Some recipes become instant favorites because they’re both comforting and surprisingly sophisticated. Roasted Potatoes with Baked Feta and Garlic is one of those dishes. Picture crispy golden potatoes, fragrant roasted garlic, and creamy baked feta that melts into a luscious, tangy topping. The result is a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable, perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or even as part of a holiday spread.
This recipe draws on Mediterranean flavors, where potatoes are often roasted with olive oil and herbs, and feta cheese provides a tangy, salty contrast. By baking the feta alongside garlic cloves until soft and spreadable, you create a rustic yet elegant flavor pairing that elevates simple roasted potatoes into a memorable side or even a main dish.
In this article, you’ll learn how to make this dish step by step, plus discover creative variations, serving ideas, storage tips, and answers to common questions. By the end, you’ll have a go-to recipe that’s versatile enough for everyday meals and impressive enough for entertaining.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Simple ingredients, big flavor: Just a handful of everyday staples transform into something extraordinary.
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Comforting and versatile: Works as a side dish, appetizer, or vegetarian main.
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Mediterranean-inspired: Bright, bold, and wholesome flavors.
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Customizable: Add herbs, spices, or toppings to make it your own.
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Crowd-pleasing: A guaranteed hit at potlucks, parties, or family dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Roasted Potatoes
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Baby potatoes or Yukon gold – Their creamy texture and crisp skin are ideal for roasting.
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Olive oil – Helps achieve that golden, crispy exterior.
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Salt and black pepper – The foundation of seasoning.
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Fresh rosemary or thyme – Optional, for earthy, aromatic flavor.
For the Baked Feta and Garlic
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Feta cheese block – Opt for a full block rather than crumbled for better texture.
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Garlic cloves – Whole, unpeeled cloves roast to a sweet, buttery consistency.
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Olive oil – To drizzle over feta and garlic before baking.
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Red pepper flakes (optional) – For a subtle kick of heat.
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Lemon zest or juice (optional) – Adds brightness to balance richness.
Optional Garnishes
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Fresh parsley or dill – For a burst of freshness.
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Cherry tomatoes – Roasted alongside potatoes for sweetness.
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Toasted pine nuts or walnuts – Add crunch and nuttiness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Wash and halve baby potatoes (or cube larger potatoes).
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Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs.
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Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet.
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Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
Step 2: Bake the Feta and Garlic
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Place the feta block in a small baking dish.
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Add garlic cloves around the cheese.
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Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with pepper and red pepper flakes.
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Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, until feta softens and garlic is tender.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
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Arrange roasted potatoes on a serving platter.
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Spoon baked feta and garlic on top, mashing garlic cloves slightly.
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Garnish with herbs, lemon zest, or extras like roasted tomatoes.
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Serve hot as a side or main dish.
Tips for Success
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Use a hot oven: High heat is key to crispy potatoes.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give potatoes space so they roast instead of steam.
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Choose whole feta: Blocks soften better than pre-crumbled feta.
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Roast garlic with skins on: It prevents burning and keeps cloves creamy.
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Finish with freshness: A squeeze of lemon or sprinkle of herbs elevates the dish.
Variations to Try
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Mediterranean style: Add roasted cherry tomatoes, olives, and fresh oregano.
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Spicy version: Mix potatoes with paprika or cayenne; top feta with chili flakes.
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Herb lover’s twist: Mix in fresh dill, basil, or mint after baking.
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Cheesy upgrade: Add shredded mozzarella or Parmesan to the roasted potatoes.
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Vegan alternative: Swap feta for marinated tofu or a plant-based feta substitute.
Perfect Pairings
As a Side Dish
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Grilled chicken or steak – Adds protein and balance.
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Baked salmon – Complements the tangy feta with rich fish.
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Roast lamb – A classic pairing with Mediterranean flavors.
As a Main Dish
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Serve with a crisp green salad.
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Pair with a grain bowl (quinoa, farro, or couscous).
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Add roasted vegetables like zucchini, peppers, or eggplant for extra heft.
Drinks
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White wine – Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
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Red wine – A light Pinot Noir works well.
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Non-alcoholic – Sparkling water with lemon or iced herbal tea.
Storing and Reheating
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Re-crisp potatoes in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes.
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Feta and garlic: Warm separately in a small dish before serving again.
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Freezing: Not recommended, as feta and potatoes lose their texture when frozen.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
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Calories: 360
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Protein: 9g
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Fat: 21g
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Carbohydrates: 34g
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Fiber: 5g
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Sugar: 4g
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Sodium: 530mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other cheeses instead of feta?
Yes—goat cheese, ricotta, or halloumi all work well, though they’ll change the flavor profile.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can roast the potatoes and garlic ahead, then reheat and add freshly baked feta before serving.
What’s the best potato variety for roasting?
Baby potatoes, Yukon gold, or red potatoes are ideal because they crisp up nicely while staying creamy inside.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes—use a plant-based feta alternative or simply serve with roasted garlic and herbs.
Can I add protein to make it a complete meal?
Absolutely—pair with grilled chicken, chickpeas, or salmon for a satisfying main dish.
Bringing It All Together
Roasted Potatoes with Baked Feta and Garlic is proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. Crispy, golden potatoes meet soft, tangy feta and sweet, mellow roasted garlic to deliver layers of flavor and texture in every bite.
It’s a dish that adapts beautifully—serve it as a side to grilled meats, enjoy it as a vegetarian centerpiece, or dress it up with Mediterranean garnishes for a vibrant spread. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a casual weeknight meal, or looking for a dish that bridges comfort and elegance, this recipe is a must-try.
So preheat your oven, grab a block of feta, and let this simple yet stunning recipe become a staple at your table.
PrintRoasted Potatoes with Baked Feta and Garlic
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Few dishes are as comforting and flavorful as roasted potatoes, but when paired with baked feta and roasted garlic, they become something truly special. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner side dish, a holiday spread, or even as a hearty appetizer for entertaining. The crispy golden potatoes provide the perfect contrast to the creamy, slightly tangy baked feta, while roasted garlic brings a rich sweetness that ties everything together. It’s a simple recipe that transforms humble ingredients into an irresistible dish.
Ingredients
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2 pounds baby potatoes (or Yukon gold), halved
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon paprika
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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1 block feta cheese (about 7 ounces)
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1 whole garlic bulb
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1 tablespoon olive oil (for garlic)
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Toss halved potatoes with olive oil, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
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While the potatoes roast, place the block of feta in a small ovenproof dish. Slice the top off the garlic bulb to expose the cloves, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, wrap in foil, and place alongside the feta in the oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the feta is soft and the garlic is caramelized.
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Once roasted, squeeze the soft garlic cloves from the bulb and mash lightly with a fork. Stir into the baked feta until creamy.
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Serve the roasted potatoes hot, topped with spoonfuls of the baked feta and garlic mixture. Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes