Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish combines the best of both worlds: the comforting warmth of a baked potato and the fresh, vibrant flavors of Greek cuisine. The cottage cheese adds a rich, creamy texture, while the olives and cucumbers provide a perfect balance of saltiness and crunch. The Mediterranean seasonings, like oregano and parsley, elevate the flavors, making it an incredibly easy and flavorful meal. It’s a great way to enjoy a healthy, light meal that’s still filling and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 medium baking potatoes
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Optional: squeeze of lemon juice, crumbled feta
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Bake the Potatoes:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes clean and prick them several times with a fork. Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place them directly on the oven rack and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until they are fork-tender with a crispy skin. - Prepare the Toppings:
While the potatoes bake, prepare the toppings. Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, pit and slice the olives, finely chop the red onion, and chop the fresh parsley. - Assemble the Potatoes:
Once the potatoes are ready, remove them from the oven. Slice them open and fluff the insides with a fork to create a little pocket for the toppings. Spoon ½ cup of cottage cheese onto each potato. - Top the Potatoes:
Pile on the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and red onion. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and dried oregano for an extra burst of flavor. - Garnish & Serve:
If desired, add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra freshness and a little crumbled feta for a tangy finish. Serve the Greek-style jacket potatoes warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2 servings
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 45–50 minutes
- Total time: 55–60 minutes
Variations
- Vegan Version: Skip the cottage cheese and feta, and top the potatoes with a vegan cheese or a dollop of hummus for a plant-based option.
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, lamb, or chickpeas on top of the potato.
- Different Toppings: Add some roasted red peppers, spinach, or artichokes for extra Mediterranean flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or drizzle with some spicy olive tapenade for heat.
Storage/Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place the potato in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or heat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the potatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, reheat them, then top with the cottage cheese and other fresh ingredients.
2. Can I use other types of cheese instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cottage cheese with Greek yogurt, ricotta cheese, or even cream cheese for a different texture and flavor.
3. Can I make these potatoes vegan?
Absolutely! Just omit the cottage cheese and feta, and top with your favorite vegan cheese or a creamy dairy-free yogurt.
4. How do I make this dish spicy?
To add some spice, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top, or drizzle the potato with a spicy chili sauce or sriracha before serving.
5. Can I use other types of olives?
Yes, you can use other olives, such as green olives or kalamata-style olives, for a different flavor.
6. Can I make these potatoes in the microwave?
Yes, you can microwave the potatoes instead of baking them. Simply prick them with a fork and microwave on high for 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of the potato, until they’re soft.
7. Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add more Mediterranean vegetables, like bell peppers, zucchini, or olives, to the toppings for more texture and flavor.
8. How do I make the potatoes crispy without using the oven?
If you want crispy skin without using the oven, you can pan-fry the potatoes after microwaving them. Heat a little oil in a skillet and crisp up the skin for a few minutes on each side.
9. What else can I serve with this dish?
These Greek-style jacket potatoes can be served with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or even a simple soup for a complete meal.
10. Can I add a sauce to the potatoes?
Yes, you can add a drizzle of tzatziki, olive tapenade, or a lemony dressing to enhance the flavors and give the dish more depth.
Conclusion
This Greek-Style Jacket Potato with Cottage Cheese is a fresh, vibrant, and satisfying meal that combines the comforting baked potato with Mediterranean-inspired toppings. With creamy cottage cheese, tangy olives, crunchy cucumbers, and sweet cherry tomatoes, this dish is both refreshing and hearty. It’s a perfect option for a light lunch, dinner, or even as a side dish to any Mediterranean-themed meal. Quick to make and packed with flavor, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!
Greek-Style Jacket Potato with Cottage Cheese
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
- Total Time: 55–60 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Greek-Style Jacket Potato with Cottage Cheese combines a fluffy baked potato with creamy cottage cheese, Kalamata olives, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs. A Mediterranean twist on a classic comfort food, perfect for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
2 medium baking potatoes
1 teaspoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup cottage cheese
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup cucumber, diced
¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted
2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Optional: squeeze of lemon juice, crumbled feta
Instructions
- Bake the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes clean, prick them with a fork, rub with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Bake directly on the oven rack for 45–50 minutes, or until fork-tender with crispy skin.
- Prepare the Toppings: While the potatoes bake, prepare the toppings. Dice cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, pit and slice olives, chop red onion, and chop parsley.
- Assemble the Potatoes: Once baked, slice the potatoes open and fluff the insides with a fork. Spoon ½ cup cottage cheese onto each potato.
- Top the Potatoes: Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and red onion. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and dried oregano for extra flavor.
- Garnish & Serve: Optionally add a squeeze of lemon juice and crumbled feta for added flavor. Serve warm.
Notes
For a vegan version, substitute cottage cheese and feta with vegan cheese or hummus.
Make this dish heartier by adding grilled chicken, lamb, or chickpeas on top.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
