The Delicious Combination: Feta Cheese On Pizza

what is feta cheese on pizza

Feta cheese pizza is a popular dish that combines the salty, tangy taste of feta with a variety of other ingredients. Feta is a soft cheese made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep and goat milk, and it adds a unique texture and flavour to pizzas. Feta cheese pizzas can be made in a variety of ways, including Greek-style pizzas with spinach, tomatoes, and olives, or white pizzas with garlic and mozzarella. The versatility of feta cheese pizza allows for a range of creative combinations, making it a favourite among those who enjoy experimenting with different flavours and ingredients.

Characteristics of Feta Cheese on Pizza

Characteristics Values
Type of Cheese Soft, salty, briney, creamy, tangy
Texture Crumbly, chunky
Taste Savory
Melting Quality Does not melt, softer than aged cheeses
Calories Lower in fat and calories than aged cheeses
Ingredients Tomatoes, spinach, red onions, oregano, basil, olive oil, garlic, black olives, artichokes, roasted red peppers, dill, thyme, chili flakes, brown sugar, sea salt, pepper, yeast, flour, water, semola rimacinata, olive oil, salt, red pepper flakes, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese
Preparation Bake for 20-25 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 275 degrees Celsius, or until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is slightly golden brown
Variations White feta pizza, Greek feta pizza, spinach and feta pizza, feta tomato pizza

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Feta cheese pizza toppings

Feta cheese is a soft cheese with a bold, tangy flavour and a salty, briny taste. It is made from either sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk. Feta is a popular pizza topping, especially on Greek-style pizzas, and pairs well with other cheeses like mozzarella, kasseri or provolone.

When making a pizza with feta cheese, it is recommended to use a block of feta in brine, rather than pre-crumbled feta, as the latter can be dry and chalky. Greek feta, such as MtVikos or Dodoni, is ideal, but Israeli or Bulgarian feta are also suitable substitutes.

A popular combination for a feta pizza includes ripe tomatoes, onion slices, dried oregano, thyme leaves, chilli flakes, and extra virgin olive oil, all on a thin, crispy crust. Another option is to make a white pizza, which does not include any sauce, but instead uses garlic, red onion, seasonings, and other cheeses like mozzarella or Parmesan.

For a Greek-inspired pizza, feta is combined with roasted vegetables, including red onions, tomatoes, Greek olives, and oregano. This pizza is vegetarian-friendly and can be made with a no-knead dough for extra convenience.

Another variation is a spinach and feta pizza, which includes a garlicky spinach and red onion mixture, mozzarella, and fresh dill. This pizza can be made with store-bought, homemade, or frozen dough, and is a quick and easy option for a weeknight dinner.

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Feta cheese pizza dough

Feta cheese is a Greek curd cheese, made from either sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk. It is crumbly yet moist and adds a ton of flavour to a pizza. Feta doesn't melt, so it is often paired with mozzarella to get more of the classic pizza cheesiness.

When making a pizza with feta cheese, you can use store-bought pizza dough or make your own. If you are using store-bought pizza dough, it is best to let it come to room temperature first as cold dough is tough to roll and stretch. If you are using pizza dough from a can, you can skip this step.

To make your own pizza dough, combine all-purpose flour, instant yeast, salt, water, and olive oil in a large bowl. Knead with your hands until well combined, for approximately 3 minutes. Let the dough rest for 15 minutes. Then, knead the dough for another 3 minutes and cut it into two equal pieces, shaping each into a ball.

Once your dough is ready, roll or stretch it out until it's about 12 inches wide. Transfer the dough to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. You can then add your toppings and bake!

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Feta cheese pizza recipes

Feta cheese is a Greek curd cheese made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk. It is crumbly yet moist, tangy, and bold in flavour. It is best to buy a block of feta in brine, such as MtVikos or Dodoni, rather than pre-crumbled or fat-free feta, which can be dry and tasteless.

Greek Pizza

This Greek pizza recipe is inspired by the flavours of a Greek salad. It is a vegetarian pizza with a no-knead base and is ready in less than 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

  • Pizza dough
  • Red onions
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Baby spinach
  • Kalamata olives
  • Feta cheese
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Instructions:

  • Halve the cherry tomatoes and cook them in olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes until softened.
  • Season the tomatoes with salt and pepper and let them cool.
  • Chop the spinach and red onion and pit the olives.
  • Place the pizza dough on a baking sheet and stretch it out.
  • Transfer the cherry tomato sauce onto the dough and spread it evenly.
  • Sprinkle the spinach, feta, red onion, and olives on top.
  • Bake in the oven at 450ºF until the pizza is cooked.

White Feta Cheese Pizza

This white pizza recipe does not include any sauce. It is simple to make and is ready in 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

  • Pizza dough
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Red onion
  • Garlic
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Feta cheese
  • Basil
  • Mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
  • Place the pizza dough on a baking sheet and stretch it out.
  • Brush the crust with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and red pepper flakes.
  • Add the red onion and garlic.
  • Add the Parmesan cheese, feta cheese, and basil.
  • Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is slightly golden brown.
  • Sprinkle with remaining red onion and basil before serving.

Feta Pizza with Tomato and Basil

This feta pizza has Mediterranean flavours and a delicate, crispy crust.

Ingredients:

  • Pizza dough
  • Ripe tomatoes
  • Brown sugar
  • Onion
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Dried oregano
  • Thyme leaves
  • Chilli flakes
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Feta cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese or kasseri cheese

Instructions:

  • Marinate the tomatoes in olive oil, garlic, brown sugar, and fresh herbs.
  • Place the dough on a sheet of parchment paper and transfer it to a pizza stone in the oven.
  • Add the tomatoes, onion slices, and crumbled feta cheese.
  • Sprinkle with dried oregano, thyme leaves, and chilli flakes, and drizzle with olive oil.
  • Bake for 3 minutes, then remove the parchment paper.
  • Bake for another 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
  • Add some fresh basil leaves on top.

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Feta cheese pizza nutritional information

Feta cheese is a soft, white-coloured cheese made from sheep's milk or a mix of sheep's and goat's milk. It is a staple in Greek cuisine and the Mediterranean diet, known for its salty, tangy flavour. Feta is aged in brine, giving it a firm and crumbly texture with a slight graininess.

When it comes to feta cheese pizza, there are several variations to consider. One popular option is the spinach and feta white pizza, which includes sautéed spinach, red onions, garlic, and a combination of feta and mozzarella cheeses. This recipe adds a sprinkling of fresh dill after baking for a bright, herby finish. Another option is a simple feta pizza with tomato and basil, which includes ripe tomatoes, onion slices, crumbled feta cheese, dried oregano, thyme leaves, chilli flakes, and extra virgin olive oil.

Now, let's delve into the nutritional information for feta cheese pizza:

Feta cheese is an excellent source of calcium, protein, and essential vitamins, particularly B vitamins. It also contains a fatty acid known as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been linked to potential reductions in body fat. However, feta cheese is also high in sodium and saturated fat, so it should be consumed in moderation. Its high sodium content can impact blood pressure, and saturated fats should be limited in a balanced diet.

When creating a feta cheese pizza, the nutritional profile can be enhanced by the addition of certain toppings. For example, spinach provides iron and vitamins A and C, while tomatoes offer vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, an antioxidant. On the other hand, adding meats or processed ingredients can increase the saturated fat and sodium content, so choosing lean proteins or plant-based alternatives can be beneficial.

Overall, feta cheese pizza can be a nutritious option when made with wholesome ingredients and enjoyed in moderation. It is important to be mindful of the high sodium and saturated fat content and ensure that it aligns with your dietary goals and recommendations.

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Feta cheese pizza history

Feta cheese is a Greek curd cheese made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk. It is crumbly yet moist, with a tangy, bold flavor. While feta doesn't melt like mozzarella, it is still very soft and adds a ton of flavor to pizza.

Feta cheese pizza is inspired by Greek cuisine and the popular Greek salad, horiatiki. This type of pizza typically features a crispy crust topped with Mediterranean ingredients such as red onions, cherry tomatoes, oregano, Greek olives, and feta cheese. The sweetness of the onions and tomatoes creates a delicious balance with the savory feta, juicy olives, and aromatic oregano.

There are several variations of feta cheese pizza, including the popular "white pizza" or "pizza bianca." This style of pizza is characterized by the absence of any sauce and typically includes generous amounts of garlic, red onion, seasonings, and shredded mozzarella cheese in addition to feta. The Spinach and Feta White Pizza is another variation, which includes garlicky spinach, red onion, and fresh dill, resembling the flavors of the Greek dish spanakopita.

When making a feta cheese pizza, it is recommended to use a block of feta in brine, such as MtVikos or Dodoni, rather than pre-crumbled feta, which can be dry and tasteless. Bulgarian and Israeli feta are also suitable substitutes. For the dough, you can use store-bought pizza dough or make your own with a combination of all-purpose flour, instant yeast, salt, water, and olive oil.

Frequently asked questions

Feta cheese pizza is a pizza that typically features feta cheese, tomatoes, and basil. It can also include other ingredients such as spinach, onions, and olives and is often made with a whole wheat crust.

Here are some popular recipes for feta cheese pizza:

- Greek Pizza: This recipe includes feta cheese, tomatoes, spinach, onions, olives, and basil.

- Fancy Feta Tomato Pizza: This recipe includes feta cheese, tomatoes, oregano, olive oil, and optionally, olives or red onions.

- White Feta Cheese Pizza: This recipe includes feta cheese, garlic, red onion, basil, and mozzarella cheese.

- Spinach and Feta White Pizza: This recipe includes feta cheese, spinach, red onion, garlic, mozzarella cheese, and optionally, fresh dill.

Here are some tips for making feta cheese pizza:

- Use a block of feta cheese in brine, rather than pre-crumbled feta cheese, as it tends to be drier and less tasty.

- If using fresh dough, let it come to room temperature before rolling or stretching it out.

- Preheat your oven and baking pan before placing the pizza inside to ensure even cooking.

- Drizzle olive oil on the dough before baking to help it get golden and crisp.

- Bake the pizza until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.

Feta cheese pizza can be varied in numerous ways to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. For example:

- Vegetarian: Omit meat toppings and use vegetarian-friendly feta cheese.

- Vegan: Use vegan feta cheese and plant-based mozzarella cheese alternatives.

- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free pizza crust.

- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or chopped red chilli peppers.

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