Best 2 Marinated Feta With Herbs And Peppercorns Recipes

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Embark on a delightful culinary journey with our marinated feta cheese, an explosion of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This delectable appetizer, steeped in a symphony of herbs and peppercorns, offers a perfect balance of tangy, salty, and aromatic notes.

Prepare to be enchanted by our three enticing recipes that showcase the versatility of marinated feta. In the first recipe, we present a classic combination of feta, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, tossed in a refreshing vinaigrette dressing.

Our second recipe takes a more Mediterranean twist, featuring marinated feta paired with grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, drizzled with a zesty lemon-herb dressing.

Finally, our third recipe offers a unique and indulgent experience, combining marinated feta with creamy avocado, roasted pine nuts, and a drizzle of sweet honey.

Whether you're hosting a party or simply seeking a delightful snack, these marinated feta recipes are sure to impress. Their vibrant colors and captivating aromas will add a touch of elegance to any occasion.

Let's cook with our recipes!

MARINATED FETA THREE WAYS



Marinated Feta Three Ways image

With just a few ingredients and some hands-off time, feta cheese can be transformed into a delicious appetizer to serve with crostini or as an accompaniment to grilled vegetables and meat. We came up with a trio of super versatile flavor combinations that are all made following the same method. By marinating the feta in glass jars, you'll be able to see the colors of the aromatics, for a beautiful and delicious gift too.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     appetizer

Time 13h

Yield 2 servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

1 cup good-quality extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 sprigs fresh oregano
1 sprig fresh rosemary
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 strips lemon zest (about 3 inches long; see Cook's Note)
1 bay leaf
8 ounces feta, drained well from brine and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 cup good-quality extra-virgin olive oil
4 whole chipotle chiles in adobo
3 cloves garlic, smashed
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
8 ounces feta, drained well from brine and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 cup good-quality extra-virgin olive oil
3 canned whole artichoke hearts, drained and halved
4 sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, roughly chopped
3 cloves garlic, smashed
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
3 strips lemon zest (about 3 inches long; see Cook's Note)
8 ounces feta, drained well from brine and cut into 1/2-inch pieces

Steps:

  • For each of the above combinations, place all ingredients except for the feta in a small saucepan and gently heat over medium low just until tiny bubbles begin to form, 4 to 6 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool completely, about 1 hour.
  • Once the infused olive oil is cool, transfer half of the aromatics from the saucepan to a 16-ounce Mason jar followed by half of the feta. Repeat layering and then carefully pour the infused olive oil into the jar. Gently press the feta down if needed to ensure it is fully submerged and seal the jar with its lid (see Cook's Note). Place the jar in the refrigerator and allow the feta to marinate for at least 12 hours and up to 5 days.
  • Remove the jar from refrigerator at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the solidified olive oil to liquify.

LEMON-HERB MARINATED FETA



Lemon-Herb Marinated Feta image

Briny feta, tart lemon, bright herbs and hot pepper come together in perfect harmony here. Spoon this appetizer onto a round of buttery, toasted French bread for a perfectly balanced bite that you'll want to keep eating all night. That's right, this easy and elegant recipe is perfect for a party. It's low-effort, tastes great and is sure to impress, despite the fact that its ingredient list is short and mostly utilizes bits and bobs of ingredients you might already have on hand. Feta might be the exception to that rule, but that's exactly what we were going for when we developed this recipe: a way to showcase the divine flavor of this special cheese. So mix this up in advance of your next party, and watch your guests go gaga over this marinated app-there's no need to reveal how easy it was to make.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Appetizer

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 fresh thyme sprigs
2 fresh oregano sprigs
3 strips (3x1-inch each) lemon peel
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
8 oz feta cheese, cut in 1/2-inch cubes
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 can (11 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Original French Bread
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Steps:

  • In pint-sized glass jar, arrange herbs, lemon, peppercorns and pepper flakes. Top with cheese. Pour olive oil over cheese mixture; cover and refrigerate 3 days. Serve with toasts. Any leftover cheese mixture can be covered and refrigerated up to 4 days longer.
  • At least 1 1/2 hours before serving, make the toasts. Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 15x10x1-inch pan with cooking spray. Bake French bread 24 to 26 minutes or until browned. Cool completely, at least 30 minutes. Cut into 1/2-inch slices. Brush slices on both sides with melted butter. Return to pan; bake 10 to 15 minutes, turning once, until light golden brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 220, Carbohydrate 10 g, Cholesterol 15 mg, Fat 3, Fiber 0 g, Protein 3 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, ServingSize About 2 Tablespoons Cheese Mixture and 1 to 2 Toasts, Sodium 230 mg, Sugar 1 g, TransFat 0 g

Tips:

  • Choose the Right Feta: Opt for a high-quality feta cheese made from sheep's milk or a blend of sheep's and goat's milk. Look for a firm, crumbly texture and a slightly tangy flavor.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, rosemary, and basil add a burst of flavor and aroma to the marinade. If using dried herbs, reduce the quantity by half.
  • Experiment with Different Peppers: Feel free to adjust the type and quantity of peppercorns based on your preferred level of spiciness. Black peppercorns offer a classic flavor, while pink peppercorns add a mild sweetness.
  • Don't Over-Marinate: While marinating the feta enhances its flavor, avoid leaving it for too long as it can become overly salty and lose its texture. 24 hours is generally sufficient for the marinade to penetrate the cheese.
  • Store Properly: Once marinated, keep the feta in an airtight container submerged in the marinade. This will help preserve its flavor and texture for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Conclusion:

Marinated feta with herbs and peppercorns is a versatile and flavorful addition to various dishes. Its tangy, savory taste complements salads, sandwiches, pizzas, pasta, and grilled vegetables. Whether you're hosting a party or simply looking for a delicious appetizer, this marinated feta is sure to impress. Experiment with different herbs and peppers to create your own unique flavor combinations and enjoy this culinary delight in all its forms.

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