Randy Chandler
Feta cheese is a popular dairy product originating from Greece, made from sheep's milk or a blend of sheep's and goat's milk. It has a distinct tangy flavor and crumbly texture, making it a versatile ingredient in various dishes, including salads, pastas, and baked goods. Feta cheese crumbles are small, irregularly shaped pieces that can be purchased pre-crumbled or made at home by cutting a block of feta cheese. When melting feta cheese, it is recommended to use a 'double boiler' for the best results. In terms of storage, feta cheese crumbles can be refrigerated or frozen to extend their shelf life.
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What You'll Learn
Use a double boiler
Feta cheese is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can enhance a variety of dishes. When it comes to melting feta cheese crumbles, one effective method is to use a double boiler. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Prepare the Double Boiler:
If you own a double boiler, get it ready for the process. If you don't have one, don't worry! You can easily create your own double boiler setup. Take a tall pot and fill it with water. Then, grab a glass bowl, a jelly jar, or any glass container that is slightly larger than the pot. Make sure the glass jar or bowl is wider than the pot if you're using a glass bowl. This setup will ensure even heating and prevent direct contact between the cheese and the heat source, which is crucial for melting feta cheese crumbles evenly.
Crumble the Feta Cheese:
Take your block of feta cheese and crumble it into moderately small pieces. You can do this directly into your chosen glass container. The crumbled cheese will help create a smoother, creamier texture when melted.
Add Water or Milk:
Before placing the glass container on the pot, add a small amount of water or milk to it. This step is essential, as it ensures that the feta cheese melts smoothly and evenly. The water or milk helps to create a creamy consistency and prevents the cheese from becoming too thick or forming a crust.
Heat the Water:
Now, turn on the stove and set the heat to medium-high. Allow the water in the pot to reach a boil. Make sure the glass container is securely placed on top of the pot, creating a gentle heating environment for your feta cheese crumbles.
Monitor the Melting Process:
As the water boils, you will see the feta cheese crumbles start to melt. Keep an eye on the cheese, and if you notice any crust formation or excessive browning, reduce the heat. You want the cheese to melt evenly and smoothly without burning or sticking to the container.
Serve the Melted Feta:
Once your feta cheese crumbles have completely melted, it's time to serve them. Carefully remove the glass container from the heat source and use the melted cheese as desired. You can pour it over dishes, use it as a dip, or incorporate it into recipes that call for melted feta cheese.
Using a double boiler is a gentle and effective way to melt feta cheese crumbles, ensuring a creamy and smooth texture. By following these steps, you can easily incorporate melted feta into your culinary creations.
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Bake in olive oil
Feta cheese crumbles can be baked in olive oil and served as a dip with bread or crostini. This is a simple dish that can be prepared quickly and easily.
To bake feta cheese crumbles in olive oil, preheat your oven to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the desired amount of feta cheese crumbles in a small oven-proof dish. If you're using a lot of cheese, you may need a larger dish. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the cheese. You can also add other ingredients to the dish, such as sliced chilli, rosemary leaves, and lemon and orange rind, lemon juice, mixed olives, bell peppers, red onions, cherry tomatoes, oregano, thyme, basil, red pepper flakes, or Italian seasoning.
Once you have added your desired ingredients, place the dish in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the other ingredients are roasted. If you're using this as a pasta sauce, you can add the cooked pasta to the dish and stir until everything is creamy.
If you're serving the baked feta as a dip, you can simply remove it from the oven and serve it with bread or crostini. This dish is best served immediately after baking, but any leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 6-8 minutes until warm.
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Use Greek feta
Feta cheese, a popular dairy product originating from Greece, is made from sheep's milk or a blend of sheep's and goat's milk. It is brined to impart a distinct tangy flavor and crumbly texture. Greek feta, by law, must be made with at least 70% sheep milk and up to 30% goat milk. Sheep milk has up to twice as much fat as cow milk, which is why Greek feta melts into a creamy sauce better than feta made with cow milk.
When buying feta cheese, look for Greek feta packed in brine, typically sold in small white plastic tubs. Feta sold in these tubs usually contains two blocks of feta cheese weighing approximately 7 ounces each. The Authentic Greek Feta in Brine at Trader Joe's is a good option.
When storing feta cheese crumbles, always keep them in the refrigerator. Even a few hours at room temperature can shorten their lifespan. For longer storage, freeze your feta cheese crumbles in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. Change the brine if it becomes cloudy. Do not freeze and thaw feta cheese multiple times, as this affects the cheese's texture and flavor.
When cooking with Greek feta cheese crumbles, a little goes a long way due to its intense flavor, so use sparingly and adjust to taste. You can use Greek feta crumbles to add a sharp, salty taste to various dishes, as their convenient form ensures even distribution of the cheese. They are particularly popular in Mediterranean cuisine, complementing fresh ingredients like tomatoes, olives, and cucumbers.
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Avoid grainy texture
To avoid a grainy texture when melting feta cheese crumbles, it is important to start with the right type of feta cheese. Feta cheese, by Greek and European Union law, must be made with at least 70% sheep milk and up to 30% goat milk. Sheep milk has up to twice as much fat as cow milk, which lends to the creamy texture of real feta. Feta cheese produced in several countries, including the US, is often made with cow milk, which creates a different cheese that does not melt into a creamy sauce as well as sheep milk feta does.
When using feta cheese crumbles, it is important to note that they are best suited for dishes that do not require the cheese to melt. Feta, due to its low-fat content, does not melt like other cheeses. If using feta cheese crumbles in a hot dish, it is recommended to add them towards the end of the cooking process to prevent the cheese from becoming too dry.
To ensure the best results when melting feta cheese crumbles, it is also important to consider the storage and shelf life of the cheese. Feta cheese crumbles should always be stored in the refrigerator, even a few hours at room temperature can shorten their lifespan. For longer storage, feta cheese crumbles can be frozen, but it is important to use airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. Additionally, feta cheese crumbles can be stored in a brine solution (heavy saltwater) in the refrigerator to maintain their texture and extend their shelf life.
Lastly, while feta cheese crumbles can enhance the flavor of many dishes, it is important to use them sparingly due to their intense flavor. A little feta goes a long way, so start with a small amount and adjust to taste. By following these tips and choosing the right type of feta cheese, you can avoid a grainy texture and create delicious dishes with melted feta cheese crumbles.
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Use real feta
Feta cheese is a popular dairy product originating from Greece, made from sheep's milk or a blend of sheep's and goat's milk. It is brined to impart a distinct tangy flavor and crumbly texture. The crumbles are versatile and can be used in various dishes, including salads, pastas, baked goods, and Mediterranean cuisine.
When buying feta cheese, it is recommended to purchase it in blocks as it is more economical, flavorful, and of higher quality than pre-crumbled feta. Blocks of feta can be easily found in groceries and can be crumbled at home using a fork or by hand. To crumble feta cheese, start by cutting a slice from the block, then run the cheese under cold water for 5-10 seconds to remove excess brine and firm it up. After crumbling, return the leftover feta to the brine and store it in the refrigerator.
To ensure the best melting results for recipes like baked feta pasta, it is essential to use real feta cheese, which, by Greek and European Union law, must contain at least 70% sheep's milk and up to 30% goat's milk. Sheep milk has a higher fat content than cow milk, contributing to the creamy texture of authentic feta. The high fat content in real feta cheese also ensures that it melts smoothly, creating a luxurious sauce without any graininess.
When melting feta cheese, it is best to use a double boiler or a clean jar placed in boiling water. This gentle heat will help the feta melt evenly and smoothly. Additionally, always use fresh feta for melting, as frozen and thawed feta can affect the texture and flavor. To enhance the flavor of your dish, you can also add complementary ingredients such as olive oil, tomatoes, garlic, basil, and red pepper flakes.
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Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese made from sheep's milk is best for melting as it has a higher fat content than cow's milk feta. Look out for Greek feta, which is typically made with sheep's milk.
You can melt feta cheese crumbles in a double boiler. If you don't have one, you can use a clean jar placed in a pot of water.
You can use melted feta cheese crumbles for baked pasta. Bake a block of feta in olive oil with cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil, and red pepper flakes.
