Marinated feta cheese is one of those simple recipes that will be the star of your charcuterie boards. Salty, crumbly cheese soaks up herbs and spices and make it perfect for pairing or spread on crostini. It also makes a wonderful homemade gift!
What Makes This Recipe Great
A lot of flavor for little effort: The feta soaks up all the flavor from the garlic and herbs, so all it really needs is a cracker or crostini. It makes it so simple to put together a charcuterie board since you don’t have to think about pairings – the flavors have already been chosen.
It’s so simple to whip up ahead of time: It only takes a few minutes to throw together, then it’s just allowing enough time for the flavors to come together. It’s so satisfying to grab it from the fridge at serving time!
It’s perfect for so many occasions: We obviously love marinated feta cheese on a charcuterie board, but it’s also great just to keep in the fridge for a quick snack. It’s also great on salads, in scrambled eggs, or on a sandwich.
It makes a great homemade gift: I was recently doing my monthly Costco run and saw a gorgeous block of feta still in its brine. I turned it into 8 jars of homemade marinated feta cheese that I dropped off to friends and family. Keep any cute jars you come across for an easy gift any time of the year!
Ingredients and Substitutions
Feta Cheese: Go for feta that’s still in the brine – this will make all the difference in the final product! The texture is typically much softer and creamier. Feta that’s made from sheep (or a blend of sheep and goat milk) tends to be milder, so use that if you prefer.
Olive Oil: With so few ingredients in this recipe, it’s important to use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Any light, fruity olive oil will work that won’t overpower the feta.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary are the best choice. Dried herbs can work if that’s what you have, but fresh is definitely better.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a lot of flavor and is worth using if you’ve got some on hand. If fresh garlic isn’t available, garlic powder will do in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.
Lemon Juice or Vinegar: A splash of acid will help balance the richness of the oil and feta. I prefer using lemon juice for a fresh, citrusy flavor while vinegar is a bit more tangy. Both are delicious so go with your favorite!
Red Pepper Flakes – A little spice will make the flavors pop! You can also add thin slices of your favorite hot pepper, although crushed red pepper flakes are easiest to just grab from your pantry.
Tips
Use a glass or ceramic container: Metal containers can react with the acidity in the marinade and alter its flavor. A glass jar or ceramic dish keeps things neutral without any weird aftertaste. I have a few pretty jars I like to use, but a mason jar will work just fine and also work really well if you’re gifting your cheese.
Cut the feta into even-sized cubes: This will make every bite taste the same and will look much prettier in a dish. Go for small-ish, bite-sized cubes that make it easy to spread and eat.
Let it marinate for at least 24 hours: The longer the feta marinates, the deeper and richer the flavor gets, so give it a full day if you can. If you’re short on time, a few hours can work, it just won’t be quite as flavorful.
Use fresh herbs when possible: Fresh herbs add a brightness that dried just can’t match. If you only have dried, just remember that a little goes a long way.
Experiment with additions: Consider throwing in whole peppercorns, sliced lemons, or even capers to the marinade for extra layers of flavor. Scroll down for more flavor variations!
Ideas for Variations
Olives: Toss in a handful of Kalamata or green olives (such as Castelvetrano) to the marinade for an extra salty, briny kick that pairs perfectly with feta.
Spice It Up: Add some whole coriander seeds or a pinch of smoked paprika – the change will be subtle but delicious!
Go Vegan: Try a plant-based vegan version if you have guests that have dietary restrictions.
Add Some Citrus Peels: Add strips of lemon or orange peel. It really brightens the flavor and it’s just gorgeous!
Serve Warm: For something a little different, gently warm your marinated feta cheese just before serving. It’s so good with a crusty bread for dipping!
Add Fresh Chiles: Slice up some fresh chili peppers for some heat. Be careful not to add too much – you’re going for a subtle spice that doesn’t overpower the other flavors.
Start With Flavored Olive Oil: Swap plain olive oil for a garlic, basil, or chili-infused oil for even more flavor.
Toss in Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Chopped sun-dried tomatoes pair really well with salty feta and will really change the flavors.
Drizzle with Honey: A light drizzle of honey over the marinated feta just before serving adds a really nice flavor contrast. You can also serve it next to a small dish of whipped honey.
Finish with Toasted Nuts: This is probably my favorite twist since it adds such a nice texture! Try toasted pine nuts, walnuts, or whatever your favorite happens to be.
Ways to Use Marinated Feta Cheese
- Crackers or Crostini: This is at the top since we’re partial to using marinated feta on our charcuterie boards. But we also love to keep a jar in the fridge for a quick cracker spread that’s perfect for an afternoon or midnight snack.
- Warm Bread: Soft, warm bread is another great choice! It can also double as a sandwich spread.
- On Salads: A fresh mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and olives with a little marinated feta makes for an incredible salad.
- Roasted Vegetables: This is seriously SO GOOD! Just roast your favorite veggies then top with a little marinated feta for an easy but impressive side dish.
- Fresh Fruit: Try serving the marinated feta alongside fresh melon or figs. The sweet fruit balances the salty feta, which is why it’s so great on a charcuterie board.
- Add it to Pasta: Stir some marinated feta into warm pasta for a super easy meal.
- Stuffed Peppers or Mushrooms: It’s a ready-made filling that’s perfect for stuffing!
- Flatbread or Pizza Topping: Crumble cubes of marinated feta over flatbreads or pizzas before baking.
- Add to Eggs: Fold marinated feta into scrambled eggs or an omelet for a delicious, simple breakfast.
Best Wine Pairings
- Sauvignon Blanc: Its bright acidity and citrus notes cut through the richness of the feta.
- Assyrtiko: This Greek white wine offers a crisp, mineral-driven profile that pairs beautifully with Mediterranean flavors and salty cheese.
- Chardonnay: An unoaked Chardonnay with its clean, fruity taste helps balance the strong flavors of marinated feta.
- Rosé: A dry rosé’s light fruitiness and subtle tannins make it a great choice.
- Pinot Grigio: Pinot Grigio’s light body and acidity is a great compliment to the salty cheese.
Freezing & Storing Leftovers
Freezing: Feta doesn’t freeze super well in its marinated form since the texture can get crumbly and dry after thawing. If you still want to freeze it, do it before marinating in an airtight container for up to 2 months, then marinate it after thawing.
Storing: Keep your marinated feta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Make sure the cheese stays submerged in the oil to keep it moist.
FAQs
Can I use pre-crumbled feta for this recipe?
Technically, you can, but pre-crumbled feta tends to break down too much in the marinade, so it’s better to use a block and cube it yourself. Plus the texture is so much better when the feta is still in its brine.
How long does marinated feta cheese last in the fridge?
For the freshest flavor and texture, use it within one week. However, it can last up to ten days if stored properly and kept submerged in the olive oil marinade.
Can I marinate other cheeses the same way?
Yes! Cheeses like halloumi, manchego, or even goat cheese can be marinated using the same ingredients. Use our list of the best cheeses for a charcuterie board for more ideas.
Is it okay to use dried herbs instead of fresh?
You can, but use about half the amount, since dried herbs are more concentrated and can overpower the feta. Definitely go with fresh herbs whenever possible.
Can I add other vegetables to the marinade?
Definitely! Adding veggies like thinly sliced onions bell peppers can add interesting textures and flavors.
Marinated feta cheese is one of those recipes that makes me wonder why I don’t make it more often – not just when I’m putting together a charcuterie board! It’s ridiculously easy but offers so much more flavor than plain feta. Especially because it’s perfect for so many things — throw it on salads, serve with bread, or just snack away. Once you try it, you’ll find a million excuses to make it again!
Love feta? Try this easy whipped feta dip, and don’t miss this Boursin dip with herbs!
Marinated Feta Cheese
Salty, creamy cheese soaks up herbs and spices and make it perfect for pairing or spread on crostini. It also makes a wonderful homemade gift!
Ingredients
- 1 8-oz block of feta cheese in brine
- 1/3 cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice or red wine vinegar
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cut the block of feta cheese into 1-inch cubes.
- Place the feta cubes in a glass or ceramic container with a lid (avoid metal containers).
- Add the sliced garlic, fresh oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them.
- Pour the olive oil and lemon juice or vinegar over the feta and herbs. Make sure the cheese is mostly covered by the oil.
- Add a few grinds of black pepper, then seal the container and give everything a gentle shake to combine all the ingredients. Be gentle so the cubes don’t break apart!
- Place the container into the fridge for at least 24 hours, giving a gentle shake halfway through.
- Allow the feta come to room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 157Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 261mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 4g
The nutrition information is HIGHLY estimated. For more accurate information, we suggest using an online nutrition calculator and entering the exact amounts you use for your particular board.
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