Andy Montoya
Olives and feta cheese in olive oil is a Mediterranean-inspired dish that can be served as an appetizer, a snack, or as part of a cheese or charcuterie board. This combination is often referred to as Marinated Olives and Feta Cheese or Baked Feta Cheese with Olives. It is a simple dish that can be prepared in under 30 minutes and can be made a day in advance. The salty and briny flavour of the olives pairs well with the creamy, tangy feta cheese, creating a delicious blend of Mediterranean flavours.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Marinated Olives and Feta Cheese |
| Type of Dish | Appetizer, snack, accompaniment to a cheese board |
| Cuisine | Mediterranean |
| Preparation Time | 5 minutes |
| Ingredients | Olives, feta cheese, olive oil, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, herbs, chilli, citrus peels |
| Variations | Baked feta with olives, marinated feta without olives |
| Serving Suggestions | Warm, room temperature, with crusty bread, pita chips, in a salad |
| Storage | Refrigerate overnight, bring to room temperature before serving |
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What You'll Learn
Marinated olives and feta cheese
To make marinated olives and feta cheese, you will need the following ingredients:
- Feta cheese
- Mixed olives
- Olive oil
- Garlic cloves
- Thyme sprigs
- Rosemary sprig
- Dried oregano
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Lemon zest
- Chilli
To prepare the dish, start by placing a skillet over medium-low heat and adding olive oil, garlic cloves, and herbs. Warm through for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Next, add the olives and red pepper flakes and warm through for another 3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and add the feta cheese, oregano, and balsamic vinegar. Toss to coat and cool to room temperature.
You can also customise this recipe to your taste. For example, you can use different types of olives, such as green, black, or Kalamata olives, or even stuffed olives. If you prefer a creamier feta cheese, you can choose a creamier variety, which will become more spreadable when heated. Additionally, you can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness.
Once the mixture has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to jars or a container and refrigerate overnight or up to 2 weeks. Bring it to room temperature before serving, as it tastes best warm or at least at room temperature. You can also serve it slightly warmed in a pan with a little extra olive oil.
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Baked feta cheese with olives
The key to this recipe is using a block of feta in brine, not crumbled feta, as the brine gives the cheese extra moisture, resulting in a creamier texture. Bulgarian feta is recommended for its superior flavour and creaminess, but Greek or French feta are also good options. For the olives, a mix of your favourite varieties is best, but make sure they are pitted to avoid any inconvenience for your guests.
To prepare the dish, simply place the feta in a small oven-proof dish and pour extra virgin olive oil over it. Add the flavourings: sliced chilli, rosemary leaves, and citrus rind. Then, distribute the olives around the feta, and pour over some lemon juice to balance the flavours. Bake in the oven at 375°F for about 20 minutes, until the oil is bubbling and the cheese is softened.
For a sweet twist, try drizzling honey over the baked feta and olives and broiling for about 3 minutes until golden and slightly charred. This dish is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, and any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
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Olives and feta cheese with herbs
To make olives and feta cheese with herbs, you will need a combination of olives, feta cheese, olive oil, and various herbs and spices. The beauty of this dish lies in its customizability, as you can choose your favourite types of olives and herbs to create a unique flavour profile. Popular olive varieties include mixed olives, Kalamata olives, or green olives, while suggested herbs and spices include garlic cloves, thyme, rosemary, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes.
The preparation method for this dish is straightforward. First, warm olive oil, garlic cloves, and herbs in a skillet over medium-low heat until fragrant. Add the olives and red pepper flakes and continue warming for a few minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and incorporate the feta cheese, oregano, and balsamic vinegar. Toss everything together until coated, and then allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
The final step is to transfer the feta and olives to jars or containers and refrigerate them overnight or for up to two weeks. This dish is best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly warmed, so it is recommended to remove it from the refrigerator ahead of serving. The longer it sits in the herby juices and olive oil, the more flavourful it becomes.
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Feta cheese in olive oil
To make feta cheese in olive oil, you will need the following ingredients: feta cheese, olive oil, herbs, spices, and optional additions such as lemon juice or zest, garlic cloves, and red pepper flakes. The type of olive oil used can vary depending on preference, but it is recommended to use a high-quality, flavourful oil with a peppery finish, such as Greek Early Harvest or Spanish Hojiblanca EVOO. As for the cheese, a creamy Greek feta is preferred as it becomes more spreadable when heated.
The preparation process is simple. Cut the feta cheese into cubes and place them in a container, such as a mason jar or a bowl. If using additional ingredients like garlic or herbs, add them to the container as well. Next, pour olive oil over the feta cheese until it is completely covered. You can also add other ingredients like lemon zest, chilli, or rosemary to the oil for extra flavour.
Once prepared, the feta cheese in olive oil can be served immediately or stored in the refrigerator for later. When stored properly, it can last for about two to three weeks. It is recommended to bring it to room temperature before serving, as the olive oil may solidify when chilled.
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Mediterranean appetiser
Olives and feta cheese in olive oil is a Mediterranean appetiser. It can be served as a snack, side dish, or appetiser and can be prepared in under 30 minutes. This dish is highly customisable, and you can use your favourite types of olives and cheese.
Ingredients
- Olives
- Feta cheese
- Olive oil
- Herbs (oregano, rosemary, thyme, etc.)
- Spices (chilli, red pepper flakes, etc.)
- Lemon zest
- Balsamic vinegar
Preparation
The preparation method for this dish is relatively simple and involves the following steps:
- Warm olive oil, garlic cloves, and herbs in a skillet over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the olives and red pepper flakes to the skillet and warm through for about 3 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and add the feta cheese, herbs, and balsamic vinegar. Toss to coat the cheese and olives evenly.
- Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Transfer the feta and olives to jars or containers and refrigerate overnight or up to 2 weeks.
- Bring the appetiser to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving.
Variations
This Mediterranean appetiser can be customised in various ways:
- Use different types of olives, such as green, black, or Kalamata olives.
- Experiment with different cheeses, like goat cheese, blue cheese, or cream cheese.
- Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less chilli or red pepper flakes.
- Include additional ingredients like garlic cloves, lemon juice, or orange rind.
Serving Suggestions
This appetiser can be served in multiple ways:
- Enjoy it as a snack or appetiser with crusty bread or pita chips.
- Serve it as part of a charcuterie board or cheese platter.
- Use it as a topping for salads, chicken, fish, or Greek dishes like salads and sandwiches.
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Frequently asked questions
It is a Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines marinated olives and feta cheese, often served as an appetizer or snack. The olives are typically briny and salty, while the feta cheese adds a creamy, tangy element. This dish can be served with pita chips, crusty bread, or as part of a charcuterie board.
The primary ingredients are olives, feta cheese, and olive oil. Various recipes suggest adding herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano, as well as spices like chilli flakes, lemon zest, and garlic cloves to enhance the flavour.
The preparation time for this dish varies depending on the recipe. Some sources suggest it can be prepared in as little as 5 minutes, while others recommend allowing the ingredients to marinate overnight for optimal flavour.
Marinating the ingredients in olive oil enhances their flavour and allows them to absorb the flavours of the herbs and spices used. It also extends the shelf life of the feta cheese, keeping it fresh in the fridge for up to several weeks when stored properly.
Yes, this dish is highly customisable. You can experiment with different types of olives, such as pitted or stuffed varieties. Additionally, while traditional recipes call for feta cheese, you can substitute it with other cheeses like goat cheese, blue cheese, or cream cheese to suit your preference.
