elegance of the dish belies its incredible flavour, making it suitable for any occasion. Seriously, you’re going to love the incredible textures – that satisfying crunch of the potatoes against the smooth, melting feta – it’s a symphony for your taste buds! So, gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking! You’ll be surprised how simple it is to achieve such restaurant-quality results.
What You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, readily available ingredients, making it perfect for even the busiest of cooks. Let’s get started with your shopping list:
- Yukon Gold Potatoes (2 lbs): These potatoes offer a creamy texture and golden color when roasted, making them perfect for this recipe. Feel free to experiment with other potato varieties as well!
- Olive Oil (1/4 cup): A good quality olive oil is key for achieving maximum flavor and a lovely golden-brown crust on the potatoes.
- Garlic Cloves (6-8): Fresh garlic adds a wonderful pungent aroma and flavor to the potatoes. Don’t be shy with the garlic!
- Fresh Rosemary (2 sprigs): Fresh rosemary adds a beautiful herbaceous note that complements the potatoes and feta beautifully. Dried rosemary can be substituted, but use less (about 1 tsp).
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavor of the potatoes.
- Feta Cheese (8 oz): Crumbled feta cheese adds a salty, tangy, creamy element that perfectly balances the earthy potatoes and fragrant garlic.
- Optional: Red Pepper Flakes (a pinch): Add a little heat to your potatoes for those who love a bit of spice.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe is surprisingly simple, even for beginners! Follow these easy steps for perfectly roasted potatoes:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and thoroughly dry the potatoes. This is crucial for achieving crispy potatoes – excess moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Cut the potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes. Don’t worry about making them perfectly uniform; rustic is good!
- Season the Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the potato cubes with olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper. Make sure the potatoes are evenly coated. If using red pepper flakes, add them now.
- Roast the Potatoes: Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the potatoes instead of roasting them. Roast for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the potatoes are golden brown and tender.
- Bake the Feta: During the last 15 minutes of the potatoes’ roasting time, crumble the feta cheese over the potatoes. This allows the feta to soften and melt slightly while the potatoes finish crisping.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the potatoes are cooked through and the feta is melted and slightly browned, remove them from the oven. Serve immediately and enjoy the deliciousness!
Tip: For extra crispy potatoes, you can parboil them for 5-7 minutes before roasting. This helps to remove some of the starch and creates a crispier exterior.
Tip: If you prefer a more intense garlic flavor, you can roast the garlic cloves whole alongside the potatoes. Simply wrap them in foil and roast them for the first 20 minutes of the cooking time.
Tips for Success
To ensure your roasted potatoes turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Dry those potatoes! As mentioned earlier, thoroughly drying the potatoes before roasting is crucial for achieving crispy results. Pat them down with a clean kitchen towel.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give the potatoes enough space to brown properly. Roasting in a single layer ensures even cooking and crispy edges.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh rosemary offers a superior flavor compared to dried. If using dried rosemary, use about 1 teaspoon instead of two sprigs of fresh.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and garlic to suit your preferences.
- Watch for browning: Keep a close eye on the potatoes during the last 15 minutes of roasting to prevent burning.
Variations to Try
This recipe is incredibly versatile! Here are a few variations to try:
- Spicy Potatoes: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, oregano, or parsley.
- Lemon and Garlic: Add the zest and juice of half a lemon for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Use vegan feta cheese for a delicious vegetarian/vegan adaptation.
- Add-ins: Try adding other roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or bell peppers.
Storing and Reheating
Leftover roasted potatoes are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can simply pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. For crispier reheating, you can toss them with a little olive oil before reheating. Freezing is not recommended as it can significantly affect the texture of the potatoes. If you must freeze them, do so before adding the feta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use different types of potatoes? A: Yes! While Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal, you can experiment with other varieties like russet or red potatoes. Just keep in mind that different potatoes will have different cooking times and textures.
Q: How long do these potatoes keep? A: Stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these roasted potatoes will keep for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: You can prepare the potatoes ahead of time by chopping and seasoning them, but it’s best to roast them just before serving for optimal crispiness. The feta can be added just before reheating.
Q: What if I don’t have fresh rosemary? A: You can substitute dried rosemary, but use about 1 teaspoon instead of two sprigs of fresh. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
The Final Word
These perfectly crispy roasted potatoes with baked feta and garlic are a true culinary delight! The simple yet incredibly flavorful combination of ingredients, combined with the ease of preparation, makes this recipe a winner. The crispy potatoes, creamy feta, and fragrant garlic create a harmonious symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your photos – I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy cooking!
Roasted Potatoes with Baked Feta and Garlic
Equipment
- Baking Sheet Large baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Mixing bowl For tossing potatoes
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 kg Potatoes Yukon Gold or similar, cut into 2cm cubes
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper
Feta and Garlic
- 200 g Feta Cheese Block feta, crumbled
- 4 Garlic Cloves Minced
- 2 tbsp Fresh Rosemary Chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss the potatoes (ing_1) with olive oil (ing_2), salt (ing_3), and pepper (ing_4).
- Spread the potatoes (ing_1) in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast for 30 minutes, then add the crumbled feta (ing_5) and minced garlic (ing_6) to the baking sheet.
- Roast for another 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and slightly crispy and the feta is melted and golden brown.
- Sprinkle with fresh rosemary (ing_7) before serving.