Herbed Feta Cheese Delights
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of marinated feta cheese, expertly infused with garlic, aromatic spices, and vibrant herbs. This delightful appetizer features creamy feta cubes seasoned with fragrant coriander seeds, zesty peppercorns, and briny capers, all elegantly layered in a fragrant olive oil medley. Adding fresh thyme and a bay leaf provides the perfect aromatic touch. Serve these herbed feta delights atop warm, crispy toast points, accompanied by fresh tomatoes to create a burst of flavor in every bite. Ideal for lunch, snacking, or impressing guests at your next gathering!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Creamy feta cheese
12 ounces (Cut into cubes)
Garlic cloves
2 (Sliced)
Peppercorns
1/2 teaspoon (Whole)
Coriander seeds
8 (Whole)
Capers
2 tablespoons (Drained)
Bay leaf
1 (Whole)
Olive oil
Sufficient to cover
Fresh thyme sprigs
To taste (Fresh)
Hot toast
As needed (For serving)
Chopped tomato
As needed (For serving)
Instructions
1
Begin by carefully cutting the creamy feta cheese into even cubes. Aim for sizes that are easy to pick up with a toothpick or fork.
2
In a food processor, combine the sliced garlic cloves, peppercorns, coriander seeds, drained capers, and bay leaf. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped, or use a mortar and pestle to crush them into a fragrant blend.
3
In a clean jar with a lid or a spacious bowl, begin layering your ingredients. Start with a layer of feta cubes at the bottom, followed by a spoonful of the garlic-spice mixture. Continue layering until all ingredients are used, finishing with a few sprigs of fresh thyme on top.
4
Pour enough olive oil over the layered ingredients to fully cover the feta cubes, ensuring they are immersed for optimal flavor absorption.
5
Seal the jar or cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Allow the feta to marinate for a minimum of 24 hours for good results, but for the best flavor, let it marinate for up to 2 weeks.
6
Once the marinating time is complete, simply remove the feta cubes from the marinade. Serve on warm toast points along with chopped fresh tomatoes for a refreshing side. Enjoy the rich, savory goodness!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Herbed Feta Cheese Delights?
Herbed Feta Cheese Delights are an exquisite appetizer featuring marinated feta cheese cubes infused with garlic, aromatic spices, and vibrant herbs in olive oil.
How should the feta cheese be prepared for this recipe?
The creamy feta cheese should be carefully cut into even cubes that are easy to pick up with a toothpick or fork.
Which spices are included in the marinade?
The marinade includes whole peppercorns, coriander seeds, and a bay leaf.
How do I process the garlic and spices?
You can pulse the garlic, peppercorns, coriander seeds, capers, and bay leaf in a food processor or crush them using a mortar and pestle.
What is the role of capers in this recipe?
Capers add a briny, salty flavor to the spice mixture used to marinate the feta cheese.
How should the ingredients be layered in the jar?
Start with a layer of feta cubes, followed by a spoonful of the garlic-spice mixture, and repeat until all ingredients are used.
When should the fresh thyme be added?
The sprigs of fresh thyme should be placed on top of the final layer of feta and spices before adding the oil.
What type of oil is used for the marinade?
Olive oil is used to fully cover and immerse the feta cubes for optimal flavor absorption.
How long does the feta need to marinate?
The feta needs to marinate for a minimum of 24 hours, though letting it sit for up to 2 weeks provides the best flavor.
Should the marinated feta be stored in the refrigerator?
Yes, the jar or bowl should be sealed and kept in the refrigerator throughout the marinating process.
How is the herbed feta served?
Remove the cubes from the marinade and serve them on warm toast points accompanied by chopped fresh tomatoes.
Is this recipe suitable for a snack?
Yes, it is ideal for snacking, lunch, or as an appetizer for guests at a gathering.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
While fresh thyme is recommended for the best aromatic touch, you could use dried thyme if fresh is unavailable.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe calls for 2 sliced garlic cloves.
Do I need to drain the capers?
Yes, the 2 tablespoons of capers should be drained before being added to the spice mixture.
What is the recommended amount of feta cheese?
The recipe specifies 12 ounces of creamy feta cheese.
What flavor profile can I expect?
The dish offers a rich, savory, and aromatic flavor profile with zesty, briny, and herbal notes.
Can I use the leftover olive oil from the marinade?
Yes, the leftover infused olive oil is highly flavorful and can be used for salad dressings or cooking.
Is this a Mediterranean-style recipe?
Yes, it uses classic Mediterranean ingredients like feta, olive oil, garlic, and capers.
How should the tomatoes be prepared for serving?
The tomatoes should be chopped and served fresh alongside the marinated cheese.
What kind of toast should be used?
Warm, crispy toast points are recommended to provide a texture contrast to the creamy cheese.
Does the recipe require many ingredients?
The recipe has an ingredient count of 10 items, including serving suggestions.
Can I use whole garlic cloves?
The recipe suggests slicing the garlic and then pulsing it with spices to better release its flavor.
Is the bay leaf eaten?
No, the bay leaf is used for infusing flavor into the marinade and is typically discarded before serving.
How many coriander seeds are used?
The recipe calls for 8 whole coriander seeds.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is carefully cutting the creamy feta cheese into even cubes.
Can this be made in a bowl instead of a jar?
Yes, a spacious bowl covered with plastic wrap can be used if a jar is not available.
Is the recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and involves simple assembly and marinating.
What is the texture of the feta cheese in this recipe?
The recipe specifies creamy feta cheese, which remains rich and savory after marinating.
How much peppercorn is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of whole peppercorns.