Frederic Melton
Feta cheese is a beloved dairy ingredient that is commonly incorporated into dishes like pasta, salads, and sandwiches. It is known for its tangy, salty, and creamy flavour, as well as its crumbly texture. Feta cheese can be purchased pre-crumbled, but many prefer to buy blocks of feta and crumble it themselves, as it is more economical and often considered more flavourful. This cheese's crumbly nature makes it versatile, allowing it to be used in various dishes, from appetizers to salads and even desserts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Crumbly | Yes |
| Texture | Firm yet moist and melts in the mouth quickly |
| Taste | Salty, tangy, sharp, creamy, "goaty" |
| Storage | Refrigerator, around 4°C, in a humid and dark place |
| Uses | Salads, sandwiches, pasta, pizzas, savoury pies, soups, bread, vegetables, meat dishes |
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What You'll Learn
Feta cheese texture and taste
Feta cheese is well-known for its crumbly texture and salty, tangy flavour. It has a unique texture that is firm yet moist and melts in the mouth quickly. The cheese is described as having a slightly grainy feel with small, uneven holes throughout. It is often crumbled into salads, sprinkled on soups, or tossed with pasta. It can also be baked into bread or crumbled over vegetables.
The taste and texture of feta cheese can vary depending on the type of milk used and the length of ageing. Traditional Greek feta is made from sheep's milk and has a strong, salty flavour and a crumbly texture. Bulgarian feta, made from cow's milk, has a milder flavour and a creamier texture. French feta, made from goat's milk, has a tangy and slightly sweet flavour with a smooth texture similar to cream cheese.
The ageing process also affects the flavour of feta cheese. Younger feta tends to be milder, while older feta develops a sharper, more pungent flavour. The cheese can range from soft to hard, depending on the total fat content, but all types of feta cheese are suitable for crumbling.
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in many dishes due to its distinct flavour and texture. It is often used in salads, such as the classic Greek salad, which includes feta, kalamata olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. It is also commonly crumbled over dishes like roasted vegetables, pasta, and soups. Feta can be baked into savoury pies or pastries, such as spanakopita, or used as a topping for sandwiches and avocado toast.
When storing feta cheese, it is important to maintain a temperature of around 4°C and ensure a humid environment. Feta should be kept in a dark place, ideally in its original packaging or an airtight container, to prevent it from drying out and becoming hard and crumbly.
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Storing feta cheese
Feta cheese is often packaged in brine, a combination of water and salt that flavours and preserves the cheese. When exposed to air, feta starts to dry out and the flavour becomes sharply sour. To prevent this, you can store your feta in a container of brine, ensuring that the cheese is completely covered by the liquid. If you don't have any brine to hand, you can make your own by combining two cups of water with two teaspoons of kosher salt, or one tablespoon of salt, stirring until the salt dissolves. If your feta is already very salty, you can store it in plain water to preserve its crumbly texture without adding extra flavour.
If you don't want to use brine, you can store your feta in olive oil, which also works with other mature cheeses. You can add herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavour. However, this method is more expensive than using brine.
Another option is to store your feta in water. Cut your feta into pieces that will fit into a Tupperware container and boil enough water to fill the container. Add a tablespoon of salt to the water, allow it to cool, and then pour the water into the container with the feta. The water should last longer than the cheese, but if you don't eat cheese very often, you should change the water every two weeks or so.
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Crumbling feta cheese
Feta cheese is known for its crumbly texture, and it is often crumbled and added to dishes like salads, soups, and pasta. While you can buy feta cheese that is already crumbled, it is usually more economical and flavorful to buy a block of feta and crumble it yourself.
To crumble feta cheese, start by cutting off a slice of the amount you want to crumble with a knife. Put the remaining block of feta back in brine and store it in the fridge. If the feta is too salty, you can run it under very cold water for 5-10 seconds to remove the excess salt and brine. Then, simply break the slice of feta into pieces with your hands.
Feta cheese can range from soft to hard, so the exact crumbling technique may vary. If you have softer feta, you can try crumbling it with a fork or your fingers. Harder feta may require a firmer touch and can be crumbled with a knife or a cheese grater. Be careful not to mash the feta instead of crumbling it.
Once you've crumbled your feta cheese, you can add it to a variety of dishes. Feta is commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, such as Greek salad, avocado toast, or stuffed peppers. It can also be sprinkled on soups, salads, pasta, or sandwiches. For a quick snack, try dipping crusty bread in olive oil and then topping it with feta cheese.
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Feta cheese substitutes
Feta cheese is a hard, white cheese made from sheep's milk and aged in brine. It has a tangy, salty flavour and a firm, crumbly texture. If you're looking for a substitute for feta cheese, here are some options that will provide a similar texture and flavour profile:
Ricotta or Cottage Cheese
These cheeses have a similar texture to feta and are milder and creamier in flavour. They are less salty than feta but can still add a nice tang to your dish.
Halloumi
Halloumi has a slightly softer and less crumbly texture than feta, but it provides a similar salty kick. It can be a great substitute, especially in salads, where it can add a nice, substantial element.
Goat Cheese
Goat cheese, or chèvre, is tangier, creamier, and less salty than feta. It can add a similar cheesy element to your dish. If you find the "barnyard" flavour of goat cheese off-putting, you might find feta cheese milder and more palatable.
Persian Feta
Persian feta is a softer, creamier, and less salty variety of feta cheese. It is marinated in oil, herbs, and garlic, giving it a distinct flavour. It is an excellent substitute for Greek feta if you prefer a milder flavour and softer texture.
Wensleydale
If you're looking for a crumbly cow's milk cheese without the "barnyard" flavour that some find off-putting in goat and sheep's milk cheeses, Wensleydale is a great option. It will provide a similar texture to feta without the strong flavour.
Olives
For a dairy-free and vegan alternative to feta, a handful of olives can provide a similar salty burst of flavour.
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Feta cheese recipes
Feta cheese is a Greek cheese with a tangy, creamy flavour and a crumbly texture. It's a very versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to sandwiches to bakes. Here are some delicious feta cheese recipes to try:
Baked Feta with Vegetables
This simple and satisfying mezze is a great way to enjoy the creamy, tangy flavour of baked feta. All you need is a block of quality feta cheese, bell peppers, red onions, cherry tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, oregano, and fresh thyme. Bake the feta with the vegetables and herbs in a high-heated oven until it's warm and creamy. Serve it with some crusty bread or homemade pita chips for dipping.
Feta Pasta
This is an easy and delicious recipe. Cook some pasta, drain it, and add a bit of butter and crumbled feta. Let the cheese melt, then add cherry tomatoes and heat through. You can also add oregano or other herbs and spices to taste.
Feta Zucchini Fritters
These fritters are a tasty way to enjoy feta cheese. Grate some zucchini and mix it with crumbled feta, eggs, and herbs. Form the mixture into patties and fry them until they're golden brown.
Roasted Carrots with Feta and Dukkah
This Egyptian-inspired side dish combines roasted carrots with dukkah, a fragrant blend of roasted nuts and seeds. Simply roast the carrots and sprinkle them with dukkah and crumbled feta cheese.
Feta Sandwiches
Feta cheese makes a great addition to sandwiches. Try combining it with tomatoes, oregano, and olive oil on some crusty bread. You can also add feta to an avocado toast for a tasty twist.
Feta Dip
Feta cheese can be mashed and mixed with herbs, spices, and olive oil to make a delicious dip for pita chips, vegetables, or crackers.
With its unique flavour and texture, feta cheese adds a special touch to any dish. So get creative and experiment with different recipes to find your favourite ways to enjoy this delicious cheese!
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, feta cheese is crumbly.
Feta cheese has a crumbly texture due to its large, uneven pieces and slightly grainy feel. It is moist, but not wet. The cheese will become harder and crumblier if stored at a low temperature or in a dry environment.
Feta cheese can be crumbled at home by cutting a slice of cheese from the block and washing it under cold running water for 5-10 seconds to remove excess salt and brine.
Crumbled feta cheese is used in many recipes, including salads, soups, pasta, sandwiches, and dips. It can also be sprinkled on top of vegetables or baked into bread.
Some alternatives to feta cheese that have a similar texture include ricotta, cottage cheese, blue cheese, and queso fresco.
