Bushra Griffith
Feta is a Greek cheese with a salty and tangy flavour, often paired with spinach, olives, tomatoes, or cucumbers. However, its versatility means it can be used in a wide range of dishes, from salads to baked goods and appetizers. Its crumbly texture and distinct flavour make it a popular addition to pizzas, sandwiches, eggs, and even grilled chicken. Feta can be used as a substitute for other cheeses, adding a unique twist to traditional recipes. With its ability to enhance various dishes, feta is a beloved ingredient in kitchens worldwide.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flavour | Salty, tangy |
| Texture | Tangy, crumbly |
| Origin | Greece |
| Common pairings | Spinach, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, sun-dried tomatoes, zucchini, artichokes, lentils, broad beans, black beans, eggs, lamb, mint, basil, oregano, olive oil, chicken, salmon, pine nuts, chickpeas, mushrooms, strawberries, watermelon, grapes, beetroot, eggplant, ricotta, mozzarella, goat cheese, burrata, hummus, sourdough bread, quinoa, peas, sumac, pepperoni, pineapple, jalapeno, BBQ sauce, bacon, onion, pepperoni, truffle |
| Dishes | Salads, grilled sandwiches, Greek salad, Greek nachos, omelettes, scrambled eggs, baked eggs, pasta, pizza, stuffed mushrooms, zucchini, Greek savoury pies, tacos, burritos, Mexican salads, Greek salmon, one-pan salmon and orzo, turkey feta meatballs, roasted eggplant, tarts, lasagna, grilled vegetable lasagna, grilled eggplant rolls, flatbreads, khachapuri, Greek feta dip, baked feta pasta, baked feta soup, baked feta bites, spinach dip, puff pastry cups, Spanakopita, chickpea salad, Mediterranean chickpea salad, Mediterranean pasta salad, bruschetta, grilled Greek flatbread, grilled chicken |
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Feta in salads
Feta is a Greek cheese with a salty and tangy flavour. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes, including salads.
A traditional Greek salad, or horiatiki, combines feta with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, kalamata olives, thinly sliced red onion, and olive oil. This Mediterranean side dish is quick to prepare and goes well with grilled chicken or salmon.
Feta can also be used in other salad combinations. For example, a chickpea salad with feta, beans, and a lemon-parsley vinaigrette is a filling option. A kale and chickpea salad with a honey dijon vinaigrette is another healthy and tasty choice. Feta also pairs well with watermelon, mint, and a balsamic glaze for a refreshing summer salad.
For a more substantial salad, try a quinoa and roasted vegetable salad with feta. This combination adds a creamy texture and salty flavour to the dish. A Mediterranean pasta salad with feta, chickpeas, olives, and roasted red peppers is another option that can be made ahead of time for a packable lunch or picnic side.
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Feta in appetizers
Feta is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of appetizers. Here are some ideas for using feta in appetizers:
Feta Cheese Board
Create a simple yet stunning gourmet appetizer by serving feta as part of a cheese board. Pair it with extra virgin olive oil, fresh herbs, and a variety of Mediterranean flavors such as olives, roasted red peppers, and chickpeas.
Baked Feta Bites
These baked feta bites are a tasty appetizer that can be easily made by baking feta cheese with herbs and spices. The salty, creamy feta cheese becomes even more flavorful when baked, and the small bite-sized portions make it a perfect appetizer.
Feta and Spinach Pies
Spanakopita is a popular Greek appetizer made with phyllo dough filled with a mixture of spinach, feta, ricotta cheese, and herbs. The light and flaky phyllo dough combined with the creamy feta creates a delicious and savory appetizer.
Feta-Stuffed Mushrooms
Feta-stuffed mushrooms are another tasty appetizer option. Simply stuff mushrooms with a mixture of feta cheese, herbs, and other ingredients such as spinach or artichokes, and then bake them until the cheese is melted and the mushrooms are tender.
Feta Topped Flatbreads
Feta is a perfect topping for flatbreads, especially when paired with Mediterranean ingredients. Try topping a grilled naan or flatbread with feta, arugula, cherry tomatoes, olives, and basil for a flavorful and colorful appetizer.
Feta and Olive Bruschetta
For a quick and easy appetizer, top crusty bread or bruschetta with feta cheese and a variety of Mediterranean toppings such as roasted red peppers, olives, or fresh basil. The salty feta pairs perfectly with the sweet or smoky flavors of the bruschetta.
Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of appetizers, adding a creamy, salty, and tangy flavor to any dish. These ideas provide just a small sample of the many ways to incorporate feta into appetizers, each offering a unique and delicious flavor experience.
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Feta in sandwiches
Feta is a crumbly, soft cheese from Greece that is traditionally made from sheep's milk. It is often cut with goat's milk and, in the United States, is sometimes made with cow's milk. Feta has a salty and tangy flavour and is a good source of protein. It is a very popular cheese in Greece, where it is consumed with everything from salads to main courses.
Feta is a great addition to sandwiches, especially when combined with other cheeses that melt well, such as cheddar or mozzarella. This combination improves the meltability of the feta and creates a delightful blend of flavours.
A popular sandwich recipe that uses feta is the Greek Feta Grilled Cheese Sandwich, which combines feta with tomatoes, onions, olives, and oregano to create a tasty grilled cheese sandwich inspired by the flavours of a Greek salad. To make this sandwich, it is recommended to use real Greek feta cheese, which usually comes in a rectangular block about an inch thick. The feta can be cut into thin strips and layered onto the bread along with the other ingredients. The sandwich is then grilled in a pan with butter or olive oil until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melty.
Another popular sandwich recipe that uses feta is the Spinach and Feta Grilled Cheese Sandwich. This sandwich combines feta with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and cheddar cheese, along with seasonings like oregano and chilli flakes. To make this sandwich, the spinach is first sautéed in olive oil with garlic and then assembled into a sandwich with the other ingredients. The sandwich is then grilled in a pan with butter until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Feta can also be combined with other ingredients such as cucumbers, bell peppers, honey, and various herbs and spices to create unique and tasty sandwiches.
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Feta with meat
Feta is a Greek cheese with a salty and tangy flavour. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes, including salads, appetizers, side dishes, and main courses. Here are some ideas for combining feta with meat:
Lamb
The slightly gamey flavour of lamb goes well with feta cheese. You can make lamb burgers with feta, garlic, cumin, and coriander. Add some labneh and fresh greens for a delicious and refreshing meal.
Chicken
Feta pairs well with chicken, especially in dishes like grilled vegetable lasagna, which includes grilled chicken, two types of grilled squash, ricotta, feta, basil, and balsamic vinegar. Another option is to serve baked chicken with a topping of feta, extra virgin olive oil, and fresh herbs. You can also stuff chicken with feta along with artichoke hearts, spinach, cucumber, kalamata olives, and roasted red peppers.
Salami
Feta can be used in various dishes with salami. One idea is to spread goat cheese on toast, fry a couple of salami slices, add sliced tomatoes, and a fried egg. Another option is to make pizza with salami, spinach, sun-dried tomato, garlic, and feta.
Turkey
Feta and turkey is a classic combination, especially in meatballs. You can make turkey feta meatballs and serve them with a lemon-yogurt spread, in meatball subs, or with spaghetti.
Bacon
Bacon and feta can be combined to make a delicious pizza. Use BBQ sauce instead of pizza sauce, and add chicken, bacon, onion, and feta.
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Feta with eggs
Feta is a versatile cheese that can be used in many dishes, including eggs. Here are some ideas for combining feta with eggs:
Feta Fried Eggs
Feta fried eggs have become a popular dish, with many variations circulating on social media. To make this dish, start by heating a non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet. Drizzle in some extra-virgin olive oil and add crumbled feta cheese. Once the feta starts to melt and bubble, crack an egg into the centre and season with black pepper and red pepper flakes. No additional salt is needed as feta is a salty cheese. Cover the pan and cook until the egg whites are set, the yolk is still runny, and the feta is crispy.
Feta Scrambled Eggs
Feta can be added to scrambled eggs to give them a tasty zip of flavour. For a Greek-style scrambled egg, combine feta with tomatoes and spinach. Alternatively, create a Mexican-inspired dish by adding salsa, cilantro, and feta to your scrambled eggs.
Feta with Omelettes
Feta can be added to an omelette for a tasty twist. Try combining it with other ingredients such as spinach, tomatoes, or black beans.
Feta on Avocado Toast
Feta fried eggs can be served on top of avocado toast with a drizzle of honey. This combination of flavours creates a delicious breakfast or brunch option.
Feta Breakfast Taco
For a breakfast taco, place a fried feta egg on a toasted corn tortilla with mashed avocado or refried beans. Add some salsa and a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavour.
Feta with Pita
Feta fried eggs can also be served with pita bread. Fill the pita with a cucumber-tomato salad and a handful of arugula for a refreshing and flavourful breakfast or brunch dish.
The salty and tangy flavour of feta pairs well with eggs and enhances their flavour. These combinations provide a range of options for breakfast, brunch, or even a quick dinner.
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Frequently asked questions
Feta is a salty and tangy cheese that is traditionally made in Greece. While it is often paired with Mediterranean ingredients like spinach, olives, tomatoes, and cucumbers, it also goes well with ingredients like strawberries, salsa, black beans, cilantro, and more.
Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes, including salads, baked dishes, and appetizers. Some specific recipes that use feta cheese are:
- Baked feta pasta
- Greek feta dip
- Spanakopita
- Feta walnut-stuffed mushrooms
- Feta and strawberry grilled cheese sandwich
- Watermelon, mint, and feta salad
- Greek-style nachos
- Feta and spinach scrambled eggs
Feta cheese is often paired with other cheeses in recipes. Some cheeses that go well with feta include:
- Ricotta
- Parmesan
- Goat cheese
- Cream cheese
Feta cheese is made from sheep's milk and occasionally with added goat's milk. It is a salty and tangy cheese that can add a significant amount of salt to a dish. It is also a good source of protein, calcium, and other nutrients.
