Andy Montoya
Feta cheese is a popular pizza topping, often used in Greek-style pizzas, and paired with ingredients like spinach, olives, oregano, and tomatoes. Feta is lower in calories and saturated fat than many other cheeses, making it a healthier option for those who are conscious of their fat intake. Feta cheese is also available in reduced-fat and fat-free styles, making it a versatile option for those looking for low-fat pizza toppings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutritional Value | Feta cheese is lower in calories and saturated fat than many other cheeses. |
| Popularity | Feta cheese is a popular choice among health-conscious diners. |
| Taste | Feta cheese has a piquant brightness and a sweet-salty dynamic. |
| Types | Feta cheese comes in reduced-fat and fat-free styles. |
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What You'll Learn
Feta is lower in calories and saturated fat than many cheeses
Feta cheese is a popular pizza topping due to its tangy, bold flavour and soft yet crumbly texture. It is also lower in calories and saturated fat than many other types of cheese, making it a healthier option for those who are conscious of their fat and calorie intake. This has contributed to its rise in popularity in the US, where it has gone from an exotic flavour to an American favourite.
Feta is a staple of Greek cuisine and is often used in Greek-style pizzas, where it is paired with other classic Mediterranean ingredients such as olives, spinach, oregano, and tomatoes. Its salty, piquant flavour pairs well with the sweetness of these toppings, creating a delicious flavour profile.
In addition to its flavour, feta's texture also sets it apart from other cheeses. Unlike mozzarella, feta does not melt, which means it retains its shape and texture even after baking. This can be advantageous for those who prefer a more textured, less greasy pizza topping.
For those who still want the stretchy, melty quality of mozzarella, feta can be used as a complementary cheese. Combining feta with mozzarella provides the best of both worlds, resulting in a pizza that is both innovative and flavourful.
Feta's versatility extends beyond Greek-style pizzas. It is also commonly used on white pizzas, where it is paired with garlic and other ingredients like artichokes, spinach, or kalamata olives. Its salty flavour and soft texture make it a perfect match for the strong flavours of these toppings.
Whether used as the primary cheese or as a complement, feta brings a unique twist to traditional pizzas. Its lower calorie and saturated fat content, combined with its distinct flavour and texture, make it a popular choice for those seeking a healthier, yet delicious, pizza topping.
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Feta doesn't melt like mozzarella
Feta cheese is a popular choice for pizza, offering a tangy, bold flavour and a soft texture. However, it is important to note that feta doesn't melt like mozzarella cheese. This is because, according to Greek and European Union law, feta cheese must be made with at least 70% sheep milk, which has a higher fat content than cow's milk. The higher fat content of sheep milk gives feta its creamy texture, but it also affects its melting properties.
Mozzarella, on the other hand, is known for its melting properties due to its higher moisture content. When used on pizza, mozzarella melts evenly and creates a creamy, stretchy texture that is desirable in dishes like pizza.
Feta cheese, while not melting in the same way, still has its place on a pizza. Its tangy flavour and soft texture add depth and interest to the dish. When used in combination with mozzarella, as in the Greek pizza recipe, the result is a delicious blend of melted and unmelted cheeses.
To ensure the best melting results, it is recommended to use feta cheese made with sheep or goat milk, as per the traditional recipe. Feta cheese made with cow's milk, which is commonly found in grocery stores, may not yield the same creamy melting result.
Additionally, the quality of feta cheese can impact its melting properties. Feta cheese that is crumbled or vacuum-sealed may not perform as well as feta in brine, which is the traditional packaging method. By choosing high-quality feta and pairing it with melting cheeses like mozzarella, you can create a delicious and flavourful pizza with a variety of textures.
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Feta is a staple of Greek cuisine
Feta is an essential ingredient in many Greek dishes, such as the famous Greek salad, where it is paired with vegetables, olive oil, and herbs like oregano. It is also commonly used in pastries, notably the phyllo-based dishes spanakopita ("spinach pie") and tyropita ("cheese pie"). Feta's versatility extends to being served cooked, grilled, or as part of sandwiches, omelettes, and various other dishes.
The word "feta" comes from the Italian "fetta," meaning "slice," which is derived from the Latin "offa," meaning "morsel" or "piece." While the term "feta" was once perceived as generic in some countries, it is now protected by the European Union as a designation of origin for cheese produced in the traditional way in mainland Greece and the Lesbos Prefecture. This protection ensures that consumers can trust the authenticity of feta cheese and that it adheres to the centuries-old production methods and nutritional profile.
Feta is also a popular pizza topping, especially on Greek-style pizzas, where it adds a bold, tangy flavour. It is often paired with other ingredients such as mozzarella, tomatoes, onions, and olives. The versatility of feta, with its distinct texture and taste, makes it a beloved component of Greek cuisine and a favourite ingredient worldwide.
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Feta is a popular choice for white pizzas
Feta cheese is a popular choice for pizza toppings, especially for those seeking something different from the traditional mozzarella. Its firm, white, crumbly texture and piquant flavour have earned it many fans. Feta is lower in calories and saturated fat than many other cheeses, making it a popular choice for health-conscious diners. Its tangy, bold flavour and creamy texture complement the stretchy mozzarella well, and it pairs particularly well with garlic, making it a popular choice for white pizzas.
White pizzas are simple to make and can be ready in just 30 minutes, making them a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner. To make a white feta pizza, you can use store-bought pizza dough, which you can stretch out on a baking sheet. You can then brush the crust with olive oil and sprinkle on garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and red pepper flakes. Next, add your desired amount of red onion, fresh garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Before baking, top the pizza with shredded mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with fresh basil. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is slightly golden brown.
Feta is a staple of Greek cuisine and is commonly used in Greek pizzas, which typically include toppings such as red onions, tomatoes, oregano, Greek olives, and mozzarella cheese. Feta is also a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of pizza combinations, including Mediterranean-inspired toppings such as artichokes, spinach, or kalamata olives, or fresh tomatoes, chicken, and pesto. For a unique, earthy flavour, you can also add raw ingredients on top of the pizza after baking, such as extra virgin olive oil, dried oregano, or fresh basil.
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Reduced-fat and fat-free feta styles are available
Feta cheese is a popular pizza topping due to its lower calorie and saturated fat content compared to other cheeses, making it a healthier option for those who are conscious about their fat intake. It has a tangy, bold flavour and a crumbly texture, adding a unique dimension to pizza slices. While mozzarella is the traditional pizza cheese, feta has gained popularity among those seeking a different taste.
For those who are conscious about their fat intake, the good news is that reduced-fat and fat-free feta cheese options are available. These varieties offer a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional feta cheese, which typically has a higher fat content. Reduced-fat and fat-free feta cheeses can be a great way to enjoy the distinctive flavour of feta while adhering to dietary restrictions or health goals.
Agropur, a renowned cheese producer, offers a range of reduced-fat and fat-free feta cheeses. Their products have consistently ranked among the top finishers in prestigious cheese championships, both in the US and worldwide. In 2020, Agropur's Weyauwega cheesemakers crafted a gold medal-winning product in the low-fat feta category, showcasing their expertise in creating delicious, healthier alternatives.
When choosing reduced-fat or fat-free feta cheese, it is important to consider the flavour and texture. While these varieties offer a healthier option, they may have a slightly different taste and mouthfeel compared to traditional feta. However, with the increasing demand for feta cheese, producers are dedicated to crafting innovative options that retain the distinctive flavour and texture that has made feta a beloved pizza topping.
By opting for reduced-fat or fat-free feta cheese, health-conscious individuals can still enjoy the indulgent experience of pizza while adhering to their dietary preferences. These specialised feta varieties allow for a more well-rounded approach to nutrition, proving that flavour and health can go hand in hand.
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Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese is lower in fat and calories than many other types of cheese, and some cheesemakers offer reduced-fat and fat-free versions.
Feta has a tangy, bold flavour and a soft texture. It is a crumbly, firm, white cheese.
Feta is a popular choice for white pizzas, where it is often paired with garlic. It also goes well with artichokes, spinach, or kalamata olives.
Feta is often used on pizzas with no sauce, but a tomato sauce with basil and oregano can also complement the cheese well.
Feta in brine (in a plastic container with saltwater) is recommended over crumbled or vacuum-sealed feta.
