
Feta cheese crumbles are small, irregularly shaped pieces of feta cheese, a popular dairy product originating from Greece. They are a versatile ingredient, used in salads, pastas, omelettes, dips, and baked goods. Feta cheese is also known for its intense flavour, so a little goes a long way. Interestingly, feta cheese does not melt due to its high water and acid content. However, when heated, feta cheese softens and forms a dense mass of soft, buttery fluff.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Melting | Feta cheese crumbles do not melt |
| Reason | High water and acid content |
| Taste | Tangy, salty, sharp |
| Texture | Soft, crumbly |
| Colour | Off-white |
| Storage | Refrigerate; for longer storage, freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags |
| Shelf life | 2-3 weeks past the 'sell by' date if unopened; 1 week if opened; up to 6 months if frozen |
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What You'll Learn

Feta cheese crumbles are best for cold recipes
Feta cheese crumbles are small, irregularly shaped pieces of feta cheese, a popular dairy product originating from Greece. They are made from sheep's milk or a blend of sheep's and goat's milk and are brined to impart a distinct tangy flavour and crumbly texture.
Feta cheese is a non-melting cheese due to its high water and acid content. When heated, feta cheese simply gets soft and forms one dense mass of soft, buttery fluff. This makes feta cheese crumbles ideal for cold recipes such as salads, dips, omelettes, or as a topping for pizzas or Greek dishes. The crumbles are perfect for adding a sharp, salty taste to various dishes, as the form ensures even distribution of the cheese.
Feta cheese crumbles can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. They can also be stored in a brine solution (heavy saltwater) to maintain their texture and extend their shelf life. Unopened feta cheese crumbles can be kept in the fridge for about 2-3 weeks past the 'sell-by' date, while opened packages should be consumed within 1 week. If frozen, the cheese crumbles can last for up to 6 months.
When using feta cheese crumbles in recipes, it is important to use them sparingly as a little feta goes a long way due to its intense flavour. Feta cheese crumbles can be sprinkled on omelettes or scrambled eggs just before serving, or mixed into veggie dips for an exciting twist. They can also be used as a flavourful pizza topping alongside traditional mozzarella.
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They are a versatile ingredient
Feta cheese crumbles are small, irregularly shaped pieces of feta cheese, a popular dairy product originating from Greece. They are a versatile ingredient and can be used in numerous culinary applications. Feta cheese is made from sheep's milk or a blend of sheep's and goat's milk, and is brined to impart a distinct tangy flavor and crumbly texture.
Feta cheese crumbles are perfect for adding a sharp, salty taste to various dishes, and their convenient form ensures even distribution of the cheese. They are particularly popular in Mediterranean cuisine, where they complement fresh ingredients like tomatoes, olives, and cucumbers for a refreshing and zesty bite.
Feta cheese crumbles can be used in a variety of dishes, including:
- Salads: Feta cheese crumbles can be sprinkled on top of salads to add a salty, tangy flavor.
- Pastas: While feta cheese crumbles may not melt into a creamy sauce, they can still be used in pastas to add flavor and texture.
- Baked goods: Feta cheese crumbles can be baked into a variety of dishes, such as the viral baked feta pasta, or used as a topping for baked goods.
- Omelets or scrambled eggs: Feta cheese crumbles can be added to omelets or scrambled eggs just before serving to add a burst of flavor.
- Dips: Feta cheese crumbles can be mixed into veggie dips to add an exciting twist.
- Pizza toppings: Feta cheese crumbles can be used as a flavorful pizza topping, either on their own or in addition to traditional mozzarella.
Feta cheese crumbles are a versatile and convenient ingredient that can enhance the flavor and texture of many dishes. They are a great way to add a sharp, salty, and tangy taste to both cold and hot recipes.
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Feta cheese is full of water and acid
Feta cheese is a popular dairy product originating from Greece. It is made from sheep's milk or a blend of sheep's and goat's milk and is brined to give it a distinct tangy flavor and crumbly texture. Feta cheese is commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine, where it complements fresh ingredients like tomatoes, olives, and cucumbers.
While feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can enhance the flavor of various dishes, it is known for its inability to melt. This unique characteristic is due to its high content of water and acid. In fact, for every 150 grams of feta cheese, 83 grams is water. When heated, feta cheese simply becomes soft and forms a dense mass of buttery fluff.
The high water content in feta cheese also makes it unsuitable for dishes that require melted cheese, such as pizza or pasta. However, this same quality makes it ideal for fried, baked, or grilled cheese balls, as it helps maintain its shape and viscosity. Feta cheese is also commonly used in cold recipes, such as salads, where its crumbly texture and salty flavor add a unique taste and texture.
To store feta cheese crumbles, it is recommended to keep them in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. They can also be stored in a brine solution (heavy salt water) in the refrigerator to maintain their texture and extend their shelf life. Unopened feta cheese crumbles can be refrigerated for 2-3 weeks past the 'sell by' date, while opened packages should be consumed within a week.
While feta cheese may not melt like other cheeses, it is still a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Its high water and acid content give it a distinct texture and flavor that make it a popular choice in cuisines around the world.
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It's easy to store feta cheese crumbles
Feta cheese crumbles are a popular dairy product originating from Greece. They are made from sheep's milk or a blend of sheep's and goat's milk, and they have a distinct tangy flavor and crumbly texture. Storing feta cheese crumbles is easy and can be done in a few simple ways to extend their shelf life. Firstly, always store your feta cheese crumbles in the refrigerator. Even a few hours at room temperature can shorten their lifespan. For longer storage, you can freeze your feta cheese crumbles. Make sure to put them in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. Feta cheese crumbles can also be stored in a brine solution (heavy saltwater) in the refrigerator to maintain their texture and extend their shelf life. If you choose to store your feta cheese crumbles in brine, remember to change the brine solution if it becomes cloudy. It is important to note that freezing and thawing feta cheese multiple times should be avoided, as this affects the cheese's texture and flavor. Therefore, it is recommended to prepare smaller portions if you plan to freeze your feta cheese crumbles.
Unopened feta cheese crumbles can be stored in the refrigerator for about 2-3 weeks past the 'sell-by' date printed on the package. Once the package is opened, it is recommended to consume the cheese crumbles within one week. If stored in the freezer, feta cheese crumbles can last for up to 6 months. To check if your feta cheese crumbles have gone bad, look for noticeable changes in color. The cheese should be a solid off-white color.
By following these simple storage guidelines, you can easily extend the shelf life of your feta cheese crumbles and enjoy their tangy, salty flavor and crumbly texture in various dishes such as salads, pastas, baked goods, and Mediterranean cuisine.
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Heating feta cheese creates a dense mass
Feta cheese is a popular dairy product originating from Greece. It is made from sheep's milk or a blend of sheep's and goat's milk and is brined to impart a distinct tangy flavor and crumbly texture. Feta cheese is commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine, where it complements fresh ingredients like tomatoes, olives, and cucumbers.
While feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can enhance the flavor of various dishes, it is important to note that it does not melt in the same way as other cheeses. When heated, feta cheese crumbles do not transform into a stringy, flowy liquid like melting cheeses such as mozzarella or cheddar. Instead, they form a dense mass with a soft, buttery texture. This unique characteristic of feta cheese is due to its high water and acid content.
When baking or frying feta cheese, it can develop a nutty browning on the outside, enhancing its tangy, briny taste. However, it is crucial to use authentic feta cheese, preferably made with at least 70% sheep milk, to avoid a grainy texture in dishes like baked feta pasta.
Despite its non-melting property, feta cheese is still an excellent choice for fried, baked, or grilled cheese balls, cheese-stuffed chicken, or as a sprinkling on salads and Greek dishes. Its ability to maintain its shape and viscosity prevents a sticky, burnt mess during cooking. Additionally, feta cheese crumbles can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer to extend their shelf life, ensuring they remain a flavorful addition to various culinary creations.
In conclusion, heating feta cheese creates a dense mass due to its high water and acid content. This unique characteristic sets it apart from melting cheeses and makes it a versatile ingredient in a range of dishes, from salads to baked treats. With its distinct flavor and texture, feta cheese continues to be a beloved component of culinary explorations worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions
No, feta cheese crumbles will not melt. Feta cheese has a very high water and acid content, which is why it does not melt.
Always store your feta cheese crumbles in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze your feta cheese crumbles in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
Feta cheese crumbles are a versatile ingredient that can be used in salads, pastas, omelettes, scrambled eggs, veggie dips, pizzas, and baked goods.
Although feta cheese crumbles will not completely melt, you can make them seem like they are melting by heating them in a microwave or oven.

























