A simple and easy recipe for marinated feta cheese. Perfect to serve as a tapas dish or a finger food appetizer, or a great way to add interest to a salad. Marinated in extra virgin olive oil, lemon, herbs, sun-dried tomatoes and garlic for an added punch of flavor. So quick and easy to make - you've got to try this!
Phew! How is it the weekend already?! I can't believe we are already halfway through March, but I'm very happy that the snow is starting to melt and we are enjoying some beautiful sunny skies! Everyone in the city has started to awake from hibernation and is venturing outside! (oh my god...as I write this the snow has started falling again....!!!)
I got inspiration for today's recipe while watching the fabulous Ina Garten on Barefoot Contessa (is it just me, or do you want to go and live with her and Jeffrey?!). She made a beautiful marinated feta cheese, so I decided to pop my on spin on it!
Ina's version was for part of a mezze platter, where olive oil was drizzled on the feta on a serving tray. Rather than a dish for consumption that night, I wanted to make a giant jar that is perfect for picking at!
What is marinated feta?
Marinating feta is a super simple way of injecting more flavor into this Greek cheese. You can often find marinated feta at deli counters, but it's so easy to make at home, and you can choose exactly the flavors you want to add in to it. It takes just 5 minutes to put together and you can make a huge batch for perfect snacking!
How to serve and use marinated feta
This marinated Greek Cheese can be served as a finger / party food, just pop some some cocktail sticks into each cube of feta and present on a serving tray. It can be served as tapas, along side other dishes, just pop it all on a plate with a few forks and let people dig in! It's also great to use in a salad - in fact, I used it in my Grilled Lemon & Herb Chicken Salad and it worked so well in that!
How to make marinated feta
Did I say it was easy to make this?! Simply layer the aromatics and feta in a sealable glass jar- for this recipe I used thyme, rosemary, chilli, garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Top up with extra virgin olive oil (make sure the oil covers the feta) add lemon juice, seal and pop in the fridge.
As is with simple recipes like this, the quality of the ingredients is super important. It's better to splurge and get some awesome feta, amazing extra virgin olive oil, and the freshest herbs you can lay your hands on.
How long does it take to marinate feta?
To allow the feta to take on all those flavors, you will want to pop it in the fridge for at least four hours to let it develop before you dive in. If you are able to leave it overnight in the refrigerator, then all the better. Plan ahead if you are making this for guests, so you give it enough time to let the flavors really come alive.
How long does marinated feta keep?
If this doesn't disappear straight away, the feta will keep in the fridge for around 3 to 4 weeks. Once all the feta has been eaten, be sure to keep the olive oil! The oil will have also been infused with all those beautiful herby flavors, so will be great for drizzling over salads and adding into dishes. The oil will last for much much longer, so don't throw it out!
Top tips to make this marinated feta recipe
- Quality of ingredients is really important for in this recipe. High quality feta and olive oil are must haves and use fresh herbs and lemon juice.
- Let the feta marinate for at least 4 hours before serving.
- Make the recipe in a sealable glass jar.
- The marinated feta will keep in the fridge for around 3-4 weeks if stored properly.
This is such a super simple recipe with a handful of ingredients, so there's no excuses not to try it! You just need a sealable glass jar and 5 minutes and you will have a tasty treat waiting for you in your fridge!
If you are a cheese lover (like me!) check out these other cheesy party appetizers!
- Crostini Canapes with Goats Cheese and Marinated Peppers
- Savoury Cheesecake with Balsamic Red Onions
- Parmesan Crisps with Goats Cheese & Asparagus
- Cheesy Bake Zucchini Fritters
I love hearing from you!! If you have tried this yummy recipe, be sure to scroll down, give it a star rating and let me know what you thought!
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Marinated Feta Cheese
Ingredients
- 10 ounces feta cheese cut into cubes (280g)
- 1 ounce sun-dried tomatoes (dry, not in oil) (30g)
- 5 sprigs thyme
- 5 sprigs rosemary
- 4 dried chilis
- 2 garlic cloves cut in half
- 2 to 2 ¼ cups extra virgin olive oil (450 - 500ml)
- juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- At the bottom of the jar, add about half of the tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, chillis and garlic cloves.
- Put half of the feta cubes on top, then add the other half of the tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, chillis and garlic cloves on top of that. Fill the rest of the jar with the feta.
- Top up the jar with the olive oil, so that the feta is covered. Squeeze in the lemon juice, seal, and put in the fridge.
- Let the feta marinade for at least 4 hours.
Notes
- Quality of ingredients is really important for in this recipe. High quality feta and olive oil are must haves and use fresh herbs and lemon juice.
- Let the feta marinate for at least 4 hours before serving.
- Make the recipe in a sealable glass jar.
- The marinated feta will keep in the fridge for around 3-4 weeks if stored properly.
Dea says
Loveee this recipe! So easy and it adds so much flavor to the feta.. and everything in the jar is useful too. I also love using the oil after everything has been infused, ty!