If you’re craving a side dish that feels both fresh and indulgent, you are about to fall head over heels for this Crispy Lemon-Feta Roasted Potatoes Recipe. Imagine golden, crunchy potatoes smashed just right, roasting alongside bright, tangy lemon slices and salty, creamy feta cheese that melts slightly into every nook and cranny. The fresh dill adds a final herbaceous note that takes this dish from simply good to absolutely unforgettable. It is comfort food with a Mediterranean twist that’s perfect for any meal, guaranteed to have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simplicity—each ingredient plays a vital role in building fantastic flavor and texture. From the crispiness of baby yellow potatoes to the zesty brightness of lemon and creamy feta, these ingredients together create a dish that’s vibrant and satisfying.
- 1.5 lbs. baby yellow potatoes: Petite gold potatoes are ideal for that perfect crispy exterior and fluffy interior after roasting.
- 6 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided: This adds richness and helps create that irresistible golden crust.
- 1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano: Offers an earthy, aromatic depth that pairs wonderfully with lemon and feta.
- 1 tsp. garlic powder: Infuses a subtle but essential savory punch that complements the potatoes beautifully.
- 3/4 tsp. kosher salt: Balances flavors and enhances every ingredient.
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and enhances the aroma.
- 1 small lemon, thinly sliced: Brings bright acidity and a fresh citrus crunch that cuts through the richness.
- 4 to 5 oz. feta cheese, crumbled: The creamy, tangy feta melts perfectly, boosting the flavor and texture.
- 1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh dill: This fresh herb adds a light, fragrant finish that uplifts the entire dish.
How to Make Crispy Lemon-Feta Roasted Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Boil and Prep the Potatoes
Start by boiling your baby yellow potatoes in generously salted water until they’re fork-tender, which usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. This step ensures the potatoes will be soft inside, setting the stage for them to crisp up beautifully once roasted. After draining, allow them to cool slightly while you preheat the oven to 450ºF. Getting this part right is key to the perfect texture balance in your Crispy Lemon-Feta Roasted Potatoes Recipe.
Step 2: Season and Smash
Mix 3 tablespoons of olive oil with the oregano, garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to create a fragrant, flavorful oil mixture. Toss your potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet with half of this mixture, coating each potato in the herbs and oils. Now here is the fun part—using the bottom of a jar or a glass, gently smash each potato until it’s crushed but still holding together. This will give you more crispy edges during roasting. Nestle the thin lemon slices between the potatoes and brush the rest of the oil mixture over everything for that extra punch of flavor.
Step 3: Roast Until Golden and Crisp
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 30 minutes. During this time, the potatoes develop a gorgeous golden crust with crunchy edges, while the lemon slices roast to a mellowed, caramelized brightness. This roasted lemon aroma filling your kitchen is exactly what you want from this Crispy Lemon-Feta Roasted Potatoes Recipe.
Step 4: Make the Lemon Dressing
Once roasted, carefully remove the lemon slices and let them cool just enough to handle. Then, mince them very finely with a sharp chef’s knife and mix with the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil and a pinch of salt. This lemon dressing adds an extra layer of fresh acidity that brightens the whole dish.
Step 5: Finish with Feta and Dill
Pour the lemon dressing over the warm potatoes and sprinkle with crumbled or chunked feta cheese. Toss gently to combine so that each bite has that creamy, tangy burst from the feta. Finally, add the chopped fresh dill and give everything one last toss—fresh herbs always elevate this Crispy Lemon-Feta Roasted Potatoes Recipe to the next level!
How to Serve Crispy Lemon-Feta Roasted Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra cracked black pepper or another small handful of fresh dill right before serving adds a beautiful finishing touch. If you want to amp up the freshness, a little lemon zest on top can also do wonders.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with grilled meats such as chicken or lamb, or alongside a simple leafy salad dressed with vinaigrette for a lighter meal. It’s equally delicious served with roasted vegetables or even enjoyed on its own for a vegetarian treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these potatoes in a rustic wooden bowl or a colorful ceramic dish to showcase their golden hues and pops of green from the dill. For a party, place them on a platter with lemon wedges and extra feta crumbles for guests to help themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully, but the crispiness will soften, so reheating properly is important.
Freezing
While you can freeze these potatoes, keep in mind that the texture of roasted potatoes tends to change after thawing and reheating. For best results, freeze before adding feta and dill, then add those fresh just before serving after reheating.
Reheating
To bring back some crispiness, reheat leftovers in a hot oven at 400ºF for about 10 minutes rather than using the microwave. This helps refresh the crispy edges and warms through the flavors perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While baby yellow potatoes are ideal for their texture, fingerlings or small red potatoes will also work wonderfully. Just adjust boiling time if needed to keep them tender but not falling apart.
Is it necessary to smash the potatoes?
Yes, lightly smashing the potatoes increases their surface area, allowing them to crisp up better in the oven while creating those tasty crispy edges everyone loves in this recipe.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can omit the feta or substitute with a non-dairy cheese alternative. The potatoes still taste fantastic with the lemon and herbs, though the creamy tang of feta is a signature part of the dish.
How important is fresh dill in the recipe?
Fresh dill adds a lovely bright herbal note that elevates the overall flavor. If you don’t have fresh, you can try a small amount of dried dill, but fresh is highly recommended for the best results.
Can this dish be served cold?
Yes, these roasted potatoes can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making them perfect for picnics or potlucks. Adding the lemon dressing before serving keeps the flavors vibrant either way.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Crispy Lemon-Feta Roasted Potatoes Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to side dish for everything from casual dinners to festive gatherings. The combination of crispy potatoes, zesty lemon, creamy feta, and fresh dill is simply irresistible—and the recipe is easy enough to whip up on any night. Don’t wait to make it your new favorite, and prepare yourself for plenty of compliments!
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Crispy Lemon-Feta Roasted Potatoes Recipe
Crispy Lemon-Feta Roasted Potatoes are a delightful side dish featuring tender baby yellow potatoes lightly smashed and roasted to golden perfection. Infused with the bright flavors of fresh lemon and oregano, and topped with creamy feta cheese and fresh dill, this recipe balances zestiness and savory notes for an irresistible combination.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
Potatoes and Seasoning
- 1.5 lbs. baby yellow potatoes (or petite gold)
- 6 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
Lemon and Toppings
- 1 small lemon (or 1/2 large), thinly sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
- 4 to 5 oz. feta cheese, cut or crumbled into chunks
- 1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh dill
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Boil the baby yellow potatoes in a pot of generously salted water until fork-tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. Drain well and let them cool slightly. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 450ºF.
- Prepare Oil Mixture and Smash Potatoes: In a small bowl, combine 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp. black pepper. Transfer the boiled potatoes to a large rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle half the oil mixture over the potatoes and toss to coat evenly. Using the bottom of a jar or glass, gently smash each potato until crushed but not completely flattened. Nestle the lemon slices among the smashed potatoes and brush the remaining oil mixture over the lemons and potatoes.
- Roast: Roast the potatoes and lemon slices in the preheated 450ºF oven for about 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and crisp on the edges.
- Prepare Lemon Dressing: Remove the lemon slices from the baking sheet and place them on a cutting board to cool briefly. Finely mince the roasted lemon slices using a sharp chef’s knife and transfer them to a small bowl. Drizzle with the remaining 3 Tbsp. of extra-virgin olive oil and add a pinch of salt. Mix well to create a bright, tangy lemon dressing.
- Toss and Serve: Pour the lemon dressing over the roasted potatoes on the baking sheet and add the crumbled or chunked feta cheese. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients. Transfer the potatoes to a serving bowl, sprinkle with fresh chopped dill, and give the dish one final toss. Optionally, garnish with extra cracked black pepper before serving warm.
Notes
- Baby yellow potatoes can be substituted with petite gold or other small waxy potatoes.
- For a stronger lemon flavor, use the entire small lemon or a whole half of a large lemon.
- Using a glass or jar to gently smash potatoes increases surface area for crispiness without flattening them into mash.
- Feta cheese adds a creamy tang but can be omitted or swapped with a vegan cheese alternative for dietary preferences.
- Fresh dill enhances aroma and freshness, but parsley can be an alternative.
- This dish is best served warm but can be served at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
