Feta Cheese
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Feta is a brined, aged, curd cheese traditionally made in Mediterranean countries. This tangy white cheese is commonly produced in blocks, it can also be found conveniently pre-crumbled. It is considered a medium-fat cheese similar to mozzarella. However, feta cheese will crumble easily, whereas mozzarella will not. Because it is a pickled cheese, feta’s flavor becomes sharper and saltier with age.
Storage Tips:
- Feta cheese should have some of the brine in the packaging to keep it moist. Properly stored, feta cheese will last up to 3 months.
- Feta dries out rapidly when removed from its brine. After opening, store feta cheese refrigerated in a brine or milk bath. The milk will reduce the saltiness and help keep the cheese moist.
Cooking Tips:
Feta is a wonderful table cheese served with olive oil and vegetables such as tomatoes, roasted peppers and olives. Because of its salty flavor and benefit of melting quickly, it is a key player in the Greek phyllo-based dishes spanakopita (“spinach pie”) and tyropita (“cheese pie”). It is also delicious crumbled over salads, paired with pasta, or as part of a grilled sandwich.
- For most recipes, feta cheese and goat’s cheese can be used interchangeably.
- Allow feta cheese to come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to fully develop its rich, tangy flavor and creamy texture.
Recipes:
- Feta-Topped Chicken
- Herbed Greek Roasted Potatoes with Feta Cheese
- Pizza with Pepper, Onion and Feta
- Tomato Feta Salad
- Turkey Salad with Cranberry Feta Cheese Dressing – A great use for Thanksgiving leftovers!
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