Feta cheese. That salty, tangy, and oh-so-versatile ingredient. Whether you accidentally bought a giant block, found a stellar deal, or simply overestimated your feta needs, you might find yourself asking: “What can I do with all this feta cheese?” Fear not, cheese lover! This article is your comprehensive guide to transforming a feta surplus into a delicious culinary adventure.
Understanding Feta: More Than Just a Crumbly Cheese
Before we dive into recipes, let’s quickly understand feta. Feta is a brined curd cheese traditionally made in Greece from sheep’s milk or a mixture of sheep and goat’s milk. Its Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status means that only cheese made in a specific way in certain regions of Greece can be called “feta.” While imitations exist worldwide, authentic feta boasts a distinctive flavor and texture.
The Flavor Profile
The flavor of feta is primarily salty and tangy, with a slight sharpness that adds complexity. Its texture ranges from firm and crumbly to creamy, depending on the type and age. This unique combination makes it an ideal ingredient for both sweet and savory dishes, capable of adding a burst of flavor to almost anything.
Storage Tips for Feta Freshness
To maximize the lifespan of your feta, proper storage is crucial. The best way to store feta is submerged in its brine in the refrigerator. If your feta didn’t come with enough brine, you can make your own by dissolving sea salt in water. Storing it this way helps retain its moisture and prevent it from drying out and becoming overly salty. Always keep feta refrigerated.
Savory Feta Delights: From Appetizers to Main Courses
Feta’s salty, tangy profile makes it a natural fit for a wide array of savory dishes. Let’s explore some exciting ways to incorporate your feta stash into delicious appetizers, salads, main courses, and more.
Appetizers That Impress
Feta shines in appetizers, offering a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Feta Bruschetta: Top toasted baguette slices with whipped feta, roasted red peppers, olives, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The combination of textures and flavors is irresistible.
- Spanakopita Triangles: While traditionally made with other cheeses, adding crumbled feta to the spinach and phyllo dough filling elevates this classic Greek pastry to new heights.
- Feta and Watermelon Skewers: A simple yet elegant appetizer, combining the sweetness of watermelon with the saltiness of feta and the freshness of mint. Drizzle with a balsamic reduction for extra flavor.
Salads Elevated with Feta
Feta transforms ordinary salads into vibrant and flavorful creations.
- Classic Greek Salad (Horiatiki): The quintessential feta salad, featuring tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and a generous slab of feta, dressed with olive oil and oregano.
- Roasted Beet and Feta Salad: The earthy sweetness of roasted beets pairs beautifully with the salty tang of feta. Add walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Spinach and Strawberry Salad with Feta: A refreshing combination of sweet and savory, with baby spinach, strawberries, crumbled feta, and a light vinaigrette. This is a perfect summer salad.
Main Courses That Feature Feta
Feta isn’t just for sides; it can be the star of the main course!
- Feta Pasta (TikTok Pasta): The viral sensation that took the internet by storm. Roast a block of feta with cherry tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, then mix with cooked pasta. It’s incredibly easy and delicious.
- Feta-Stuffed Chicken Breast: Create a pocket in chicken breasts and fill them with a mixture of feta, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs. Bake until cooked through.
- Lamb and Feta Burgers: Combine ground lamb with crumbled feta, garlic, oregano, and other spices. Grill or pan-fry into juicy, flavorful burgers. Top with tzatziki sauce.
Breakfast and Brunch with a Feta Twist
Start your day with a dose of feta!
- Feta and Spinach Omelette: A simple yet satisfying breakfast, packed with protein and flavor.
- Shakshuka with Feta: This Middle Eastern and North African dish features eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce. Crumbled feta adds a salty and creamy element.
- Feta and Avocado Toast: Elevate your avocado toast by adding crumbled feta and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Baking with Feta: A Surprising Culinary Frontier
Feta isn’t just for topping and crumbling; it can also be incorporated into baked goods, adding a unique flavor and texture.
Savory Breads and Pastries
Feta adds a delicious twist to bread and pastry recipes.
- Feta and Olive Bread: Incorporate crumbled feta and chopped olives into your favorite bread recipe for a savory and flavorful loaf.
- Feta and Herb Scones: A savory alternative to traditional scones, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
- Feta and Tomato Tart: A flaky pastry crust filled with tomatoes, feta, and herbs. A perfect light lunch or appetizer.
Feta in Sweet Treats: Unexpected Delight
Believe it or not, feta can even work in sweet dishes!
- Honey and Feta Cheesecake: The saltiness of the feta balances the sweetness of the honey, creating a surprisingly delightful cheesecake.
- Feta and Fig Jam Crostata: A rustic tart filled with fig jam and crumbled feta. The combination of sweet and salty is incredibly addictive.
Tips and Tricks for Cooking with Feta
- Choose the right feta: Different types of feta have different textures and flavor profiles. For crumbling, a drier feta is best. For melting, a creamier feta is preferred.
- Don’t over-salt: Feta is already salty, so be mindful of adding extra salt to your dishes.
- Crumble or cube: Depending on the recipe, you may need to crumble or cube the feta.
- Pair with contrasting flavors: Feta pairs well with sweet, acidic, and spicy flavors.
- Experiment! Don’t be afraid to get creative and try new things with feta.
Creative Uses for Feta Beyond Recipes
Beyond traditional recipes, feta can be used in some unconventional and creative ways.
Feta as a Garnish
A simple sprinkle of crumbled feta can elevate almost any dish.
- Soups: Top creamy soups like tomato or butternut squash soup with a dollop of feta for added flavor and texture.
- Roasted Vegetables: Sprinkle feta over roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts.
- Grilled Meats: Add a sprinkle of feta to grilled chicken, steak, or lamb for a salty and tangy finish.
Feta in Dips and Spreads
Feta can be blended into dips and spreads for a creamy and flavorful addition to any gathering.
- Whipped Feta Dip: Blend feta with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for a light and airy dip. Serve with pita bread, vegetables, or crackers.
- Feta and Roasted Red Pepper Dip: A vibrant and flavorful dip made with feta, roasted red peppers, garlic, and spices.
- Feta and Artichoke Dip: A creamy and decadent dip made with feta, artichoke hearts, mayonnaise, and parmesan cheese.
Pairing Feta with Other Ingredients
Feta’s versatility allows it to pair well with a wide range of ingredients. Here are some of the best flavor combinations:
| Ingredient | Why it Works with Feta |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | The acidity of tomatoes balances the saltiness of feta. |
| Olives | Both are staples of Mediterranean cuisine and complement each other’s salty flavor. |
| Cucumbers | The coolness of cucumbers contrasts with the sharpness of feta. |
| Watermelon | A surprising but delightful combination of sweet and salty. |
| Spinach | A classic pairing in both savory and sweet dishes. |
| Honey | The sweetness of honey balances the saltiness of feta. |
| Lemon | The acidity of lemon brightens the flavor of feta. |
Conclusion: Embrace the Feta Abundance
So, the next time you find yourself with an abundance of feta cheese, don’t panic! Embrace the challenge and explore the endless culinary possibilities. From appetizers and salads to main courses and even desserts, feta can add a unique and delicious touch to almost any dish. Get creative, experiment with flavors, and enjoy the salty, tangy goodness of feta! Enjoy exploring these ideas and hopefully you will never ask “What can I do with a lot of Feta Cheese?” ever again.
What are some simple appetizers I can make using a lot of feta cheese?
Feta cheese is incredibly versatile for appetizers. Consider a whipped feta dip served with pita bread, crudités, or crackers. Simply blend feta with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs like dill or mint until smooth. Alternatively, create small skewers with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and cubes of feta, drizzled with a balsamic glaze for a Mediterranean-inspired bite.
For a slightly more involved appetizer, bake feta with roasted peppers and herbs. The heat softens the cheese and infuses it with the flavors of the vegetables. Spread this mixture on toasted baguette slices for a delicious and shareable treat. You could also create a stuffed mini bell pepper appetizer by mixing feta with cooked quinoa or rice, herbs, and spices before stuffing into the halved peppers and baking.
Can I use feta cheese in main course dishes?
Absolutely! Feta cheese adds a salty and tangy flavor to many main courses. Try crumbling it over a Greek salad with grilled chicken or lamb. It also works well in baked dishes like spanakopita (Greek spinach pie) or in pasta dishes like a feta and tomato pasta bake.
Another excellent option is to incorporate feta into homemade burgers or meatballs for a boost of flavor and moisture. You can also make a delicious baked feta pasta dish by baking a block of feta in the oven with cherry tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, then tossing it all with cooked pasta. For a vegetarian option, stuff portobello mushrooms with feta, vegetables, and herbs before baking.
How can I incorporate feta cheese into breakfast or brunch recipes?
Feta is a fantastic addition to breakfast and brunch. Scramble it with eggs and spinach for a Mediterranean-inspired breakfast. You can also use it in omelets with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Consider adding crumbled feta to your favorite quiche or frittata recipe. It pairs well with vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, and sun-dried tomatoes. Alternatively, top avocado toast with feta, red pepper flakes, and a drizzle of olive oil for a quick and easy breakfast. Feta also adds a surprising burst of flavor to sweet potato hash.
What are some creative ways to use feta cheese in salads beyond the traditional Greek salad?
While feta is a staple in Greek salad, it can enhance many other salads. Try crumbling it over a watermelon and mint salad for a refreshing combination of sweet and savory flavors. It also pairs well with roasted beets and walnuts in a spinach salad.
For a heartier salad, combine feta with grilled corn, black beans, avocado, and a lime vinaigrette. The salty feta complements the sweetness of the corn and the creaminess of the avocado. You can even use it in a farro salad with roasted vegetables and a lemon-herb dressing, adding a tangy counterpoint to the earthy grains and vegetables.
Can I freeze feta cheese to prolong its shelf life?
While freezing feta cheese is possible, it’s important to be aware of the texture change. Freezing alters the consistency, making it more crumbly and less smooth. It’s best to freeze feta in brine to help retain some moisture.
Therefore, frozen feta is best suited for cooked dishes where the change in texture is less noticeable. Avoid using previously frozen feta in salads where you want a smooth and creamy texture. Instead, use it in baked dishes like spanakopita, pasta bakes, or quiches where the crumbling texture will not detract from the overall dish.
What herbs and spices pair well with feta cheese?
Feta cheese has a naturally salty and tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with a variety of herbs and spices. Mediterranean herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary are classic pairings. Fresh herbs like mint, dill, and parsley also complement the cheese well.
For spices, consider red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, black pepper for a subtle sharpness, or sumac for a tangy, lemony flavor. Garlic and onion powder also enhance the flavor of feta. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite pairings, keeping in mind the overall flavor profile you are aiming for in your dish.
Are there any vegetarian recipes that heavily feature feta cheese?
Feta cheese is a star ingredient in many vegetarian dishes. Spanakopita, a Greek spinach pie, is a classic example of a vegetarian dish where feta plays a central role. You can also create a delicious vegetable and feta galette, wrapping a savory filling of roasted vegetables and feta in a flaky pastry crust.
Another great vegetarian option is a baked feta pasta dish, where a block of feta is baked with cherry tomatoes and herbs, then tossed with cooked pasta. Stuffed bell peppers with feta, quinoa, and vegetables are also a hearty and flavorful vegetarian meal. Feta also enhances simple vegetarian salads and wraps, adding a salty and tangy element to the dish.