Andy Montoya
Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, ranging from salads to baked goods and appetizers. It is commonly associated with Greek cuisine, where it is often served with vegetables cooked in olive oil and tomato sauce, or simply with bread. Feta can be added to pies, sandwiches, pizzas, and eggs, or used as a topping for crackers, fruits, and vegetables. It can also be baked, grilled, or marinated to enhance its flavour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Salads | Corn salad, watermelon and cucumber salad, Mediterranean pasta salad, tomato and feta salad, barley salad, Greek salad |
| Baked dishes | Baked feta pasta, feta bites, quiche, lasagna, grilled eggplant rolls, tarts, pies, muffins |
| Appetizers | Feta dip, khachapuri, feta on toast, feta with honey, feta with pistachios, feta with chile-infused olive oil, feta with herbs |
| Main dishes | Omelettes, scrambled eggs, pizza, sandwiches, nachos |
| Sides | Feta with olive oil, feta with chicken, feta with chickpeas, feta with potatoes, feta with legumes, feta with bread |
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What You'll Learn
Salads
Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of salads. Here are some ideas for how to incorporate feta into your salad creations:
Green Salads
When it comes to green salads, feta is an excellent addition. You can combine it with a variety of vegetables, such as spinach, zucchini, asparagus, red pepper, artichokes, and fresh mint. For a simple and refreshing salad, toss together watermelon, cucumber, mint, red onion, and feta with a vinaigrette made from olive oil and red wine vinegar. This combination is perfect for a summer meal.
Grain Salads
Feta also pairs well with grains. For a hearty and nutritious option, try a Greek-style barley salad. You can add grilled chicken or falafel on top for extra protein. Another option is to create a Mediterranean pasta salad with feta, lemon, olive oil, garlic, and chickpeas. This salad is perfect for packing and taking on the go.
Fruit Salads
While it may seem unconventional, feta cheese can add a delightful salty contrast to sweet fruits in a salad. Try combining feta with watermelon, apricots, nectarines, or other stone fruits. The salty and sweet flavors complement each other beautifully.
Bean Salads
Feta is a great addition to bean and legume dishes. It pairs well with lentils and broad beans. For a simple yet tasty salad, combine feta with beans, olive oil, and spices.
Egg Salads
Feta can also be used in egg-based salads. For a unique twist, try a Japanese chicken and egg rice bowl called Oyakodon. Alternatively, create an egg-based salad with spinach, tomatoes, and feta.
With its salty and tangy flavor, feta cheese adds depth and a refreshing touch to a variety of salads. Its versatility allows it to be combined with various ingredients to create delicious and nutritious meals.
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Baked dishes
Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of baked dishes. Here are some ideas for using feta cheese in baked goods:
Savory Pies
Feta cheese is a common ingredient in Greek savory pies. It is added to pies such as spanakopita (spinach pie), tyropita (cheese pie), hortopita (wild greens pie), and prassopita (leek pie). Feta can also be added to other pie fillings or used as a topping for savoury tarts.
Baked Feta Bites
Baked feta bites are a delicious appetiser or finger food. They are made by nesting feta cheese into bite-sized cups of golden crescent roll dough. The salty, tangy feta is a perfect contrast to the sweet dough, creating a tasty treat.
Baked Pasta Dishes
Feta cheese can be added to pasta bakes for a tangy surprise. It pairs well with lemon, olive oil, garlic, and chickpeas for a refreshing summer pasta bake. Another option is to create a baked feta pasta dish, where the feta is baked until golden and served with crackers or bread.
Savory Muffins
Feta cheese can be added to savoury muffins, along with various vegetables. Baking feta in muffins enhances its creamy texture and adds a savoury note to the dish.
Quiches
Feta is a great addition to quiches, providing a tangy and salty flavour. It can be combined with other cheeses, vegetables, and spices to create a delicious and hearty quiche.
Baked Eggplant
Small eggplants topped with feta and fresh mint are a delicious and quick baked dish. The creamy feta complements the smoky eggplant perfectly, creating a tasty vegetarian main course.
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Appetizers
Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many appetizers. Here are some ideas for appetizers that use feta cheese:
Baked Feta
Baked feta is a warm and creamy appetizer that can be served in a variety of ways. One option is to bake feta with cherry tomatoes, olives, and herbs, and then serve it with crusty bread or pita chips. Another option is to bake feta with sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and garlic, and then serve it with crispy crostini. Feta can also be fried and drizzled with warmed honey, wrapped in phyllo dough and baked, or simply baked in a high-heated oven until creamy.
Whipped Feta Dip
Whipped feta dip is an easy Mediterranean-inspired appetizer that combines feta, cream cheese, olive oil, and spices. It can be served with pita, crackers, bread, or raw vegetables.
Feta with Potatoes
Feta cheese can be mashed with garlic, olive oil, and parsley to make a quick and easy appetizer. This can be served with baked potatoes or used to stuff peppers.
Marinated Feta
Marinated feta is another simple appetizer that can be made ahead of time. High-quality feta cheese is marinated in extra virgin olive oil and seasoned with fresh herbs like thyme or oregano. It can be served with crusty bread and marinated olives.
Feta with Vegetables
Feta cheese can be served as a simple appetizer with seasonal vegetables, especially on top of a Greek salad. It can also be spread on bread and topped with vegetables, such as bell peppers, red onions, and cherry tomatoes.
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Sandwiches
Feta cheese is a great addition to sandwiches, especially when combined with other cheeses that melt more easily. Here are some sandwich ideas with feta cheese:
Greek Feta Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Inspired by the Greek salad, this sandwich combines feta cheese with tomatoes, onions, olives, and oregano. You can also add leftover veggies to make a mini Greek salad on the side. Since feta doesn't melt as smoothly as other cheeses, you can add a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella to hold everything together. Grill the sandwich in a pan with butter or olive oil until it's golden brown.
Feta Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Spinach
This sandwich features the classic combination of spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese, along with oregano and chilli flakes for extra flavour. You can also add shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese to enhance the meltability and create a delightful blend of flavours. Sauté the spinach with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and then assemble the sandwich with buttered bread. Cook the sandwich in a pan over medium heat until the bread turns golden brown.
Middle Eastern Style Grilled Feta Cheese Sandwich
This sandwich has a unique twist with fresh spinach, sweet pomegranate and dates, mint, and a crispy za'atar spice mix. You can use Swiss, Jarlsberg, Provolone, or Gouda cheese along with feta. Spread olive oil on the bread and sprinkle za'atar on top before grilling. You can also add a creamy sauce like tzatziki, raita, avocado sauce, or spicy tomato aioli for dipping.
Feta and Tomato Sandwich
A simple yet delicious sandwich, this one features feta and tomato slices seasoned with oregano and pepper. You can add sliced or chopped Kalamata olives for extra flavour. Grill the sandwich until golden, and enjoy it either hot or at room temperature.
Variations and Customizations
You can also experiment with different ingredients to create your own feta cheese sandwich. Some options include adding sautéed zucchini, sliced onion, and balsamic vinegar, or using different types of bread like crusty bread or hot dog buns. You can also try combining feta with other cheeses like provolone, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or young gouda, depending on your preference.
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Pasta
Feta cheese can be used in a variety of pasta dishes, from a simple pasta salad to a more complex, spicy pasta dish.
A popular feta pasta dish is baked feta pasta with cherry tomatoes. This dish is simple to make and only requires a handful of ingredients. Start by roasting a block of feta cheese with cherry tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper in an oven-safe baking dish. The feta and tomatoes will combine to create a salty and cheesy sauce. While they bake, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is cooked, add it to the baking dish and toss to combine. You can also add garlic and basil to the dish for extra flavor.
Another option is to create a spicy feta pasta. To make this dish, saute a tomato with chili powder and olive oil. Then, add tomato paste, water, pasta, and feta cheese. Cover and cook for a couple of minutes. Finally, stir in minced garlic, parsley, and basil, and serve immediately. This dish can be made in just 12 minutes and is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Feta cheese can also be added to pasta salads, baked into lasagna, or tossed with spaghetti to create a creamy sauce. It can be used in place of ricotta in a Greek-inspired lasagna with layers of spiced ground lamb, roasted eggplant, tomato sauce, and penne pasta. Feta cheese adds a touch of creaminess and natural saltiness to pasta dishes and can be used in many different types of recipes.
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