Frederic Melton
Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to baked goods and appetisers. It is a popular cheese in Greece, where it is often consumed with vegetables cooked in olive oil and tomato sauce, or simply with bread. When it comes to adding herbs to feta cheese, the possibilities are endless. Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, oregano, rosemary, basil, mint, and dill can be used to infuse olive oil, which can then be drizzled over the cheese. Alternatively, feta cubes can be marinated in olive oil along with various herbs and spices like garlic, red pepper flakes, and lemon zest. Baked feta cheese with herbs is another delicious option, where the cheese is cut into chunks or slices and baked with herbs and seasonings. Feta's tangy flavour pairs well with herbs, enhancing its taste and making it a perfect addition to any meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Herbs | Parsley, thyme, oregano, rosemary, basil, mint, dill, lavender, cor<co: 19>iander</co: 21>, cilantro, red pepper flakes |
| Type of feta | Greek, Danish, goat, sheep, cow |
| Other ingredients | Olive oil, lemon, garlic, cumin, red pepper, olives, tomatoes, marinara sauce, Italian dressing, honey, hummus, grape leaves |
| Serving suggestions | Bread, crackers, baguette, pita, naan, crostini, flatbread, nachos, chips, toothpicks |
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What You'll Learn
Feta cheese with olive oil and herbs
Feta cheese is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to baked goods and appetizers. When paired with olive oil and herbs, it becomes a quick, easy, and tasty treat that can be served as a snack or an appetizer. Here is a simple guide to creating your own feta cheese with olive oil and herbs:
Ingredients
- Feta cheese (preferably a block of feta, but crumbled or cubed feta will also work)
- Olive oil
- Fresh herbs of your choice (e.g. rosemary, basil, thyme, oregano, mint, dill, parsley, or coriander)
- Optional: Red pepper flakes, garlic, lemon, and spices
- Accompaniments: Bread, crackers, pita chips, baguette, olives, cured meat, etc.
Method
- Choose your favourite fresh herbs. You can use a single type or a combination of herbs. If you don't have access to fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs, a spice mix like herbes de Provence, or Mediterranean seasoning.
- Prepare the feta cheese by cutting it into slices or cubes if desired. Slicing or cubing the feta will make it easier to serve and ensure a better feta-to-topping ratio in each bite.
- Place the feta on a medium-sized plate or serving platter.
- Drizzle olive oil over the feta. You can infuse the olive oil with garlic for extra flavour by combining crushed garlic with the oil and letting it sit for a few hours or overnight.
- Sprinkle your chosen herbs and optional red pepper flakes onto the feta. You can also add other spices or seasonings to taste.
- If using fresh herbs, garnish the plate with leftover herb sprigs.
- Serve the feta with your chosen accompaniments, such as bread, crackers, or pita chips. It also pairs well with olives and cured meat.
Tips and Variations
- Feta cheese made with sheep's milk will have a stronger flavour than goat's milk feta, which is milder when baked.
- If you want to make this dish ahead of time, let the feta sit with the herbs for a while to impart even more flavour.
- For a warm option, try baking or grilling the feta. This will soften the texture and make it gooey and toasty.
- You can also whip feta cheese with olive oil, lemon, and cream cheese to create a delicious dip.
- Feta cheese with olive oil and herbs is a great addition to salads, pasta dishes, omelettes, and more. Experiment with different herbs and pairings to find your favourite combinations.
Enjoy your homemade feta cheese with olive oil and herbs!
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Baked feta cheese with herbs
Baking feta cheese is a great way to serve this classic Greek ingredient. Feta is a versatile cheese that can be used in salads, appetizers, and even grilled or baked dishes. Baking feta softens its texture, making it gooey and almost like cream cheese. It also enhances its flavour and makes it a perfect dip for bread, pita, or naan.
Ingredients:
- Feta Cheese: 8 oz or 250 g block. You can use either goat or sheep's milk feta, depending on preference. Goat milk feta will yield a more mild flavour, while sheep's milk will be stronger.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary, basil, thyme, oregano, mint, dill, parsley, or coriander leaves. You can also use dried herbs or a spice mix like herbes de Provence.
- Seasonings: Mediterranean or Greek seasoning, red pepper flakes or crushed red pepper, cumin seeds, and black pepper.
- Other ingredients: Lemon rind, garlic, Italian dressing, or marinara sauce.
Method:
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut the feta cheese into slices or chunks for easier serving. Place the feta in an oven-safe baking dish. Drizzle olive oil over the cheese and sprinkle with your chosen herbs and seasonings. You can also add other ingredients like lemon rind, garlic, or Italian dressing. Bake until the feta is soft and gooey. Serve with crackers, crostini, flatbread, or pita chips. Enjoy!
Variations:
You can also "bake" feta on a grill. Simply place a block of feta at room temperature on the grill and sear both sides until you see golden grill marks. You can also bake feta in marinara sauce or with Italian dressing on top for added flavour and colour. For a more refined presentation, cut the feta into slices and then into thirds before baking, and sprinkle with herbs and seasonings.
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Feta marinated with herbs and chilli
This is a cost-effective, simple, and delicious appetiser that can be prepared in minutes. It is perfect for a party or a large gathering. You can use whatever herbs you like, but here is a recipe you can follow:
Ingredients:
- Feta cheese
- Olive oil
- Thyme
- Parsley
- Chilli
- Lemon
- Garlic
Method:
Firstly, cut the feta into cubes. You can use Greek feta, which is harder and more crumbly, or Danish feta, which is creamier and more spreadable. Place the feta into a serving dish. Next, infuse the olive oil with garlic by leaving crushed garlic in the oil overnight. You can also add other herbs and spices to the oil, such as rosemary, basil, or mint. Pour the marinade over the feta, ensuring each piece is coated. Scatter herbs, chilli, lemon rind, and black pepper over the feta. You can serve it immediately, but it will taste better the longer you let it sit. It will last for at least a week in the fridge and even longer if you cover the feta with more olive oil.
Serve with crusty bread, crackers, or pita chips. Enjoy!
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Grilled feta with herbs
Ingredients:
- Feta cheese
- Olive oil
- Herbs of your choice (e.g. rosemary, basil, thyme, oregano, mint, dill, parsley, cilantro, coriander seeds)
- Other seasonings (e.g. red pepper flakes, cumin seeds, garlic)
- Bread, pita, or naan for serving
Instructions:
Cut the feta cheese into bite-sized cubes or slices. Drizzle olive oil over the feta and sprinkle with your chosen herbs and any additional seasonings. You can also marinate the feta in the olive oil and herbs beforehand for a more intense flavor.
Place the feta on a grill and sear both sides until you see golden grill marks. Serve the grilled feta with bread, pita, or naan for dipping. Enjoy!
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Feta with herbs as a salad topping
Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads. When it comes to choosing herbs to pair with feta cheese, the options are endless. Here are some ideas for using herbs with feta cheese as a salad topping:
Fresh Herbs
Using fresh herbs is a great way to add flavour to your feta cheese. Some popular options include parsley, thyme, oregano, rosemary, basil, mint, and dill. These herbs can be used individually or in combination to create a unique flavour profile. Fresh herbs are particularly flavourful during the summer months when they are in peak season.
Dried Herbs
If you don't have access to fresh herbs, dried herbs can also be used. Herbes de Provence, a blend of dried herbs typically including thyme, rosemary, oregano, and lavender, is a good option. You can buy this spice mix or create your own blend. Dried herbs may not have the same intense freshness as their fresh counterparts, but they still impart flavour to the feta cheese.
Marinated Feta with Herbs
For a more intense flavour, you can marinate feta cheese in olive oil and herbs. This method allows the cheese to absorb the flavours of the herbs and spices. Simply choose your favourite herbs, such as thyme, parsley, chilli, and lemon rind, and combine them with olive oil. You can also add other ingredients like garlic or red pepper flakes to create a more complex marinade. The feta cheese should be cut into cubes or slices to increase the surface area for better flavour absorption.
Baked Feta with Herbs
Baking feta cheese is another delicious option that softens the texture and enhances its flavour. You can bake feta in the oven or on a grill, and it pairs well with herbs. Before baking, you can add herbs, spices, and other ingredients like tomatoes and olives to the baking dish. Baked feta can be spread on crackers, bread, or used as a salad topping, adding a creamy and tangy element to your greens.
Feta cheese with herbs is a delicious and versatile combination that can elevate a simple salad. Whether you use fresh or dried herbs, marinate or bake the feta, the result is a tasty and aromatic addition to your meal.
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Frequently asked questions
Herbs that go well with feta cheese include rosemary, basil, thyme, lavender, mint, dill, parsley, oregano, and coriander.
Feta cheese with herbs can be served in many ways. You can bake it, grill it, or marinate it in olive oil and herbs. It can be served as an appetizer with bread, crackers, or pita chips.
Feta cheese with herbs can be added to pasta, salads, omelets, or scrambled eggs. It can also be paired with vegetables like asparagus, red pepper, zucchini, or spinach.
The type of feta cheese you use depends on your personal preference and the recipe. Greek feta is firm and crumbly, while Danish feta is softer and creamier. If you want to bake or grill the feta, it is best to use a block of feta cheese rather than crumbles.
Fresh herbs are recommended for recipes with feta cheese as they have a brighter flavor. However, dried herbs can also be used if fresh herbs are not available.
