Patrick Oconnell
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in dishes such as Greek salad and baked pasta. Freezing feta can alter its texture, making it crumbly and less creamy. To thaw feta cheese, remove the desired amount from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator. It is recommended to leave the wrapping on while it thaws to prevent the cheese from drying out. The cheese can be thawed overnight or within 2 days for a slower defrost that retains moisture. For a quicker option, it can be left on the countertop for 2.5-3 hours, but the cheese may become firmer. The fastest option is to microwave the cheese in 30-45 second increments until it's thawed, but this is not recommended as it can cause the cheese to become incredibly hard and flavourless.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preferred method | Thaw in the refrigerator overnight |
| Fastest method | Microwave in 30-45 second increments |
| Texture | Crumbly and less creamy |
| Flavour | Relatively intact |
| Use | Best used in cooked dishes |
| Packaging | Should be airtight |
| Brine | Can be refrozen in brine to restore flavour |
| Oil | Can be stored in olive oil |
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What You'll Learn
How to prepare feta cheese for freezing
Feta cheese can be frozen, but its taste and texture will change. Feta will become drier and crumblier, and may lose some of its saltiness. This altered texture means it is best used crumbled or in cooked dishes, such as casseroles or stews.
To prepare feta cheese for freezing, first drain any excess liquid. You can then choose to freeze the feta as a whole block or crumble it into smaller portions. If freezing as a block, cut the feta into sizable portions that will be suitable for individual meals. This will make handling, storing, and defrosting the cheese easier.
Next, wrap the feta tightly in plastic wrap or freezer paper, ensuring that it is well sealed to prevent freezer burn. Then, place the wrapped feta in a freezer bag or airtight container, removing as much air as possible. Finally, label the bag or container with the date of freezing and place it in the freezer. Feta cheese can be frozen for up to 2 months, but it is best to use it within 1 month to avoid losing flavour.
If you are freezing feta crumbles, it is recommended to pre-freeze the crumbles on a cookie sheet lined with a silicone mat or aluminum foil. Make sure there is space between the crumbles so they do not freeze together. Once the crumbles are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag or container.
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Thawing feta cheese in the refrigerator
To thaw feta cheese in the refrigerator, first remove the cheese from the freezer and check that the bag or container is still sealed. Then, place the feta cheese in its sealed packaging on a plate or baking tray. You can also place it in a bowl or another rimmed container. If you're worried about air getting into the packaging, put the cheese in the vegetable drawer to keep other food smells out. Leave the cheese in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours, depending on the thickness of the cheese. For example, packages of deli slices will only need 24 hours, while large bricks of cheese will require the full 48 hours to thaw completely.
Once the feta cheese has thawed, it's best to use it as quickly as possible. You can let the cheese come to room temperature before removing it from the packaging if you want to spread it or prefer not to eat it cold. If you're cooking with the feta cheese, you can usually cook it straight from frozen, especially if you're melting it or adding it to a recipe. However, if you're eating the cheese on its own, slicing it for sandwiches, or using it as a garnish, it's best to thaw it first.
It's worth noting that freezing and thawing feta cheese will change its texture and flavour. The cheese will become drier, crumblier, and less salty. If you want to add saltiness back to the feta cheese after thawing, you can submerge it in a saline solution for half an hour, using one teaspoon of salt per cup of water.
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Using a microwave to thaw feta cheese
Feta is a soft cheese, and as such, it tends to sweat and melt when defrosted in the microwave. However, if you are cooking with it or adding it to a recipe, you can use the microwave to thaw it.
Firstly, take the feta out of the freezer and inspect the packaging. If the cheese wasn't frozen in an airtight container, it won't be edible. If the packaging is intact, place the cheese in a microwave-safe bowl or container.
Then, crumble the cheese into small pieces. You can add a splash of water or milk, and a touch of cornstarch or cornmeal to help it melt. Place the bowl in the centre of the microwave and set it to medium heat.
Microwave the feta in 15- to 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Be careful not to burn the milk. Once the cheese has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the microwave and leave it to cool for one to two minutes before serving.
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How to store thawed feta cheese
Feta cheese is a soft, white cheese that is traditionally made from sheep's milk, but can also be made from goat's or cow's milk. It is a popular ingredient in many dishes, such as Greek pastries like spanakopita and tiropita, and is often served on its own, crumbled over salads, or melted between flaky pastry layers.
When it comes to storing thawed feta cheese, there are several methods that can be used to ensure its freshness and prolong its shelf life. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store thawed feta cheese:
Storing Feta Cheese in Brine
One of the most common methods for storing feta cheese is to use brine, which is a solution of salt and water. To make your own brine, dissolve 2 teaspoons of kosher salt in 1 cup of water at room temperature. You can adjust the amount of salt and water depending on the quantity of cheese you need to store. Cut the feta cheese into cubes or leave it as a block, and fully submerge it in the brine solution. Make sure that the cheese is completely covered by the brine to prevent it from drying out. Seal the container and store it in the refrigerator. Feta cheese stored in brine can last for up to 3-4 weeks.
Storing Feta Cheese in Olive Oil
If you're looking for a low-sodium alternative to brine, you can store feta cheese in olive oil. Cut the feta cheese into cubes and place them in a storage container. Pour extra virgin olive oil over the cheese, ensuring that all the pieces are well coated. You can also add herbs, spices, or other flavourings to the olive oil for extra taste. Seal the container and store it in the refrigerator. Feta cheese stored in olive oil can last for up to 3 weeks.
Storing Feta Cheese in the Fridge
For short-term storage, you can simply place the feta cheese in a sealed container and store it directly in the refrigerator. Consume the cheese within 3-4 days for optimal freshness. This method does not prolong the shelf life of feta cheese, but it helps to keep it fresh for a few days.
It's important to note that feta cheese has a crumbly texture and can dry out quickly, so proper storage is essential to maintain its quality. Additionally, always use utensils instead of your hands to remove feta cheese from the brine or olive oil to prevent contamination.
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Using thawed feta cheese in recipes
Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of recipes. It is a crumbly, soft cheese with a tangy, salty flavour that pairs well with many other ingredients.
Salads
Feta is a popular addition to salads, such as the traditional Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumber, kalamata olives, red onion, and feta. It can also be added to a chickpea salad, a beet salad, a barley and vegetable salad, or a quinoa and roasted veggie salad. For a spring salad, combine fresh asparagus, creamy roasted sweet potatoes, lentils, and mushrooms with a herby feta-tahini sauce.
Appetizers and Snacks
Feta is also commonly used in appetizers and snacks. It can be baked into puff pastry cups with spinach and garlic, or used as a filling for savoury muffins or pies. For a simple snack, top crusty bread with feta and roasted tomato slices, or spread feta on pita or chips as a dip.
Pasta and Rice
Baked feta pasta is a well-known dish that went viral on TikTok, but feta can be added to many other pasta recipes as well. It pairs well with sun-dried tomatoes, zucchini, olives, and eggplant. For a rice dish, try Yotam Ottolenghi’s baked basmati rice with pomegranate seeds, fresh mint, olives, parsley, and broiled feta on top.
Main Dishes
Feta can be used as a protein source in main dishes, especially when paired with vegetables. It goes well with lamb, chicken, and salmon. Try a lamb burger with feta, garlic, cumin, and coriander, or chicken thighs roasted with harissa and crumbled feta. For a vegetarian option, feta can be baked with pasta, spinach, and eggs, or used in a spanakopita (spinach pie).
With its salty, tangy flavour and crumbly texture, feta cheese adds interest and depth to a wide variety of recipes. Its versatility makes it a useful ingredient to have on hand, whether as a main component or a flavourful accent.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to thaw feta cheese is to let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process will allow the cheese to retain some moisture, giving it a better texture and preserving its original flavour.
Yes, you can defrost feta cheese on the countertop, which will take around 2.5 to 3 hours. However, the cheese may be firmer when it's ready to be used. If you're in a hurry, you can also microwave the cheese in 30- to 45-second increments until it's completely thawed.
If your feta cheese has lost some of its flavour after thawing, you can place it in a brine of salt and water for a few hours to restore its salty taste. You can also store it in olive oil, which will extend its shelf life and add decadence to the cheese.
