There’s something wonderfully comforting about the aroma of baked potatoes wafting through your home. It takes me back to my childhood, where the scent of warm, fluffy potatoes escaping the oven would fill the kitchen, luring my family to gather around the table. Now, as an adult, I strive to recreate that nostalgia, but with a delicious twist. Enter: Baked Feta Potatoes with Lemon! This simple yet fabulous dish combines the earthy softness of potatoes with the creamy, tangy flavor of feta and the bright zesty notes of lemon. It’s like a warm hug on a plate that’s perfect for any occasion.
Recipe Timing
- Prep Duration: 15 minutes
- Active Cooking: 60-75 minutes
- Total Duration: 75-90 minutes
- Portion Size: Serves 4
- Complexity: Simple
Nutritional Recipe
- Calories per portion: 320
- Protein: 10 grams
- Carbs: 38 grams
- Fats: 15 grams
- Fiber: 4 grams
- Sugars: 1 gram
- Sodium: 580 mg
Why You’ll Love This Baked Feta Potatoes with Lemon
Baked Feta Potatoes with Lemon are the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. The creamy feta melts into the tender potato, creating a rich, savory filling. The bright acidity of the lemon lifts the dish, making it feel light and fresh. It’s vegan-adaptable, delightful as a side or delightful enough to stand alone as a meal. The best part? It’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight but impressive enough for a dinner party!
The Complete Cooking Journey
This cooking journey invites you to experience the transformation of humble potatoes into a gloriously savory dish. It begins with selecting the perfect potatoes—medium-sized, buttery varieties—followed by the satisfying act of baking them until they yield to a gentle poke. Meanwhile, a blend of feta, olive oil, garlic, and lemon mingles in perfect harmony. The thrill of spooning that rich, aromatic mixture into the warm potato slits and watching it melt is simply unbeatable. It’s a dish that brings joy at every step!
Ingredients:
- 4 medium potatoes
- 200 grams feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Method:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This sets the stage for perfectly baked potatoes.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Wash and scrub the potatoes, ensuring they’re free of dirt. Using a fork, pierce each potato several times to allow steam to escape while they bake.
Step 3: Bake the Potatoes
Place the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 45-60 minutes, until tender and a fork slides in easily.
Step 4: Mix the Feta Filling
While the potatoes are baking, combine the feta cheese, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mash the mixture with a fork until well combined.
Step 5: Cut the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are done baking, carefully remove them from the oven. Let them cool slightly before cutting a deep slit down the middle of each potato, creating a pocket for the filling.
Step 6: Stuff the Potatoes
Generously spoon the feta mixture into the slits of the potatoes, packing it in nicely.
Step 7: Bake a Second Time
Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the feta is slightly melted and golden, creating a lovely crust.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once baked to perfection, take them out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness, and serve hot!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These Baked Feta Potatoes with Lemon are the perfect companion for a fresh green salad, grilled chicken, or even roasted vegetables. They can be served as a hearty side dish or the main feature of a light dinner. Don’t forget to ask guests to drizzle a bit of extra olive oil on top for an added touch of flavor!
Storage & Leftovers Guide
If you’re blessed with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to retain that lovely texture, or microwave for a quick meal. The flavors tend to deepen, making them just as delightful the next day!
Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips
- Choose potatoes that are similar in size for even cooking.
- Let the baked potatoes rest a bit after baking; it makes them easier to cut.
- Don’t be shy with the feta filling! The more, the merrier!
- For extra zing, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the feta mixture for a spicy kick.
Flavor Variations & Adaptations
Feel free to switch up the feta with goat cheese or ricotta for different flavor profiles. For a Mediterranean twist, toss in some olives or sun-dried tomatoes into the filling. If you prefer a whole grain approach, substitute traditional potatoes for sweet potatoes.
Reader Questions & Solutions
- How do I know when my potatoes are done? The best test is to poke them with a fork; they should feel soft versus firm.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare the potatoes and filling, stuff them, then cover and store in the fridge. Bake when you’re ready to eat.
- What if I can’t find feta cheese? Try using cream cheese or a vegan cheese alternative for a similar creamy consistency.
- How can I make this dish vegan? Substitute feta with a vegan cheese option, and ensure your olive oil is ethically sourced.
- Can I use different herbs? Certainly! Oregano or dill would pair beautifully with the potato and feta combination.
Wrapping Up
Baked Feta Potatoes with Lemon represent the beauty of simple cooking. They are comforting, tasty, and bursting with flavors that spark joy in every bite. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll not just enjoy the process but savor the delightful outcome. Gather your loved ones, set the table, and relish in the delicious warmth of this beautiful dish. Happy cooking!
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Baked Feta Potatoes with Lemon
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting dish combining fluffy baked potatoes with creamy feta and zesty lemon, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes
- 200 grams feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and scrub the potatoes, then pierce each one with a fork.
- Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes until tender.
- In a bowl, combine feta cheese, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mash together until combined.
- Remove the potatoes, let them cool slightly, and cut a deep slit down the middle of each.
- Spoon the feta mixture into the slits of the potatoes.
- Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven for another 10-15 minutes until the feta is melted and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
