Randy Chandler
Feta cheese is a soft, crumbly cheese from Greece that is traditionally made from sheep's milk. It can be used to add flavour to a variety of dishes, including salads, pastas, soups, seafood, and vegetables. Feta cheese cubes can be used in a number of ways, such as frying them to make croutons for a salad, or combining them with olive oil, herbs, lemon zest, and peppers to make a marinated feta appetizer. They can also be stuffed into watermelon with basil as a garnish, or baked with bell peppers, tomatoes, herbs, and olive oil for a Mediterranean mezze.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Tangy, salty, briny |
| Texture | Crumbly, semi-hard |
| Recipes | Baked feta pasta, Greek salad, frittatas, fried cubes, marinated cubes, watermelon feta salad, baked feta with tomatoes and bell peppers, turkey feta meatballs, one-pan salmon and orzo, feta-encrusted sesame seeds, feta with honey and pistachios |
| Use | Can be used in appetizers, salads, soups, breakfast, dinner, seafood, vegetables, pasta, desserts |
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What You'll Learn
Feta cheese cubes can be marinated in extra virgin olive oil, herbs, lemon zest and spicy peppers
Feta cheese cubes can be marinated in extra virgin olive oil, herbs, lemon zest, and spicy peppers to create a delicious appetizer or ingredient. This combination of flavours enhances the feta, making it an excellent addition to various dishes. Here is a detailed guide on how to create this marinated feta cheese delight:
Ingredients:
- Feta Cheese (block or cube)
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Herbs (fresh or dried): Oregano, Rosemary, Thyme, Chives, Parsley
- Lemon (zest or peel)
- Spicy Peppers: Cayenne, Jalapeño, Chilli, or Red Chiles
- Other seasonings: Peppercorns, Garlic, Lemon juice
Steps:
- Prepare the feta cheese: Start with a block of high-quality feta cheese in brine. Cut the feta into cubes of approximately 1 cm or playing dice size. You can also slice the feta into thicker slices if you prefer. Place the feta cubes or slices into a mason jar or a medium-sized bowl.
- Prepare the marinade: In a small saucepan, combine extra virgin olive oil, fresh or dried herbs of your choice, lemon zest or peel, and spicy peppers. For a milder flavour, remove the seeds and membranes from the peppers before slicing them. Adjust the amount of pepper according to your taste for spice.
- Heat the marinade: Place the saucepan over medium heat and heat the marinade until the oil starts to sizzle. This allows the flavours to infuse into the oil.
- Cool the marinade: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the marinade cool down. Transfer the mixture to a bowl or heat-proof cup to expedite the cooling process.
- Combine feta and marinade: Once the marinade has cooled, add half of the feta cubes to the jar or bowl. Then, add the herbs, lemon zest, and spicy peppers. After that, add the remaining feta cubes.
- Pour in the olive oil: Finally, pour the cooled marinade, including the olive oil, over the feta. Ensure that the feta is completely covered by the oil. If needed, top up the jar with extra olive oil.
- Storage and serving: Securely seal the jar or container and store it in the refrigerator. For optimal flavour, allow the feta to marinate for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight. Bring the jar to room temperature before serving. The marinated feta is best enjoyed a few hours after preparation or the next day.
Tips and Variations:
- Use Greek feta cheese made from sheep's milk, or a combination of sheep and goat milk, for an authentic Mediterranean flavour.
- Experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices to create unique flavour profiles.
- The leftover olive oil from the marinated feta can be used as a salad dressing, marinade, or drizzled over toast or bread.
- Serve the marinated feta with pita chips, crusty bread, or toast for a tasty appetizer or snack.
- Use the marinated feta as a topping for salads, chicken, fish, or Mediterranean dishes like Greek shrimp or zucchini feta skewers.
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Bake feta cubes with tomatoes, peppers, herbs and olive oil
Baked feta cheese cubes with tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and olive oil is a delicious and simple dish to make. This traditional Greek dish is a perfect appetizer and can be served with bread or crackers. The saltiness of feta cheese pairs well with the sweetness of tomatoes, and the peppers and herbs add a nice kick of flavour.
To make this dish, you will need feta cheese, tomatoes, peppers, olive oil, and herbs of your choice. You can use fresh or dried herbs, such as oregano, thyme, or basil. You will also need a baking dish and a small bowl for mixing.
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Cut the feta cheese into cubes and place them in the baking dish. In a separate bowl, mix the tomatoes, peppers, and herbs with olive oil. You can also add spices such as red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Pour the tomato and pepper mixture over the feta cubes in the baking dish.
Bake the feta for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the cheese is soft and slightly melted. If you want to add some colour to the dish, you can place it under the broiler for a few minutes to lightly brown the top. Keep a close eye on it to avoid over-browning.
Serve the baked feta warm with pita chips, crackers, or toasted bread slices. This dish is best enjoyed while the feta is still warm and creamy, so be sure to serve it immediately after baking. Enjoy the delicious flavours of Greece with this easy and impressive appetizer!
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Fry feta cubes to make croutons for a salad
Feta cheese is a soft, crumbly cheese from Greece that's traditionally made from sheep's milk. It's a versatile ingredient that can be added to nearly any dish, from soups to salads. Frying feta cubes to make croutons for a salad is a great way to add a crunchy, cheesy element to your meal. Here's how you can do it:
Preparing the Feta Cubes
Start by cutting the feta cheese into cubes. For frying, it's best to aim for cubes that are around 2 cm (or approximately 1 inch) wide. This size will ensure even cooking and a good crouton-like texture.
Breadcrumbs and Spices
To add a crispy coating to your feta croutons, you'll need breadcrumbs. You can make your own by toasting slices of bread and then blending them into coarse crumbs. For extra flavour, mix the breadcrumbs with your choice of spices. Some suggested spices include oregano, sesame seeds, or a combination of herbs and spices of your choice.
Battering the Feta Cubes
Before coating the feta cubes with breadcrumbs, you'll need something to help the crumbs adhere. One option is to use a simple egg batter. Whisk one or two eggs in a bowl, adding any desired spices to the mixture. Dip each feta cube into the egg batter, ensuring it's fully coated, and then roll it in the breadcrumbs. Repeat this process for all the cubes.
Frying the Croutons
Heat some oil in a pan—enough to shallow fry the coated feta cubes. Carefully place the battered feta cubes into the hot oil, frying them in batches if your pan is not big enough to accommodate them all at once. Fry the cubes until they are golden brown and floating. This should only take a few minutes, depending on the temperature of your oil. Once done, remove the croutons from the oil and drain them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Assembling the Salad
Now that your feta croutons are ready, it's time to assemble your salad. Choose your favourite greens and vegetables as a base. You can also add other ingredients like nuts, seeds, or fruits to complement the salty feta. Place your fried feta croutons on top of the salad, and you're ready to serve! The warm, crispy croutons will add a unique texture and flavour to your salad, making it a delicious and creative way to enjoy feta cheese.
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Use feta cubes as a topping for salads
Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used to add a salty, tangy and creamy flavour to a variety of salads. Here are some ways you can use feta cubes as a topping for salads:
Greek Salad
A classic Greek salad consists of sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, green bell peppers, red onions, olives, and feta cheese. To make a Greek salad, arrange the vegetables and feta cheese on a platter and drizzle with a dressing made of olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and dried oregano. Sprinkle with fresh oregano, black pepper, and mint leaves before serving.
Mediterranean Lentil Salad
Mediterranean lentil salad is a healthy and quick lunch option. It consists of chopped vegetables, feta cheese, and a light dressing. The feta adds a creamy, salty, and tangy flavour to the salad.
Cucumber Feta Salad
This salad is a great, easy side dish for summer. To make it, chop the cucumber and add feta cheese cubes. Finely chop herbs such as chives, dill, and basil and add them to the bowl. Make a dressing by whisking together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper, then pour it over the salad. Toss to combine and serve.
Watermelon Feta Salad
Watermelon and feta is a refreshing combination for a summer salad. To make this salad, toss watermelon and cucumber cubes with mint, red onion, and feta cheese. Drizzle with a simple vinaigrette made of olive oil and red wine vinegar.
Spinach Salad
A spinach salad with sweet strawberries, salty feta, and crunchy walnuts is a delicious combination. The balsamic vinaigrette made with fresh shallots adds a zesty flavour to the salad.
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Feta cheese cubes can be stuffed into watermelon with basil
To make this salad, you will need the following ingredients: seedless watermelon, feta cheese, fresh basil, lime juice, honey, olive oil, and champagne vinegar. You can also add cubed cucumbers and sliced raw red onions for extra flavour and texture. If you don't like basil, you can substitute it with fresh mint or cilantro.
Start by cutting the watermelon into cubes or using a melon baller to create neat, round shapes. Then, cut or break the feta cheese into cubes. Combine the watermelon, basil, and feta in a large bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey, olive oil, and champagne vinegar to make a vinaigrette. Pour the vinaigrette over the watermelon, basil, and feta, and toss gently to combine.
Finally, season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. You can serve it immediately or chill it in the fridge for up to an hour before serving. This salad is best enjoyed on the same day it is prepared, as the flavours and textures are freshest. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in the fridge for up to 6 hours.
This watermelon feta basil salad is a creative way to combine the sweetness of watermelon with the salty tanginess of feta cheese, creating a delicious and refreshing summer dish.
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Frequently asked questions
You can bread and fry feta cheese cubes to make crispy, cheesy croutons for a spring salad. Another option is to make marinated feta cheese cubes by combining them with extra virgin olive oil, herbs, lemon zest, and spicy peppers.
You can serve marinated feta cheese cubes as a winning appetizer in just 5 minutes! Alternatively, you can fry the feta cheese cubes and drizzle them with warmed honey.
You can add fried feta cheese cubes to a spring salad with fresh and crunchy vegetables and baked lavash. Another option is to stuff watermelon cubes with feta cheese and garnish them with fresh basil.
Instead of using paneer in an Indian saag paneer dish, you can use large feta cheese cubes. You can also encrust feta cheese cubes with sesame seeds and serve them with pomegranate seeds, fresh mint, olives, and parsley.
