Kamil Perry
Feta is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, adding a salty and tangy flavour. It is traditionally used in Greek cuisine and is often paired with spinach, olives, tomatoes, or cucumbers. However, feta can also be used in a variety of other dishes, such as salads, pastas, grilled dishes, and even desserts. When paired with other cheeses, feta can enhance the flavour of the dish without overpowering the other ingredients. In this article, we will explore the different types of cheeses that pair well with feta and provide suggestions for how to use this versatile cheese in your cooking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese pairings | Mozzarella, Ricotta, Queso Fresco, Parmesan |
| Fruit pairings | Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Grapes, Peaches, Strawberries, Raspberries |
| Vegetable pairings | Spinach, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Potatoes, Mushrooms, Zucchini, Collard greens |
| Legume pairings | Black beans, Lentils, Broad beans |
| Meat pairings | Salmon, Chicken, Meatballs |
| Carb pairings | Crackers, Bread, Pasta, Pizza, Naan, Pita, Crostini |
| Herb and spice pairings | Herbs, Garlic, Olive oil, Chile, Honey, Pistachios |
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What You'll Learn
Feta with fruit
Feta is a versatile cheese that pairs well with a variety of fruits, adding a tangy and salty flavour to the dish. Here are some ideas for combining feta with fruit:
Salads
Feta is a popular ingredient in salads, and its salty and tangy flavour can be balanced by adding sweet and juicy fruits. Berries, such as strawberries and blueberries, pair well with feta, especially when combined with mixed greens, baby spinach, and pecans or other nuts. Cranberries are another tart fruit that can be used in a salad with feta, along with walnuts and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. For a refreshing summer salad, try combining feta with watermelon, which is an unexpected but delightful pairing.
Appetizers and Snacks
Feta can be marinated in olive oil, fresh herbs, garlic, lemon, and sun-dried tomatoes, and then served as a simple appetizer with crackers or crusty bread. For a healthier option, you can make cucumber feta rolls by spreading Greek yogurt on cucumber slices and topping them with feta, dill, and olives.
Breakfast and Brunch
Feta is a tasty addition to breakfast or brunch dishes. It goes well with eggs, whether scrambled, in an omelette, or on top of toast. Feta can also be used in breakfast burritos or tacos, pairing well with salsa, black beans, and cilantro.
Main Dishes
Feta can be added to a variety of main dishes, such as grilled chicken Greek pita pockets, which include other ingredients like artichoke hearts, baby spinach, cucumber, kalamata olives, and roasted red peppers. Feta is also a tasty topping for pizza, especially when combined with pepperoni, pineapple, jalapeno, or BBQ sauce, chicken, bacon, and onion.
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Feta with meat
Feta is a versatile cheese that can be used in many dishes, including those with meat. Its salty and tangy flavour can complement a variety of meats, adding a bold and creamy texture to the dish. Here are some ideas for pairing feta with meat:
Grilled Meat and Feta
Grilled feta can be a delicious addition to any barbecue or grilled dish. Simply grill a brick of feta on both sides until golden, and serve it with grilled meats such as chicken, beef, or lamb. The warm and slightly charred feta will add a unique flavour and texture to the dish.
Meatballs with Feta
For a twist on traditional meatballs, try adding crumbled feta to the meat mixture. This will create pockets of salty cheese throughout the meatballs, resulting in a juicy and flavourful bite. You can serve these meatballs as an appetizer or main course, paired with a tomato sauce or fresh herbs.
Feta and Bacon
Bacon and feta is a classic combination that can be used in various dishes. Try sprinkling crumbled feta over a bacon and spinach salad, or use them together in an omelette or quiche. The salty and smoky flavours of bacon and feta create a delicious flavour profile.
Feta and Salami
Feta pairs well with salami, whether in a sandwich, pizza, or salad. The salty and tangy feta complements the savoury and slightly spicy salami. Try adding some fresh vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic to create a well-rounded and flavourful dish.
Greek-Style Meat Dishes
Feta is a staple in Greek cuisine and is often paired with meats such as chicken or lamb. Try making Greek-style grilled chicken pita pockets stuffed with feta, or slow-roasted lamb with a feta and herb crust. The creamy feta adds a delicious contrast to the savoury meats.
Feta's versatility and unique flavour make it a great cheese to experiment with in the kitchen. Whether crumbled, grilled, or baked, feta can enhance the flavour of meat dishes and create interesting and dynamic flavour profiles.
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Feta with vegetables
Feta is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, including those with vegetables. Here are some ideas for combining feta with vegetables:
Salads
Feta is a popular ingredient in salads, especially Greek salads. It can be paired with a variety of vegetables, such as spinach, greens, zucchini, cucumbers, olives, tomatoes, and artichoke hearts. For a refreshing summer salad, combine watermelon, feta, thinly sliced shallots, and torn mint. Another option is a strawberry and feta salad, which can be transformed into a hearty main course by adding cooked whole grains and grilled chicken. Feta also pairs well with peppery arugula and sweet summer peaches.
Savory Pies and Tarts
Feta is a key ingredient in traditional Greek savoury pies, such as spanakopita (spinach pie), tyropita (cheese pie), hortopita (wild greens pie), and prassopita (leek pie). These pies combine feta with vegetables like spinach, wild greens, or leeks.
Stuffed Vegetables
Feta can be used to stuff vegetables, such as Mediterranean eggplant stuffed with fresh tomato and onion, or pattypan squash stuffed with beef, rice, spinach, and feta.
Baked Dishes
Feta can be baked and combined with vegetables. For example, try a no-bake grilled vegetable lasagna or Greek-style nachos with spicy whipped feta. Baked eggs with spinach and feta are another option, or you can simply bake feta and serve it with crackers, naan, or crostini.
Pasta
Feta is a tasty addition to pasta dishes, pairing well with sun-dried tomatoes, zucchini, and olives.
Beans and Legumes
Feta goes well with beans and legumes, such as lentils and broad beans. It can be added to bean dishes or used as a topping for nachos or tacos.
Grilled or Marinated
Grilled feta is a delicious option, especially when paired with vegetables. Grill a brick of feta until golden, and serve with bread, pita, or naan. Marinated feta is another way to infuse extra flavour, and it can be crumbled over salads or enjoyed as a topping for crackers or crostini.
These ideas showcase the versatility of feta and how it can enhance a variety of vegetable-based dishes.
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Feta with bread
Feta is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, pastas, and baked goods. One simple yet delicious way to enjoy feta is by pairing it with bread. In Greece, feta and bread are considered a staple combination, with the pairing even having its own name: psomo-tyri, which translates to "bread-cheese".
When it comes to choosing the right bread to pair with feta, crusty bread is a popular option. The crunch of the crusty bread creates a nice contrast with the creamy, crumbly texture of the feta. To elevate the pairing, consider marinating the feta in olive oil, fresh herbs, garlic, lemon, and sun-dried tomatoes before spreading it on your bread. This combination of flavours enhances the feta, making it even more delicious.
Another option for enjoying feta with bread is to grill the feta first. Grilling feta softens its texture and gives it a slightly toasted flavour. Grilled feta pairs particularly well with pita or naan bread. You can also try baking feta, which also softens its texture and makes it gooey. Baked feta goes well with crostini, a type of small, crisp bread similar to a cracker.
In addition to crusty bread, pita, naan, and crostini, feta also pairs well with toast. For a simple yet tasty breakfast or snack option, try spreading some feta on toast and topping it with eggs, spinach, and tomatoes. You can also experiment with other toppings, such as honey, crushed pistachios, or chilli-infused olive oil, to create a sweet and salty flavour combination.
Whether enjoyed with crusty bread, pita, naan, crostini, or toast, feta and bread make a delicious pairing. The versatility of feta means that there are endless possibilities for creating flavourful combinations to suit any taste.
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Feta with other cheeses
Feta is a versatile cheese that can be paired with a variety of other cheeses to create delicious dishes. Here are some ideas for combining feta with other cheeses:
Feta and Mozzarella
Feta can be used in place of mozzarella in dishes like pizza or lasagna. The salty, tangy flavour of feta will add a unique twist to these classic dishes.
Feta and Parmesan
While Parmesan is commonly used in pasta dishes, feta can be a tangy substitute. Try adding crumbled feta to your favourite pasta recipe for a refreshing change.
Feta and Queso Fresco
Feta is a good substitute for Queso Fresco in Mexican or Spanish recipes. Its crumbly texture and tangy taste make it perfect for sprinkling on tacos, scrambled eggs, or Mexican-inspired salads.
Feta and Goat Cheese
For a tasty breakfast or brunch option, try spreading goat cheese on toast and topping it with fried salami, sliced tomatoes, and a fried egg. The combination of goat cheese and feta provides a creamy and salty contrast.
Feta and Cheese in Baked Goods
Feta can be incorporated into savoury baked goods like muffins or pies. Combine feta with vegetables, such as spinach or zucchini, and various cheeses to create savoury muffins. Alternatively, explore traditional Greek pies like spanakopita (spinach pie) or tyropita (cheese pie), which feature feta as a key ingredient.
Feta's versatility allows it to complement a wide range of cheeses, enhancing the flavour of dishes without overpowering them. Experiment with different combinations to discover your favourite pairings!
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Frequently asked questions
Feta is a versatile cheese that can be paired with a variety of cheeses. Some common cheeses that pair well with feta include mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan.
Feta pairs well with a variety of food items, including crackers, bread, pita, and naan. It is also commonly paired with fruits like watermelon, peaches, and strawberries. In addition, feta goes well with vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, cucumbers, and olives.
Feta is commonly used in Mediterranean and Greek dishes. It is often paired with pasta, meatballs, salads, and dips. Feta is also a key ingredient in dishes such as spanakopita (spinach pie), tyropita (cheese pie), and Greek-style nachos.
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc is a great drink to pair with feta cheese.
