Quick smashed Greek potatoes with feta and rosemary

If you’re looking for a side dish that’s both delicious and easy to prepare, you’ve come to the right place! These quick smashed Greek potatoes with feta and rosemary are one of my absolute favorites. They have a delightful blend of flavors that truly makes them stand out, and they can turn any meal into something special. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this recipe is perfect for adding a touch of Mediterranean magic to your table.

The best part? It requires minimal effort while packing in maximum flavor! Trust me, once you try these quick smashed Greek potatoes, they’ll become a go-to recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super simple preparation: This recipe is straightforward and quick, making it ideal for any home cook.
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the crispy edges and creamy feta topping!
• Perfect for meal prep: You can make these potatoes ahead of time and simply reheat them for an easy side dish during the week.
• Bursting with flavor: The combination of garlic, feta, and fresh rosemary brings an irresistible taste to your meal.
• Versatile serving options: Pair these potatoes with almost any main dish, from grilled veggies to hearty grains.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! These are all simple, wholesome items that you might already have in your kitchen. They come together beautifully to create the star of the show—our quick smashed Greek potatoes with feta and rosemary.

For the Potatoes

• 8-12 medium potatoes (roasting potatoes)
• Olive oil to drizzle
• Salt and pepper to season

For the Toppings

• 200 g (7oz) feta cheese (crumbled)
• 3 tbsp small capers or sliced black olives
• 2 large whole cloves of garlic (sliced)
• 1 red onion (sliced into very thin rounds)
• Small rosemary sprig (torn)
• 1 lemon (cut into quarters)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with your toppings or even the type of potatoes you use. Here are some fun variations:

• Add different cheeses: Swap out feta for crumbled goat cheese or sharp cheddar for a unique twist.
• Mix in veggies: Toss in some cherry tomatoes or bell peppers before roasting for extra color and flavor.
• Herb substitutions: Try using fresh thyme or oregano instead of rosemary if that’s what you have on hand.
• Make it spicy: Add some crushed red pepper flakes for a kick!

How to Make Quick smashed Greek potatoes with feta and rosemary

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first! Preheat your oven to 200C (400F). This ensures that the potatoes will get that perfect crispiness as they roast. Drizzle a large skillet or roasting tray with a little olive oil while you’re at it—this helps prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Rinse the medium potatoes well under cold water. Then pierce each potato all over with the tip of a sharp knife. This step is crucial because it allows steam to escape while cooking.

Step 3: Microwave the Potatoes

Place the pierced potatoes in a microwaveable bowl. Cover them with two sheets of damp paper towel and microwave on full power for 7-12 minutes. Depending on your microwave’s capacity, you may need to do this in batches. Check after 7 minutes—you want them tender enough that you can easily pierce them with a knife.

Step 4: Smash Them Down

Once your potatoes are cooked, carefully transfer them to the skillet or tray. Using a potato masher, smash each potato gently until they flatten but still hold their shape. This technique creates more surface area for crispy bits!

Step 5: Seasoning Time

Drizzle more olive oil over your smashed potatoes and season generously with salt and pepper. Scatter sliced garlic and torn rosemary over the top, then tuck those lemon wedges among them. The lemon will add such brightness!

Step 6: Roast Away!

Cook those beauties in the oven for about 10 minutes until their skins start to color nicely. This step is where they develop that lovely golden exterior.

Step 7: Add Toppings

Now it’s time for more deliciousness! Take out the tray briefly, sprinkle on crumbled feta cheese, onion rings, and capers. Return everything back to the oven for another 5 minutes so everything gets warm and flavorful.

Step 8: Serve It Up!

Finally, squeeze some roasted lemon juice from those wedges over your crispy potatoes before serving immediately! Enjoy every bite of these quick smashed Greek potatoes with feta and rosemary—they’re sure to be a hit at your table!

Pro Tips for Making Quick smashed Greek potatoes with feta and rosemary

These tips will help you achieve the best flavor and texture for your smashed potatoes!

• Choose the right potatoes: Opt for medium-sized roasting potatoes, as they have the perfect balance of starch and moisture, ensuring a fluffy interior while still holding their shape when smashed.
• Don’t skip the microwaving step: Microwaving the potatoes before roasting not only speeds up the cooking process but also helps create that tender texture you want under the crispy exterior.
• Use fresh rosemary: Fresh rosemary adds a fragrant, earthy note to your dish. If using dried rosemary, reduce the amount since dried herbs are more potent.
• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like cherry tomatoes or different cheese varieties such as goat cheese or vegan alternatives to customize your dish.
• Serve immediately: Smashed potatoes are best enjoyed right out of the oven while they’re hot and crispy. If you let them sit too long, they may lose that delightful crunch!

How to Serve Quick smashed Greek potatoes with feta and rosemary

Presenting your quick smashed Greek potatoes in an appealing way can elevate any meal. Here are some ideas to make your dish shine!

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of finely chopped parsley adds a bright color and freshness that complements the dish.
• Extra lemon wedges: Serving additional lemon wedges on the side allows guests to squeeze more juice over their portions if desired, enhancing the flavor.
• A drizzle of balsamic reduction: A light drizzle of balsamic reduction adds a sweet tanginess that pairs beautifully with feta and enhances visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Greek salad: A refreshing Greek salad featuring cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, and olives tossed in olive oil and lemon juice pairs wonderfully with the flavors of the potatoes.
• Grilled vegetables: Charred seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant bring vibrant colors and textures that complement your main dish.
• Quinoa tabbouleh: This herby salad made with quinoa, parsley, mint, tomatoes, and a lemon dressing provides a nutrient-rich side that balances out the richness of feta.
• Tzatziki sauce: A cool tzatziki made from yogurt (or a dairy-free alternative), cucumber, garlic, and herbs serves as a perfect dip alongside your potatoes for an added layer of flavor.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in hand, you’re all set to create a delightful dining experience centered around quick smashed Greek potatoes with feta and rosemary! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These quick smashed Greek potatoes with feta and rosemary are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them in advance, store them, and enjoy their deliciousness throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the potatoes to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the potatoes cool completely.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, ensuring all air is removed.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen potatoes in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• To reheat, place them on a baking tray and warm in a preheated oven at 180C (350F) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them until warm, but they may lose some crispiness.

FAQs

If you’re curious about quick smashed Greek potatoes with feta and rosemary or have some questions before diving into this recipe, I’ve got you covered!

Can I use different types of cheese instead of feta?

Absolutely! While feta provides a tangy flavor that complements the dish beautifully, you can substitute it with goat cheese or a dairy-free alternative if desired. Just keep in mind that it may alter the taste slightly.

How can I make my quick smashed Greek potatoes with feta and rosemary spicier?

For those who love a kick, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or fresh chili to the garlic and rosemary mix. This will add heat without overpowering the classic flavors.

What should I serve with these quick smashed Greek potatoes?

These potatoes make a wonderful side dish for grilled chicken or fish. They also pair beautifully with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a wholesome meal.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe for quick smashed Greek potatoes with feta and rosemary has inspired you to get cooking! Not only are they easy to prepare, but they also deliver on flavor and comfort. Enjoy making this delightful dish that brings warmth to your table. Happy cooking!