Patrick Oconnell
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in Greek cuisine, and it's no surprise that it has made its way onto pizzas. Feta is a soft cheese with a bold, salty flavour and a crumbly yet moist texture. When added to a pizza, it creates a tangy and savoury taste that pairs well with other classic Greek ingredients such as olives, oregano, and tomatoes. The question is, when is the best time to add feta cheese to a pizza to achieve the perfect flavour and texture?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Feta, Mozzarella, Parmesan, or Kasseri |
| Feta Cheese Type | Greek, Israeli, or Bulgarian |
| Feta Cheese Texture | Tangy, bold, salty, creamy, crumbly, soft |
| Base/Crust | Whole wheat, homemade, or store-bought |
| Toppings | Oregano, basil, thyme, chilli flakes, red onion, red pepper, artichoke, olives, tomatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic |
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What You'll Learn
Feta cheese pizza toppings
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in Greek pizza, adding a tangy, bold, and salty flavour. It is often paired with other cheeses such as mozzarella, burrata, or provolone, as feta does not melt. The best feta cheese to use is a block of feta in brine, with Israeli or Bulgarian feta as suitable substitutes.
For a Greek pizza, the toppings are typically vegetables, including red onions, cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, artichokes, and olives. The vegetables are usually roasted before baking the pizza, enhancing their flavour and softening their texture. The pizza is then topped with feta cheese, along with other ingredients such as oregano, olive oil, and basil.
When making a white feta cheese pizza, the process is similar. Start by preparing the pizza dough and preheating the oven. Then, add toppings such as garlic, red onion, Parmesan cheese, and feta cheese. Finally, sprinkle with basil and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
For a more unique flavour, raw ingredients such as chopped tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese can be added on top of the cooked pizza. This creates an earthy flavour profile. Another variation is to use brown sugar, marinating the tomatoes and combining them with thin slices of sweet, peppery onion, feta, and extra virgin olive oil.
Feta cheese pizza is a versatile dish that can be customised with various toppings. It is a popular choice for those seeking a vegetarian or Mediterranean-inspired pizza option.
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When to add feta to the pizza
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in Greek pizza, adding a tangy, bold, and salty flavour. It is often paired with other cheeses such as mozzarella, burrata, or kasseri cheese, as feta does not melt.
When making a Greek pizza with feta, it is recommended to use a block of feta in brine, such as MtVikos or Dodoni. Israeli or Bulgarian feta are also suitable substitutes, but it is advised to avoid fat-free feta, as it tends to be dry and tasteless.
For the pizza dough, you can use a simple no-knead recipe, combining all-purpose flour, instant yeast, salt, water, and olive oil. Alternatively, you can use store-bought dough or your favourite recipe.
Now, when to add the feta:
- If you are making a white feta pizza, start by preheating your oven and preparing your dough. Brush the crust with olive oil and add seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and red pepper flakes. Then, add your red onion and garlic, and Parmesan cheese. At this point, you can sprinkle some basil before adding the feta cheese and shredded mozzarella. Finally, top with additional red onion and basil after baking.
- For a traditional Greek pizza, the process is similar. Prepare your dough and preheat the oven. You can then add olive oil, shredded mozzarella, and other toppings like tomatoes, onions, and oregano. Finally, top with feta cheese, olives, and a drizzle of olive oil before baking.
- If you want a creamier and meltier result, you can mix the feta with mozzarella or burrata before adding it to the pizza. This combination provides a nice balance of flavours and textures.
- Another option is to use feta as a topping after baking the pizza. This will give the pizza a unique, earthier flavour. Simply crumble the feta over the baked pizza, along with other toppings like olives and chopped tomatoes, and drizzle with olive oil.
So, depending on the type of pizza and desired flavour, you can add feta before, during, or even after baking. Each method will result in a delicious, flavourful pizza with a unique twist.
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Choosing the right feta
Feta is a key ingredient in Greek pizza, adding a tangy, bold, and salty flavour. It is a soft cheese with a crumbly yet moist texture that provides a bit of attitude and a unique, earthy flavour.
When choosing feta for your pizza, it is best to opt for a block of feta in brine, such as MtVikos or Dodoni. These brands are commonly used in Greece, and the brine will help keep the cheese moist and flavourful. If you cannot find these, Israeli or Bulgarian feta are suitable substitutes. It is best to avoid fat-free feta, as it tends to be dry and tasteless.
For a truly authentic Greek pizza, choose a feta made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep and goat's milk. This will provide the characteristic tangy flavour that is beloved in Greek cuisine.
When preparing your pizza, it is important to note that feta does not melt like other cheeses. This means you should crumble or slice the feta before adding it to your pizza. You can add the feta at the beginning of the baking process or sprinkle it on top of your pizza after it comes out of the oven to retain its texture and flavour.
Lastly, consider pairing feta with other cheeses to create a creamier, meltier texture. Mozzarella, burrata, or kasseri cheese (or provolone) are all excellent choices that will complement the tangy feta perfectly.
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Preparing the pizza dough
To make this dough, you will need the following ingredients: all-purpose flour, instant yeast, salt, water, and olive oil. Combine these ingredients in a large bowl, adjusting the quantities as needed to achieve the desired consistency. This dough recipe is a great option if you're short on time or simply prefer a more straightforward approach, as it eliminates the need for kneading.
Once you've mixed the ingredients, let the dough rest. If you're using store-bought dough, it's important to let it come to room temperature before proceeding. This step is crucial, as cold dough can be challenging to roll and stretch. By bringing it to room temperature, you allow the dough to soften and become more pliable, making it easier to work with. Additionally, allowing the dough to come to room temperature encourages it to expand, which is beneficial for creating a light and airy crust.
After the dough has reached room temperature, it's time to shape it. Place the dough on a piece of parchment paper and use your hands or a rolling pin to gently stretch it into your desired shape, whether it's a circle or a rectangle. Don't be afraid to use your fingertips to create a slightly raised edge or crust, as this will help contain all the delicious toppings you'll be adding later. Once you're happy with the shape and thickness of your dough, it's almost ready for the oven.
Before baking, it's a good idea to prepare your baking surface. Place a pizza stone or a large baking pan in the oven and preheat it to the desired temperature. If using a baking pan, you may want to spray it with non-stick spray or line it with grease-proof paper to ensure your pizza doesn't stick. Now your pizza dough is ready for the toppings!
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Baking the pizza
Once you've prepared your pizza dough and toppings, it's time to assemble and bake your pizza. Start by stretching your pizza dough and placing it on a piece of parchment paper. Drizzle olive oil over the dough to add flavour and moisture, then sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and red pepper flakes to taste. This forms the flavourful base for your pizza.
Next, add your toppings. For a Greek pizza, you might start with a layer of shredded mozzarella, followed by roasted vegetables, such as red peppers, artichokes, and onions. You can also add sliced tomatoes or a tomato sauce made with garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Scatter feta cheese over the other toppings; feta doesn't melt, so it's best to use it in combination with a melting cheese like mozzarella. Finish with pitted olives and a sprinkle of dried oregano, thyme leaves, and chilli flakes.
Transfer the pizza with the parchment paper to a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 3 minutes, then remove the parchment paper to allow the crust to crisp up. Bake for a further 12 to 25 minutes, depending on your oven and the thickness of your crust, until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy the combination of melted mozzarella and tangy feta, along with the Mediterranean flavours of your Greek pizza!
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Frequently asked questions
It's always best to get a block of feta in brine. You can also use feta and mix it with mozzarella cheese for a creamier, melty result.
Feta cheese is usually added towards the end of the baking process. If you are baking your pizza for 20-25 minutes, you should add the feta cheese 3-5 minutes before taking it out of the oven.
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in Greek-style pizzas, which often include roasted vegetables such as red onions, tomatoes, red peppers, and olives. Feta cheese is also commonly paired with other cheeses such as mozzarella and Parmesan.
Feta cheese pizzas typically use a thin, crispy crust made with a simple dough recipe that includes flour, instant yeast, salt, water, and olive oil. You can also use store-bought pizza dough or a pre-made base.
The amount of feta cheese you use will depend on your personal preference. You can use feta cheese as the main topping or add it as a complementary ingredient. If you want a stronger feta flavor, you can use a mature feta, which will give your pizza a bolder and saltier taste.
