A fantastic choice! Marinated Feta Cheese is one of the simplest yet most impressive things you can make. It transforms a block of feta into a gourmet appetizer, salad topper, or gift. The basic principle is to submerge feta in quality olive oil and aromatics, which infuse it with incredible flavor.
Here is a classic recipe and a guide to creating your own signature blends.
Classic Mediterranean Marinated Feta
This version is a timeless combination of herbs and spices.
Prep time: 10 minutes | Infusing time: At least 24 hours | Yields: About 2 cups
Ingredients:
· The Feta:
· 1 (8 oz / 225 g) block of high-quality feta cheese, preferably in brine
· The Aromatics:
· 3-4 sprigs of fresh thyme and/or rosemary
· 1-2 small dried red chili peppers (like arbol or Calabrian)
· 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
· 1 teaspoon coriander seeds, lightly crushed
· 2-3 strips of lemon zest (use a vegetable peeler)
· 1-2 bay leaves
· 2-3 cloves of garlic, lightly smashed
· The Oil:
· About 1 to 1 ½ cups extra-virgin olive oil, enough to completely cover the feta
Instructions:
- Prepare the Feta: Drain the feta from its brine. Pat it completely dry with paper towels. You can keep it as a whole block for a dramatic presentation, or cut it into ½-inch to 1-inch cubes. Cubes will absorb the flavors more quickly.
- Sterilize the Jar: Wash a glass jar (like a 16-oz mason jar) with hot, soapy water and dry it thoroughly. This helps prevent bacterial growth.
- Layer the Ingredients: Place about half of your herbs and spices (thyme, chili, peppercorns, etc.) at the bottom of the jar. Add the block or cubes of feta. Tuck the remaining herbs and spices around the sides and on top of the feta.
- Cover with Oil: Slowly pour the olive oil into the jar, ensuring the feta is completely submerged. Leave a little space at the top. Gently tap the jar on the counter to release any air bubbles.
- Seal and Marinate: Seal the jar tightly and store it in the refrigerator.
- Let it Infuse: Let the feta marinate for at least 24 hours before using. The flavor will continue to develop and improve over a week or more.
Creative Flavor Variations:
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Mix and match these ideas:
· Greek-Inspired: Use oregano (dried or fresh), strips of orange zest, and a few Kalamata olives.
· Herbes de Provence: Use a teaspoon of herbes de Provence blend, a strip of orange zest, and a few juniper berries.
· Spicy & Smoky: Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the other spices.
· Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil: Add a few sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, patted dry) and a few fresh basil leaves.
How to Serve Marinated Feta:
This is where it shines! The feta itself is the star, but the flavored oil is liquid gold.
· Appetizer Board: Serve the marinated feta on a board with crusty bread, crackers, and cured meats. Let guests scoop up the feta and dip the bread into the infused oil.
· Salads: Crumble the feta over Greek salads, grain bowls, or roasted vegetable salads. Drizzle the oil as part of the dressing.
· Pasta: Toss hot pasta with a few spoonfuls of the marinated feta and oil. The residual heat will melt the cheese into a simple, incredible sauce.
· Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle the oil over vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or potatoes before roasting.
· Grilled Meat or Fish: Serve a cube of the feta on top of a grilled chicken breast or piece of fish. The creamy, salty cheese is a perfect contrast.
Important Tips for Safety & Success:
· Dry the Feta: Moisture is the enemy of preservation. Patting the feta dry is crucial to prevent spoilage.
· Use Enough Oil: The feta must be completely submerged in oil to create an airtight environment that prevents mold.
· Fresh Herbs vs. Dried: Fresh herbs look beautiful but can sometimes introduce moisture. Dried herbs are more stable for long-term storage. If using fresh, ensure they are completely dry.
· Storage: Always store marinated feta in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 weeks.
· Gift Idea: This makes a wonderful homemade gift. Package it in a beautiful jar with a ribbon and a tag with serving suggestions.
Enjoy your journey into the world of flavored cheeses! It’s a simple process with gourmet results.