Fluffy & Crispy Barefoot Contessa’s Baked Potatoes Recipe

Baked potatoes reach new levels of deliciousness with this Barefoot Contessa whipped feta recipe that turns simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Golden-crusted potatoes emerge from the oven with a crispy exterior that beckons hungry diners.

The creamy, tangy whipped feta creates a luxurious topping that elevates this classic side dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Salt and herbs dance across the potato’s surface, promising a burst of flavor in every bite.

Roasted to perfection, these potatoes offer a delightful contrast between their crunchy skin and soft, fluffy interior.

You’ll be amazed how a few simple techniques can transform a humble potato into a restaurant-worthy sensation.

This recipe guarantees to impress even the most discerning food lovers at your next gathering.

Cooking Steps for Crusty Potatoes with Feta

Potato Herb Symphony

• Oven Preparation Cozy Kitchen Setup

Create a warm kitchen environment by setting your oven to 400°F, transforming your space into a welcoming cooking zone.

• Potato Selection and Cleansing

Select medium-sized potatoes with smooth skin, washing them gently to remove any dirt and patting completely dry for perfect crispiness.

• Herbal Magic Coating

Mix fragrant rosemary, zesty thyme, bright lemon zest, and sea salt into a magical herb dust that will elevate your potatoes from ordinary to extraordinary.

• Potato Transformation

Massage each potato with olive oil, then roll them lovingly in the herbal mixture, ensuring every inch is covered with flavor-packed goodness.

• Baking Adventure

Place potatoes in the oven and let them roast for about an hour, watching them turn golden and develop a delightfully crunchy exterior while remaining cloud-like inside.

• Creamy Feta Dream

Blend feta and cream cheese into a silky smooth spread, adding a splash of olive oil and lemon juice to create a tangy, luxurious topping that will make taste buds dance.

• Final Flourish

Split open the potatoes, allowing steam to escape, then crown them with a generous dollop of whipped feta and sprinkle fresh chives for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Tips to Elevate Potatoes with Whipped Feta

• Customize your seasoning mix by experimenting with different dried herbs like oregano, sage, or herbes de Provence for a unique flavor profile.
• Swap feta for goat cheese or blue cheese in the whipped spread to create a bolder, more distinctive topping that complements the crispy potato exterior.
• Prepare the whipped feta up to two days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and intensify before serving.
• Ensure potatoes are completely dry before oiling and seasoning to achieve maximum crunchiness, and don't be afraid to use a generous amount of olive oil for that perfect golden-brown exterior.
• Elevate the dish by adding crispy bacon bits, chopped chives, or a drizzle of truffle oil on top of the whipped feta for an extra layer of indulgence and texture.

Plating Crusty Potatoes with Feta

• Elevate Potato Presentation: Serve these crispy potatoes on a rustic wooden board for a farmhouse-style dinner that looks Instagram-worthy and inviting.
• Pair with Protein Companions: Match the potatoes with grilled lamb chops, roasted chicken, or seared salmon to create a complete and satisfying meal that balances rich flavors.
• Create a Mediterranean Mezze Spread: Arrange the baked potatoes alongside olives, hummus, grilled vegetables, and a fresh Greek salad for a vibrant, shareable dining experience that celebrates Mediterranean cuisine.
• Add Textural Garnish Extras: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts, crispy bacon bits, or fresh herb leaves over the whipped feta to introduce extra crunch and layer more exciting flavor dimensions to the dish.

Potatoes with Whipped Feta: Storage and Prep Tips

• Maximize Potato Freshness: Store baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C for best crispy texture.
• Prepare Ahead: Whip feta cheese mixture up to 2 days in advance, keeping it tightly sealed in the refrigerator. The flavors will intensify and become more delicious.
• Freeze with Caution: Avoid freezing baked potatoes as they lose their crispy exterior and become mushy when thawed. Whipped feta can be frozen for up to 1 month in a sealed container.
• Smart Meal Planning: Batch cook these potatoes for quick weeknight meals. Prepare seasoning mix and whipped feta in advance to streamline dinner preparation and save time in the kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Baked Potatoes with Whipped Feta

• Russet Potatoes: Starchy and perfect for achieving that ultra-crispy exterior while maintaining a fluffy interior. Choose firm, smooth potatoes without soft spots or green patches.
• Olive Oil: Creates a golden, crisp skin and helps seasonings adhere beautifully to the potato surface. Select extra virgin olive oil for best flavor.

• Rosemary, Thyme: Fresh herbs that infuse earthy, aromatic notes into the potato crust. Select vibrant green herbs without wilting or browning.
• Lemon Zest: Adds bright, citrusy undertones that cut through the richness of the potato. Use organic lemons for maximum zest flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and helps draw moisture from potato skin for extra crispiness.

• Feta Cheese: Provides tangy, salty base for the creamy topping. Choose authentic Greek feta for authentic flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Creates smooth, luxurious texture in the whipped topping. Select full-fat cream cheese for richest consistency.
• Olive Oil: Adds silkiness and depth to the feta mixture.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the cheese mixture and balances richness.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity to the whipped feta.
• Chives: Fresh, mild onion-like garnish that adds color and subtle flavor. Select bright green, crisp chives.

Equipment Needed for Whipped Feta Potatoes

• Baking Tray: Essential for roasting potatoes evenly and catching drips.
• Foil: Helps line the baking tray for easy cleanup.
• Mini Food Processor: Perfect for finely chopping herbs and creating seasoning mix.
• Fork: Used to pierce potatoes and help release steam during baking.
• Food Processor: Crucial for blending feta and cream cheese into smooth, creamy dip.
• Sharp Knife: Helps slice potatoes open and chop chives for garnish.
• Plate: Convenient for spreading seasoning mix for potato coating.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning and ingredient amounts.

Creamy Barefoot Contessa Crusty Baked Potatoes With Whipped Feta Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s crusty baked potatoes with whipped feta elevate simple ingredients into a luxurious side dish. Crisp potato skins and creamy feta spread create a Mediterranean-inspired experience you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 large baking potatoes (225-280g / 8–10 oz)
• 170g (6 oz) Greek feta, crumbled
• 55g (2 oz) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 80 mL (2.7 fl oz) olive oil
• 2 tbsps fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tsps fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tbsp coarse sea salt or fleur de sel
• Zest of 1 large lemon
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• Chopped fresh chives, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Potato Preparation: Meticulously cleanse potatoes, eliminating all surface moisture, then puncture multiple times with a fork to facilitate steam release during roasting.
2. Seasoning Fusion: Craft an aromatic herb blend by finely chopping rosemary and thyme, grating lemon zest, and combining with kosher salt for a fragrant seasoning mixture.
3. Oil Infusion: Lavishly coat potatoes with extra virgin olive oil, massaging thoroughly to ensure complete skin coverage, then generously roll in prepared herb seasoning, pressing gently to maximize adherence.
4. Roasting Setup: Arrange seasoned potatoes on a foil-lined baking tray, maintaining spacing for optimal heat circulation, and position in a preheated oven at 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F.
5. Culinary Transformation: Roast potatoes for 60-75 minutes, rotating midway to achieve uniform golden-brown exterior and creamy interior, creating a perfect textural contrast.
6. Whipped Feta Creation: Simultaneously blend feta and cream cheese in a food processor until silky smooth, incorporating olive oil, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt for a luxurious tangy complement.
7. Final Presentation: Once potatoes emerge crisp and golden, allow brief resting, then slice lengthwise, gently squeeze to reveal fluffy interior, and crown with generous dollops of whipped feta and freshly chopped chives, serving immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Potato Prep Technique: Puncture multiple holes with a fork to prevent steam buildup and potential potato explosions during roasting.
• Seasoning Secret: Create a fragrant herb blend by combining finely chopped rosemary, thyme, and lemon zest with kosher salt for maximum flavor infusion.
• Roasting Pro Tip: Space potatoes apart on the baking tray to ensure even heat circulation and achieve a perfectly crispy exterior.
• Cheese Whipping Hack: Blend feta and cream cheese in a food processor until ultra-smooth, adding lemon juice and olive oil for a creamy, tangy finish.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 25mg