Baked Feta Potatoes Lemon

The first time I made this dish was during a last minute dinner party when my fridge was nearly empty but I had a block of feta and some baby potatoes. The way the feta softens and creates these creamy salty pockets throughout the potatoes made it an instant hit that my friends still request.

Last summer I served this alongside grilled fish at a rooftop dinner and watched three people go back for thirds. The dish has this way of stealing the show even when its meant to be a side.

Ingredients

• Baby potatoes: These hold their shape better than larger potatoes and cream up beautifully as they roast
• Red onion: The wedges caramelize in the oven adding sweetness that balances the salty feta
• Feta cheese: Cut into generous cubes so you get those creamy salty bites in every forkful
• Lemon: Both zest and juice are essential for that bright Mediterranean flavor that cuts through the richness
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic mellows as it roasts becoming sweet and aromatic
• Oregano: Dried oregano blooms in the heat giving that classic Greek profile
• Olive oil: Use good quality olive oil since the flavor really shines here
• Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh pop of color and brightness right before serving
• Black pepper: Essential for a little warmth and depth
• Chili flakes: Optional but adds such a nice subtle heat that complements the feta

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 400°F and lightly oil a large baking dish that can hold everything in a single layer

Toss everything together:

In a big bowl combine the halved potatoes and onion wedges with olive oil lemon zest and juice garlic oregano pepper chili flakes if using and salt until every piece is coated

Arrange in the dish:

Spread the potato mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish making sure nothing is piled too high

Add the feta:

Scatter the feta cubes over the top and between the potatoes so they tuck into the mixture

Roast to golden perfection:

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes giving everything a stir halfway through until potatoes are tender and golden with slightly browned edges of feta

Finish and serve:

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top right after removing from the oven and serve while still warm

Save

This recipe became my go to for potlucks after my sister texted me at midnight demanding I make it for her birthday the next day. Something about the combination of crispy tender potatoes and salty feta just makes people happy.

Making It Your Own

Ive learned that adding cherry tomatoes or kalamata olives in the last 15 minutes of baking adds such a nice contrast. The tomatoes burst and create little pools of juice while the olives bring brininess that plays perfectly with the feta.

Serving Suggestions

This dish works beautifully alongside grilled fish roasted chicken or even as part of a vegetarian mezze spread with hummus and warm pita. The lemon and feta flavors pair especially well with simply prepared proteins.

Make Ahead Wisdom

You can toss everything together except the feta up to a day ahead and keep it in the refrigerator. The potatoes actually benefit from sitting in the lemon and oil mixture.

• Add the feta right before baking so it doesnt become too soft
• If prepping ahead let the mixture sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting
• This reheats surprisingly well the next day though the feta will be softer

Save

Theres something deeply satisfying about a dish that transforms such simple ingredients into something that feels special enough for company but easy enough for Tuesday.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of potatoes work best for this dish?

Baby potatoes or small new potatoes are ideal because they cook evenly and become tender inside while developing a golden crust.

→ Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?

Feta offers a tangy, creamy texture that balances the lemon and herbs, but mozzarella or halloumi can be used for a milder flavor and firmer texture.

→ How can I add extra flavor to this dish?

Adding cherry tomatoes or olives before baking introduces additional bursts of sweetness or briny notes, enhancing the Mediterranean profile.

→ Is it necessary to stir during baking?

Stirring halfway through ensures even cooking and helps the feta and potatoes brown uniformly without sticking.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can toss the potatoes with herbs and lemon juice in advance, but add the feta just before baking for best texture.