The Crave-Worthy Barefoot Contessa Crusty Baked Potatoes With Whipped Feta Recipe

Crusty baked potatoes are what comfort food dreams are made of.

Their crisp skins give way to fluffy, warm centers packed with flavor.

A dollop of whipped feta adds a creamy, tangy contrast that feels indulgent yet refreshing.

Seasoned simply with herbs and oil, they don’t need much to taste amazing.

The mix of textures – crunchy and soft – makes every bite deeply satisfying.

It’s a side dish that often outshines the main course.

Fall for Crusty Baked Potatoes with Whipped Feta

• Herb-Infused Flavor Explosion: Elevate ordinary potatoes with a vibrant seasoning mix of rosemary, thyme, and lemon zest that creates an intense, aromatic coating bursting with fresh Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
• Texture Perfection: Achieve the ultimate potato experience with a crackly, crisp exterior that gives way to an incredibly soft, fluffy interior – a magical contrast that makes each bite irresistibly satisfying.
• Creamy Whipped Feta Surprise: Transform classic feta into a luxuriously smooth, tangy spread that adds a sophisticated creamy element to the crispy baked potatoes, turning a simple side dish into a gourmet sensation.

Core Components for Crusty Baked Potatoes with Whipped Feta

• Russet Potatoes: Starchy potatoes perfect for crispy exterior and fluffy interior, best when firm and without sprouts or green patches.
• Olive Oil: Helps create crispy skin and helps seasonings stick to potatoes, choose extra virgin for best flavor.

• Rosemary, Thyme: Fresh herbs that provide earthy and aromatic flavor to potatoes, select bright green and fragrant herbs.
• Lemon Zest: Adds bright citrusy notes to the seasoning, use fresh lemons for most intense flavor.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall seasoning flavor and helps draw moisture from potato skin.

• Feta Cheese, Cream Cheese: Creamy base for topping, select high-quality brands with good texture and tangy flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps create smooth and spreadable consistency for whipped feta.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps balance the richness of cheese.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and depth to the whipped feta.
• Chives: Fresh garnish that adds color and mild onion flavor, choose bright green and crisp chives.

Step-by-Step for Crusty Baked Potatoes with Whipped Feta

Step 1: Prep The Oven

Crank up your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create Herbal Seasoning Blend

• Fresh rosemary
• Dried thyme
• Lemon zest
• Kosher salt

Pulse until the herbs are finely chopped and spread the mixture onto a flat plate.

Step 3: Get Potatoes Ready

Thoroughly wash potatoes and pat completely dry. Using a fork, poke multiple holes all over each potato. Drizzle olive oil over each potato, then roll them in the herb mixture until fully coated. Transfer seasoned potatoes to the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake Crispy Potatoes

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Roast potatoes for 60-75 minutes, or until the exterior is beautifully crisp and the inside feels soft when pierced.

Step 5: Whip Creamy Feta Topping

• Crumbled feta cheese
• Cream cheese

• Olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice
• Salt
• Black pepper

Process until silky smooth. Chill in refrigerator until serving time.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Split each potato down the center. Gently squeeze the ends to create a fluffy opening. Dollop a generous amount of whipped feta on top. Sprinkle with freshly chopped chives. Serve immediately with extra whipped feta on the side.

Expert Hints for Crusty Baked Potatoes with Whipped Feta

• Potato Power Selection: Pick large, uniform Idaho or Russet potatoes to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
• Oil Coating Technique: Generously massage olive oil over entire potato surface to help seasonings adhere perfectly and create a golden, crunchy exterior.
• Piercing Precision: Use a fork to create multiple small holes across the potato skin, allowing steam to escape and preventing unexpected potato explosions during baking.
• Feta Whipping Wisdom: Blend feta cheese with cream cheese and yogurt carefully, stopping just when the mixture becomes smooth and creamy without losing its delightful texture.
• Timing is Everything: Serve these baked potatoes immediately after removing from the oven to enjoy the ultimate crispy skin and hot, fluffy interior that will impress every dinner guest.

Store Crusty Baked Potatoes with Whipped Feta Smartly

• Vacuum Sealing: Maximize freshness by vacuum-sealing individual potatoes and whipped feta separately. This method prevents moisture absorption and preserves crispy potato skins, keeping ingredients fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing Strategy: Prepare and freeze potatoes before adding whipped feta. Wrap baked potatoes individually in aluminum foil, then place in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat at 375°F for 10-15 minutes to restore original crispiness.
• Ingredient Separation: Store whipped feta in a sealed glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Place potatoes in another container to prevent moisture transfer. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture, ensuring each component maintains its unique culinary qualities.

Fun Variations on Crusty Baked Potatoes with Whipped Feta

• Mediterranean Herb Potato Feast: Replace rosemary and thyme with za'atar spice blend, adding sumac and dried oregano for a Middle Eastern flavor profile. Swap whipped feta with labneh and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
• Spicy Southwestern Potato Crunch: Substitute herb mix with chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. Create a chipotle-lime whipped feta by adding roasted jalapeños and fresh lime zest to the cheese mixture. Top with chopped cilantro for extra kick.
• Truffle Parmesan Potato Elegance: Infuse the seasoning with dried porcini powder and fresh thyme. Blend truffle oil into the whipped feta and sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the finished potatoes. Garnish with fresh chives and black pepper for a luxurious touch.
• Garlic Herb Rustic Potato Style: Incorporate roasted garlic cloves into the seasoning mix and add fresh dill to the whipped feta. Mix in some chopped green onions for additional depth and freshness. Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

A Tasty Close to Crusty Baked Potatoes with Whipped Feta

Culinary magic sparks from Barefoot Contessa’s baked potato masterpiece, delivering rustic charm with Mediterranean elegance.

Herbal-infused potatoes showcase complex flavor profiles beyond simple side dishes.

Mediterranean whipped feta elevates humble spuds into gourmet territory with creamy, tangy luxuriousness.

Rosemary and thyme dance across crispy potato skins, creating sensory symphonies that delight palates.

Homestyle cooking meets sophisticated technique in this recipe that bridges comfort and refinement.

Each forkful promises a celebration of texture, aroma, and culinary creativity – so grab those ingredients, gather kitchen companions, share this delectable discovery, spread the recipe love, and let gastronomic adventures begin!

Barefoot Contessa Crusty Baked Potatoes With Whipped Feta Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Barefoot Contessa’s crusty baked potatoes elevate simple ingredients into a Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece. Rich, creamy whipped feta complements crispy potato skins, creating an irresistible side dish you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potatoes and Cheese:

• 4 large baking potatoes (225-280g / 8–10 ounces each)
• 170g (6 ounces) Greek feta, crumbled
• 55g (2 ounces) cream cheese, at room temperature

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt or fleur de sel
• Zest of 1 large lemon
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Oils and Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 80 milliliters (2.7 fluid ounces) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Chopped fresh chives, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly wash potatoes and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel, ensuring no moisture remains on the surface.
2. Use a fork to puncture multiple holes across each potato, allowing steam to escape during roasting and preventing potential potato explosions.
3. Create an aromatic herb blend by finely chopping fresh rosemary, thyme, and grating lemon zest, mixing with kosher salt to form a fragrant seasoning mixture.
4. Drizzle each potato with extra virgin olive oil, ensuring complete and even coverage by gently massaging the oil into the potato skin.
5. Roll the oil-coated potatoes in the prepared herb seasoning, pressing gently to help the mixture adhere completely to the potato surface.
6. Arrange seasoned potatoes on a foil-lined baking tray, ensuring they are not touching each other to promote even heat circulation.
7. Position the baking tray in a preheated oven set to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F, creating an environment for crispy exterior and creamy interior.
8. Roast potatoes for 60 to 75 minutes, rotating the tray midway to guarantee uniform browning and consistent cooking.
9. While potatoes roast, prepare whipped feta by combining crumbled feta cheese and cream cheese in a food processor until smooth and creamy.
10. Enhance the whipped feta by adding olive oil, fresh lemon juice, ground black pepper, and a pinch of salt, blending until silky and well-incorporated.
11. Once potatoes are golden and crisp, remove from oven and allow to rest for 2-3 minutes.
12. Carefully slice each potato lengthwise, gently squeezing the ends to create a fluffy interior opening.
13. Generously top each potato with whipped feta, garnish with finely chopped chives, and serve immediately while still warm.

Notes

• Grab medium-sized potatoes with uniform shape for even cooking and perfect texture.
• Massage olive oil generously to create a golden, crispy exterior that seals in moisture.
• Poke small holes using a fork to release steam and prevent potato explosions during baking.
• Crumble feta cheese gently to maintain slight chunks for exciting bursts of tangy flavor.
• Enjoy these potatoes hot and fresh for maximum crunchiness and mouthwatering appeal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 35mg