Marinated Feta
This crowd pleasing marinated feta is a perfect appetizer and it takes only 5 minutes to prepare. Creamy feta cheese with fresh herbs, peppers, lemon and extra virgin olive oil combine to make these mouth watering little bites. The longer they sit the better they get, so make them a day ahead for the perfect bite. This little bite is perfect to elevate a charcuterie board or antipasto platter. The briny feta soaks up the herbs and seasonings for that perfect bite. I like to make this with oregano, lemon, red pepper flakes and lemon, but you can pretty much add any flavors you like. Garlic, peppercorns, rosemary, basil…the list goes on.
I always have a block of feta cheese in brine in my fridge. It’s perfect for throwing together a greek salad (which I love) or to use in other Greek recipes like spinach frittata, baked feta skewers or Spanakopita.
The creamy feta cheese is perfect as a stand alone appetizer along side some crackers, crostini or pita chips. It is so simple to make yet so delicious you will find yourself craving it over and over.
The recipe starts with a block of creamy feta cheese in brine. Choose a high quality goat feta for the best result. Add to the feta cubes some good quality extra virgin olive oil, thinly sliced jalapeno peppers (if you want a little heat), lemon zest and juice and fresh herbs. I do not add salt in the recipe as the feta is already salty from the brine, but plenty of freshly ground black pepper and some red pepper flakes finish the feta nicely.
Fill a jar with this little appetizer and keep it in your fridge. You will find yourself reaching in for more than you think!
If you’re looking for some other easy appetizers then try my Queso (Mexican cheese dip with Velveeta) for a Mexican flare or my Potato Skins for a crowd pleasing potato appetizer.
Marinated Feta
Equipment
- 1 large mason jar or container (2 cup volume minimum)
Ingredients
- 16 oz feta cheese in brine *do not use dry feta
- 1 cup extra virgin Olive Oil Add more if necessary to cover the feta in the jar.
- 2 med jalapeno or serrano pepper thinly sliced
- 2 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 tsp dried chili flakes (Optional)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- 1 Tbsp fresh parsley
- 1 med lemon (zest and juice)
- freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cut the feta cheese into cubes about 1/2" square and set aside
- In a medium bowl combine all of the ingredients then add the feta cheese and toss to coat. Transfer to a jar or airtight container and place in the refrigerator
- For the best results let marinate for 24 hours, but can be used right away. The flavor will get better the longer it marinates.
- Bring to room temperature before serving. Serve with toasts or pita chips
Notes
What you need to make marinated feta:
- Feta Cheese: Use a good quality goat or sheep milk based feta in brine is the best for this recipe. Do not use the pre-crumbled type of feta for this recipe.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: I like to add some heat, but you can omit these if you are not a fan of a bit of spice.
- Oregano: A must for a truly Greek flavor, use dried or fresh.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon zest and a bit of juice help cut through the rich Olive oil and add flavor that is perfect for feta. You can adjust the amount of lemon juice to taste, start with the juice of half a lemon and add more if desired.
- Jalapeno Pepper: Thinly sliced jalapeno peppers go perfectly (you can also use serrano), but if you don’t like a bit of heat, omit them. I find that they don’t add too much heat if they are sliced super thin, just a bit of flavor.
- Olive Oil: use a good quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil for a light, flavorful taste.
- Thyme and Parsley: Fresh is best, but use what you have or omit if you want.
- Black Pepper: to taste, do not add salt to this recipe as the Feta is already salty.
This marinated feta is so easy and you can change up the flavor by changing the spices and herbs to what you have on hand or perfer to use. I recommend trying the original recipe and then try and few variations over time. You will be making this over and over, so get adventurous.