Quick smashed Greek potatoes with feta and rosemary

If you’re looking for a flavor-packed side dish that’s quick and easy, you’ve come to the right place! These quick smashed Greek potatoes with feta and rosemary are my go-to recipe for busy weeknights and family gatherings alike. They are so simple to whip up, yet they taste absolutely divine. The combination of crispy, golden potatoes, tangy feta cheese, and aromatic rosemary creates a delightful dish that will impress everyone at the table.

What makes these smashed potatoes truly special is their versatility. You can serve them alongside grilled chicken for a hearty meal or pair them with a fresh salad for a lighter option. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Quick Preparation: With just 7 minutes of prep time and minimal effort, you’ll have a delicious side ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly Flavor: The delightful mix of feta and herbs is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the potatoes in advance and finish them off in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
• Endless Customization: Feel free to mix in your favorite toppings or substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand.
• Deliciously Satisfying: The crispy texture paired with creamy feta creates a mouthwatering experience that everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for these quick smashed Greek potatoes with feta and rosemary. You probably have most of these items in your pantry already!

For the Potatoes

• 8-12 medium potatoes (roasting potatoes)
• 2 large cloves of garlic (sliced)
• 1 red onion (sliced into very thin rounds)
• small sprig of rosemary (torn)
• 1 lemon (cut into quarters)
• olive oil to drizzle
• salt and pepper to season

For Toppings

• 200 g (7oz) feta cheese (crumbled)
• 3 tbsp small capers or sliced black olives

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! If you’re looking to mix things up or use what you have at home, here are some tasty variations:

• Add some heat: Toss in a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick that complements the creamy feta beautifully.
• Switch the cheese: Try goat cheese instead of feta for a different flavor profile that still delivers creaminess.
• Veggie boost: Incorporate some cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for added color and sweetness.
• Herb swap: Use thyme or oregano instead of rosemary if you’re craving something different.

How to Make Quick smashed Greek potatoes with feta and rosemary

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 200C (400F). This ensures that it’s nice and hot when we’re ready to roast our delicious potatoes. Drizzle a large skillet or roasting tray with a little olive oil—it helps achieve that perfect crispy texture!

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Rinse your potatoes thoroughly and pierce them all over with the tip of a sharp knife. This step is important as it allows steam to escape during cooking, ensuring they cook evenly. Now, place them in a microwaveable bowl covered with damp paper towels—this will steam them perfectly!

Step 3: Microwave the Potatoes

Microwave the potatoes on full power for 7-12 minutes until they’re tender enough to pierce easily with a knife. You might need to do this in batches depending on how many you’re cooking. Checking after 7 minutes ensures they don’t overcook.

Step 4: Smash Those Potatoes

Once cooked, transfer the potatoes to your oiled skillet or tray. Use a potato masher to gently smash each potato—this exposes some flesh while keeping their shape intact. This step creates those crispy edges we all love!

Step 5: Seasoning Time!

Drizzle olive oil over your smashed potatoes while seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Scatter those sliced garlic cloves and torn rosemary across the top, then nestle lemon wedges among them. The lemon adds brightness as it roasts!

Step 6: Roast Until Crisp

Pop the tray into your preheated oven for about 10 minutes until the skins start turning golden. Watching them crisp up is half the fun—you’ll be salivating just waiting!

Step 7: Add Feta and Onion

Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese along with sliced red onion and capers on top of your roasted potatoes. Return everything back to the oven for another 5 minutes until warm and gooey.

Step 8: Serve With Fresh Lemon Juice

As soon as they come out of the oven, squeeze some fresh lemon juice from those roasted wedges over your beautiful smashed potatoes. Serve immediately while they’re hot—trust me; they won’t last long!

Enjoy every delectable bite of these quick smashed Greek potatoes with feta and rosemary!

Pro Tips for Making Quick Smashed Greek Potatoes with Feta and Rosemary

These quick smashed Greek potatoes are a delightful dish that can easily become a staple in your kitchen. Here are some pro tips to enhance your cooking experience!

• Choose the right potatoes: Opt for medium-sized roasting potatoes, as they have the perfect texture for smashing and roasting. This ensures they hold their shape and get crispy edges.
• Microwave efficiently: Don’t overcrowd the microwave; cook in batches if needed. This allows for even cooking, ensuring all potatoes are tender and ready to be smashed without any delays.
• Smash gently: When smashing the potatoes, apply gentle pressure to expose the flesh without completely flattening them. This technique helps achieve that crispy exterior while keeping a soft inside.
• Customize seasonings: Feel free to mix up the herbs or add spices like paprika or oregano. Customizing your seasonings lets you tailor the flavor profile to your liking, making each batch unique.
• Serve hot: These potatoes taste best fresh out of the oven. If you’re serving a crowd, consider keeping them warm in a low oven while you finish preparing other dishes.

How to Serve Quick Smashed Greek Potatoes with Feta and Rosemary

Serving these smashed Greek potatoes is all about presentation and complementary flavors. Here are some ideas to help you make your dish shine!

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley or dill: A sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs adds a vibrant touch and enhances the flavor profile.
• Extra feta crumbles: A few extra crumbles of feta on top just before serving can make it look more appetizing and add creaminess.

Side Dishes

• Greek Salad: This refreshing salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, bell peppers, and olives drizzled with olive oil complements the rich flavors of the potatoes beautifully.
• Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant not only taste fantastic but also bring color and texture diversity to your meal.
• Hummus with Pita Bread: The creamy texture of hummus paired with warm pita bread creates a wonderful contrast and is perfect for dipping alongside the potatoes.
• Roasted Chickpeas: Crunchy roasted chickpeas seasoned with spices offer a protein-packed side that pairs well with the flavors of your smashed potatoes while adding an enjoyable crunch.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll have a deliciously satisfying dish that’s sure to impress family and friends at any gathering! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

 

Make Ahead and Storage

These quick smashed Greek potatoes with feta and rosemary are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time and store them for later. They taste just as amazing reheated, making them a convenient option for a busy weeknight or a festive gathering.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the potatoes to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate.
• They will keep well for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Let the smashed potatoes cool down to room temperature first.
• Spread them out on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen potatoes to a freezer-safe container or bag, where they can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in the oven at 180C (350F) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• If you’re short on time, you can also reheat them in the microwave in short increments, covered to retain moisture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might help you make this delicious dish even better!

Can I use different herbs instead of rosemary for my quick smashed Greek potatoes with feta and rosemary?

Absolutely! While rosemary complements the flavors beautifully, feel free to experiment with thyme, oregano, or even dill. Each herb will bring its unique twist to the dish.

How do I make my quick smashed Greek potatoes with feta and rosemary extra crispy?

To achieve extra crispiness, ensure that your smashed potatoes are evenly coated with olive oil before roasting. Additionally, you can broil them for the last few minutes of cooking to give them that perfect golden finish!

Can I substitute feta cheese in this recipe?

Yes! If you’re looking for a non-dairy option or just prefer a different flavor, try using crumbled dairy-free feta or even ricotta-style vegan cheese.

What type of potatoes are best for smashed potatoes?

For this recipe, medium-sized roasting potatoes like Yukon Golds or Red Potatoes work wonderfully. They have the right texture and hold their shape well when smashed.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe for quick smashed Greek potatoes with feta and rosemary brings joy to your kitchen! It’s not just delicious; it’s also easy enough to whip up any night of the week. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and making it your own. I can’t wait for you to try it!