Creative Ways To Use Up Old Feta Cheese

Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a multitude of dishes. It is a soft, crumbly, white cheese with a salty and tangy flavour, traditionally made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk. Blocks of feta are often stored in brine, which helps to preserve moisture and intensify its sharpness. Feta can be used in salads, soups, sandwiches, pies, pastries, and even grilled or baked dishes. It is a popular ingredient in Greek cuisine and can be added to savoury pies, such as spanakopita (spinach pie) or tyropita (cheese pie). Feta can also be crumbled over Greek salads, whipped into a creamy dip, or baked and served with bread. Additionally, feta can be used in savoury muffins, flatbreads, or paired with roasted vegetables, grains, and pastas. Its salty and tangy flavour makes it a versatile ingredient that can enhance various dishes.

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Salads

Feta cheese is a great ingredient to add to a salad, providing a salty, tangy, and creamy flavour. It is a key ingredient in Greek salads, which typically include cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, olives, and bell peppers. To make a Greek salad, chop and mix all the vegetables, cheese, and herbs, then add olive oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. You can also add some mint leaves for a fresh finishing touch.

There are many variations of Greek salads, such as adding edamame for extra protein or using crumbled goat cheese instead of feta. You can also experiment with different types of tomatoes, such as heirloom or cherry tomatoes, which are sweeter and juicier.

Feta cheese also goes well with fruits such as watermelon, strawberries, and apples. For a simple spinach salad, try combining sweet strawberries, salty feta, and crunchy walnuts with a balsamic vinaigrette. Lentil salads with feta are also a tasty option, providing a nutritious and satisfying vegetarian dish.

If you're looking for a more substantial salad, try a pesto pasta salad with feta or a Greek cucumber and tomato feta salad with pita bread. These salads are perfect for a hot summer day or as a side dish.

Appetisers

Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of appetisers. Here are some ideas for appetisers that use old feta cheese:

Baked Feta

One option for using old feta cheese is to bake it. This can be done by roasting feta with ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onions, olives, and herbs, and drizzling it with olive oil. The feta can be served warm and creamy, spread on crostini or pita chips.

Marinated Feta

Another quick and easy appetiser is marinated feta. This can be made by placing a block of feta in a shallow bowl and drizzling it with extra virgin olive oil. It is then seasoned with herbs like thyme or oregano, and spices like sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Fried Feta

Feta cheese can also be fried and drizzled with warmed honey. This can be served as a simple appetiser or added to other dishes.

Feta Dip

Feta cheese can be mashed with ingredients such as garlic, olive oil, and parsley to create a quick and tasty dip. For a spicy version, black olives and red pepper flakes can be added. This dip can be served with nacho chips or pita chips.

Savory Pies

Feta is commonly used in Greek savory pies. It can be added to pies such as spanakopita (spinach pie), tyropita (cheese pie), hortopita (wild greens pie), or prassopita (leek pie).

When using old feta cheese, it is important to note that it may be saltier than fresh feta. To reduce the salt content, the cheese can be rinsed under running water or soaked in water in an airtight container overnight.

Pies

Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in Greek pies, such as the traditional tiropita (or tyropita), which is a Greek cheese pie. Tiropita is a popular dish in Greece, served at all times of the day, and is often sold in bakeries and made at home.

Tiropita is made with phyllo pastry and feta cheese, with other types of cheese sometimes added for extra flavour. The feta is crumbled and mixed with beaten eggs, cream, and other grated cheeses, such as ricotta, cottage cheese, anthotiro, or gruyere. Fresh herbs like mint, parsley, or dill can also be added. The mixture is then wrapped or layered in the phyllo pastry, brushed with melted butter or olive oil, and baked until golden and crispy.

Another popular Greek pie is spanakopita, which is similar to tiropita but includes spinach, green onion, and herbs in addition to the feta cheese. To make this pie, spinach, onions, garlic, and dill are sauteed and then baked in a phyllo crust for around an hour.

When making pies with feta cheese, it is important to consider the saltiness of the cheese and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Mature feta will give a bolder, saltier flavour, so less additional salt should be added to the mixture.

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Pastas

Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can add a bold, tangy flavour to your pasta dishes.

One easy way to use up old feta cheese is to bake it with pasta. This viral recipe, known as TikTok pasta, involves baking a block of feta cheese with cherry tomatoes and herbs like thyme or oregano. The baked feta and tomatoes create a creamy and salty sauce that coats the pasta. You can use any type of pasta you like, but short tubular shapes like macaroni or cavatappi work best. While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook your pasta in a pot of salted water until al dente. You can also add other ingredients like quartered shallots, garlic, red pepper flakes, or rosemary to give the dish more flavour.

If you don't want to bake the feta, you can also make a simple stovetop pasta with feta and cherry tomatoes. This recipe takes only 30 minutes and is packed with flavour. Simply cook your pasta according to the package instructions, and then toss it with crumbled feta, cherry tomatoes, spinach, lemon juice, garlic, and paprika. You can also add other vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, or mushrooms.

For a creamy, tangy twist on traditional pasta, try making a Greek feta cheese pasta with yogurt sauce. This recipe calls for Greek yogurt, feta cheese, dill, and tomatoes. It's a no-cook sauce that takes no time to prepare and is perfect for a quick, effortless dinner.

With its salty, tangy flavour, feta cheese is a great addition to any pasta dish. Whether you bake it, crumble it, or mix it into a sauce, old feta cheese can be transformed into a delicious and easy weeknight meal.

Flatbreads

Feta flatbreads are a delicious and easy way to use up old feta cheese. The bread is light and moist, cheesy, and crunchy, and can be paired with a variety of toppings or fillings. Here is a step-by-step guide to making feta flatbreads:

Dough Preparation:

For the dough, you will need flour, baking powder, salt, milk, eggs, and oil. If you want to make a larger batch, you can double the recipe. Whisk the dry ingredients together, and then add in the wet ingredients. You can use regular milk or, for a richer flavour, whole milk. If you prefer dairy-free, rice milk is a suitable substitute. For extra flavour, consider adding olive oil, preferably from Crete, as suggested by Dimitra's Dishes.

Adding the Cheese:

Next, fold in the shredded mozzarella and crumbled feta cheese. You can also substitute the mozzarella with provolone, gouda, or any mild-flavoured shredded cheese. Make sure to use good-quality feta, such as Dodoni Feta from Greece. For the best flavour, crumble the feta from a block. If you want a creamier texture, you can substitute cream cheese, ricotta, mascarpone, or even Greek yoghurt.

Baking the Flatbread:

Transfer the dough to a prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for some extra crunch and flavour. Bake the flatbread for 45 to 50 minutes. The top should be golden, and the bread should be light and moist. Let the bread cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

Storage and Reheating:

Feta flatbreads can be served as a snack or with a variety of meals. They pair well with light lunch salads or heavier dishes like saucy lamb. You can also top them with Greek veggies and a drizzle of olive oil. These flatbreads can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer for up to a month. Simply toast them before serving, and they will taste as good as fresh.

Variations and Substitutions:

The beauty of these flatbreads lies in their versatility. You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or vegan cheese options. For a Mediterranean twist, add ingredients like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichoke hearts. If you want more protein, add grilled chicken or sautéed beef. To make it spicy, include smoked paprika, cumin, or red pepper flakes. For a refreshing summer treat, try the "smashed feta" variation, where you mix feta with oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and fresh herbs, creating a creamy dip-like topping for your grilled flatbread.

Frequently asked questions