How to Make the Best Marinated Feta Cheese Cubes Recipe
Introduction
Marinated feta cheese cubes are a delightful addition to any kitchen repertoire. This simple yet elegant recipe transforms ordinary feta into a flavorful treat, perfect for elevating appetizers, salads, or mezze platters.
The combination of herbs, garlic, citrus, and high-quality olive oil infuses the cheese with depth and complexity, making each bite a savory indulgence.
Ingredients
250 grams of firm feta cheese (preferably in block form)
½ cup extra virgin olive oil (plus more if needed)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 small sprig fresh rosemary (optional)
½ teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
Zest of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)
A few strips of roasted red pepper or sun-dried tomato (optional, for color and depth)
Sterilized glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
Instructions
Begin by carefully cutting the block of feta cheese into evenly sized cubes. Try to keep them around one inch in size to ensure they hold together well during marination.
Use a sharp knife to avoid crumbling the cheese, especially if it’s a softer variety.
Prepare your chosen herbs by rinsing and drying them if they’re fresh. If you prefer dried herbs, ensure they’re aromatic and not stale.
Slice the garlic cloves thinly and zest a lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith. These ingredients are crucial to infusing the feta with complex, robust flavor.
Choose a clean, sterilized glass jar to prevent contamination and prolong shelf life. Place a layer of feta cubes at the bottom of the jar.
then sprinkle with herbs, garlic, lemon zest, and a few peppercorns. Repeat the layering process until all the feta is used.
Pour extra virgin olive oil over the layers slowly, allowing it to fill in gaps and completely submerge the cheese.
This ensures that the feta is well preserved and can soak in the aromatic flavors. The oil acts as a barrier against air and keeps the feta fresh.
Seal the jar tightly and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the feta to marinate for at least 24 hours before using.
The longer it sits, the more flavorful it becomes. Shake the jar gently from time to time to distribute the herbs and spices evenly.
Check the jar occasionally to make sure the cheese stays submerged in oil. If needed, top it off with a little more olive oil.
This step is crucial for both food safety and flavor infusion. Always use a clean utensil when scooping out the cheese.
Once marinated, serve the feta as an appetizer with crusty bread, olives, or roasted vegetables. It also pairs beautifully with grilled meats, tossed in salads, or stirred into pasta for a quick, satisfying meal.
How to Make
Start by selecting a good-quality feta cheese. Greek or French varieties in brine work best due to their firmness and rich flavor.
Avoid pre-crumbled feta as it tends to be dry and less flavorful for marinating.
Once you have the feta, remove it from its brine and pat it dry with paper towels.
Excess moisture can interfere with the oil and marination process, so it’s important to get the surface as dry as possible without damaging the cheese.
Slice the feta into uniform cubes. Uniformity ensures that each piece marinates evenly and absorbs a similar amount of flavor.
Work carefully to maintain the shape, especially if your feta is more crumbly than firm.
Prepare your flavor base by slicing garlic, zesting lemon, and measuring out your spices and herbs. Fresh herbs give a brighter flavor.
while dried ones offer a more concentrated punch. You can mix and match depending on your taste.
In a sterilized jar, begin layering. Add a few cubes of feta, sprinkle with your garlic, herbs, lemon zest, and spices.
Continue layering in this way until the jar is nearly full, leaving some space at the top for the oil.
Slowly pour extra virgin olive oil over the contents of the jar. Pouring slowly helps the oil seep into all the crevices and coat each cube thoroughly. Make sure the cheese is completely submerged in oil to avoid spoilage.
Seal the jar and refrigerate it. Allow the feta to sit for at least one day, but several days will yield even more flavorful results. Stir or gently shake the jar every day or two to redistribute the herbs and spices.
Variations
For a spicy twist, add crushed red pepper flakes or a whole dried chili to the mix. This gives the feta a gentle heat that complements the creamy, tangy cheese beautifully. Adjust the amount to suit your heat tolerance.
Infuse a Mediterranean flair by including sun-dried tomatoes and Kalamata olives in your jar. These ingredients add a rich umami punch and make the marinated feta ideal for antipasto platters or pasta salads.
Create a citrus-herb version by adding thin slices of orange or grapefruit along with lemon. These bright citrus notes pair well with herbs like mint and basil, giving the cheese a zesty and refreshing profile.
For an earthy flavor, try adding whole spices like coriander seeds, fennel seeds, or a cinnamon stick. These spices impart a subtle warmth and complexity, making the feta even more intriguing.
Add roasted bell peppers or charred green chilies for a smoky undertone. These ingredients deepen the flavor and work well with both soft and firm feta varieties.
Use a mix of oils such as half olive oil and half avocado oil for a lighter taste and smoother texture. This is especially helpful if you plan to use the marinade as a dressing afterward.
Experiment with flavored vinegars by adding a splash of balsamic or white wine vinegar. The vinegar brightens the marinade and gives the feta an added tang that’s perfect for vibrant dishes.
Tips
Always use a high-quality olive oil, as it forms the base of your marinade. The better the oil, the better the flavor of the finished product. Cold-pressed and extra virgin varieties are ideal.
Sterilize your jar thoroughly before use. This helps prevent unwanted bacteria and extends the shelf life of your marinated feta. You can do this by boiling the jar in water or running it through a dishwasher on a high-heat setting.
Keep your feta submerged in oil at all times. Exposure to air can lead to spoilage or mold. If you notice the oil level dropping, top it up with more olive oil immediately.
Taste and adjust your seasoning before sealing the jar. If you like more garlic or lemon, add it. If you want a milder taste, go easy on the herbs and spices. Customizing to your palate ensures satisfaction.
Label your jar with the date it was made. While marinated feta keeps for up to two weeks in the fridge, it’s helpful to track how long it’s been stored. Discard it if it smells off or develops mold.
Use a clean spoon or fork every time you take cheese out of the jar. This maintains the purity of the oil and prevents contamination, which could spoil the entire batch.
Don’t throw away the leftover oil. It’s infused with flavor and makes an excellent dressing or dip for bread. Drizzle it over vegetables or use it in cooking for a flavorful boost.
Conclusion
Marinated feta cheese cubes offer an easy yet sophisticated way to enhance your culinary creations. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can turn ordinary feta into a jar of creamy, herbaceous, and zesty bites that impress every time.
Whether served on a cheese board, crumbled over roasted vegetables, or eaten straight from the jar, marinated feta brings a gourmet touch to any meal. It’s a delicious celebration of flavor and a testament to the magic of good ingredients paired with thoughtful preparation.