Baked Feta Potatoes (Easy Mediterranean One-Pan Recipe)

Summary:
Elevate your weeknight dinners or weekend feasts with Baked Feta Potatoes, a Mediterranean-inspired one-pan dish that is crisp, golden, and bursting with savory flavor. Perfectly tender potatoes are roasted with feta, garlic, olive oil, and aromatic herbs for a simple yet impressive dish.

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Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved
• 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Potatoes: Wash and halve the baby potatoes. Pat dry with a kitchen towel to ensure crispiness during roasting.
3. Mix Seasonings: In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir until evenly mixed.
4. Coat Potatoes: Add halved potatoes to the bowl and toss until each piece is thoroughly coated in the seasoning mixture.
5. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring cut sides face down for maximum crispiness.
6. Add Feta: Sprinkle crumbled feta evenly over the potatoes, lightly pressing some pieces onto the potatoes so they stay in place while baking.
7. Bake: Roast for 25–30 minutes until potatoes are golden brown and tender when pierced with a fork. For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm as a side dish, snack, or part of a Mediterranean spread.

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Tips for Perfect Baked Feta Potatoes

• Choose small, uniform potatoes for even roasting.
• Dry potatoes thoroughly after washing to achieve crisp edges.
• Fresh herbs elevate the flavor, but dried herbs work beautifully too.
• Broiling at the end enhances golden crispiness and caramelizes feta slightly for extra richness.

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Variations to Try

• Spicy Mediterranean: Add ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
• Lemon Zest: Sprinkle fresh lemon zest before serving for a zesty finish.
• Cheese Mix: Combine feta with crumbled halloumi or goat cheese for a richer texture.
• Vegetable Medley: Add cherry tomatoes or bell pepper chunks halfway through roasting for a colorful, nutrient-packed version.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a side with grilled chicken or fish for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Pair with a fresh Greek salad for a light, wholesome dinner.
• Include on a party platter with hummus, olives, and pita for a shareable appetizer.

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Fun Facts / Cultural Context

Potatoes are not traditionally Mediterranean, but roasting them with feta and olive oil is inspired by Greek cuisine’s love of simple, flavorful ingredients. Feta cheese, made from sheep’s milk (and sometimes goat’s milk), has been a staple in Greek diets for centuries, offering a tangy contrast to earthy vegetables. Combining these ingredients creates a modern one-pan dish that honors Mediterranean simplicity while satisfying modern tastes.

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Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10–12 minutes to restore crispiness.
• Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the crunchy edges.

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Nutritional Highlights (per serving)

• Calories: 220
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 350mg