Name: Marinated Feta Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 8 ounces feta cheese, cubed; 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus about 1/4 cup more added at the end; 2 tbsp zaatar; 1 tbsp sumac; 1 tbsp oregano; 1 tbsp sundried tomatoes in oil, minced

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If you want to add a burst of Mediterranean flavor to your meals, this marinated feta cheese recipe is just what you need! With simple ingredients like creamy feta cubes, extra virgin olive oil, and zesty zaatar, this deliciously easy recipe is perfect for any occasion. I love serving this marinated feta on a cheese board, tossed into a fresh salad, or spread on slices of crusty bread. The best part is that it's the perfect easy appetizer to throw together in a pinch!

Close up of a small bowl with marinated feta cheese next to a piece of bread

My marinated feta cheese recipe is a great way to enjoy feta in a new light. This quick recipe is great because you can use fresh herbs, citrus, or spices you have on hand to elevate this delicious cheese. Whether you enjoy these flavorful feta cubes with crusty bread or sprinkled over your favorite salad, you'll love this easy marinated feta recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of bold flavors and simple recipes, this marinated feta cheese recipe will be your new favorite. Here’s why:

Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this marinated feta recipe.
Versatile: It’s perfect for salads, appetizers, or just snacking.
Packed with Flavor: The combination of zaatar, sumac, oregano, sun-dried tomatoes, and olive oil elevates the already delicious feta cheese, making you enjoy every bite.
Customizable: You can mix any herbs and spices to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Let’s dive into the stars of this recipe and why they’re essential.

Feta Cheese: Pick a good quality feta cheese. The creamy texture and tangy flavor of good-quality feta are unmatched.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This is the base of our marinade. Use the best olive oil you can find – it makes a huge difference. It adds a rich, fruity flavor and helps preserve the feta.
Zaatar: A Middle Eastern spice blend that includes sesame seeds, and sumac. It adds a herby, nutty flavor with a hint of tanginess.
Sumac: This spice is made from ground sumac berries and has a tart, lemony flavor. It brightens up the marinade and pairs wonderfully with feta.
Dry Oregano: This herb adds a robust, earthy flavor that complements the other spices.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil: They add flavor and sweetness to the mix. Make sure to mince them finely so their flavor spreads throughout the marinade.

How to Marinate Feta Cheese

cubes of feta cheese inside a clear glass jar with no lid

Use a Good Jar: A mason jar or a glass container for which you have a tight lid, works perfectly. This ensures your feta stays fresh and the flavors come together nicely.

overhead image of a glass liquid measuring cup. Inside is a mixture of oil and herbs for Marinated Feta Cheese.

Mix marinate ingredients with olive oil

Cubed feta cheese in a glass jar with the marinade being poured over it

Pour over the cubes of feta

The glass jar containing the cubed feta and marinade with a black lid on top.

Shake It Up: Gently flipping the jar upside down helps distribute the marinade evenly. Just be careful not to break the delicate feta cubes and make sure the lid is tightly closed.
Let It Sit: Allow the feta to marinate for at least a few hours, but overnight is even better. The longer it sits, the more intense the flavors will be.
Adjust to Taste: Feel free to tweak the spices and herbs based on your preferences.

a plate with bread and a small bowl with marinated feta cheese a bottle of olive oil and a jar with feta in the background

Variations

While the base recipe is delicious, here are some fun variations to try:

Lemon Peel and Lemon Zest: Add a fresh citrusy note by including lemon peel or zest in the marinade.
Fresh Herbs: Use fresh basil, fresh rosemary, fresh thyme, or fresh parsley for a different flavor profile.
Dried Herbs: If you don't have fresh herbs handy, use your favorite dried herbs.
Hot Pepper: Spice things up with chili flakes, red pepper flakes, black peppercorns, or chopped hot pepper.
Olives: Kalamata olives or marinated olives make a great addition.
Aleppo Pepper: For a unique heat, try adding some Aleppo pepper.

Serving Suggestions

This marinated feta is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:

Salads: Toss it into a Greek salad or any mixed green salad for an extra punch of flavor.
Pasta: Add it to pasta salads for a tangy twist. It pairs wonderfully with cherry tomatoes, olives, and a drizzle of extra olive oil.
Appetizers: Serve it on crostini or alongside pita chips. It’s a great addition to any cheese board or mezze platter.
Sandwiches: Use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. It adds a delicious flavor that’s hard to resist.

Helpful Tips

Choose High-Quality Feta: Opt for authentic feta made from sheep’s milk, goat’s milk, or a combination of both.
Use the Best Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil not only adds richness but also the base of the marinate.
Cut Feta into Uniform Cubes: Cutting the feta into uniform cubes ensures even marination, allowing each piece to soak up the flavors evenly.
Layering for Flavor: Layer any herbs or seasoning between the feta cubes to distribute the flavors evenly.
Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to mix and match herbs and spices. Adding ingredients like lemon peel, fresh herbs or chili flakes can create a unique and personalized flavor profile.
Keep the Feta Submerged: Ensure the feta cubes are completely covered in olive oil. This not only helps with flavor infusion but also acts as a preservative.
Store in the Right Container: Use a mason jar or any airtight glass container to keep the feta fresh and prevent the oil from absorbing unwanted fridge odors.
Let it Sit at Room Temperature Before Serving: The olive oil will harden in the fridge, take the jar out of the fridge 20-30 minutes before serving it.
Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the feta and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Utilize Leftover Oil: The leftover oil is packed with flavor. Use it as a dressing for salads, a marinade for other dishes, or a dip for bread.

What is Feta Cheese

Feta cheese is a crumbly, creamy, and tangy cheese, it's brined, which contributes to its salty and tangy taste. It has its origins in sunny Mediterranean Greece. France and Bulgaria are also producers of Feta cheese.

Greek, Bulgarian, and French feta cheese all share a similarity in their ripening process. The blocks of cheese are held in a saltwater brine. This method gives them their distinctive white color and semi-soft, crumbly yet creamy texture. The biggest differences lie in the salt content and the type of milk used.

What Milk is Used to Make Feta Cheese?

Feta is traditionally made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk. This combination gives it that unique creamy texture and rich flavor. Bulgarian feta, for example, is known for its slightly creamier and tangier profile compared to its Greek counterpart. French feta, made from 100% sheep's milk, is the least salty of the three. Bulgarian feta may be made from sheep and/or goat's milk, while Greek feta is primarily sheep's milk with up to 30% goat's milk, making it a bit saltier than French feta.

While cow's milk feta is commonly found in markets in the US, it lacks the authentic flavor and texture of sheep or goat's milk feta. For a more authentic experience, look for feta made with sheep's milk, goat's milk, or a combination of both.

Does Feta Taste Like Goat Cheese?

While feta and goat cheese are both creamy and tangy they are also quite different. Feta is saltier and tangier, with a crumbly texture, while goat cheese is creamier and milder. Feta’s bold flavor makes it a standout in dishes.

Storage Suggestions

Store your marinated feta in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to two weeks, although it rarely lasts that long once you taste it! The olive oil helps preserve the cheese and the added herbs and spices keep it flavorful.

How Do You Know If Feta Cheese Has Gone Bad?

Feta cheese that has gone bad will have a sour smell, may develop a slimy texture,and will taste spoiled (it's unmistakable). If you notice any mold, discard it. Always trust your senses – if it smells off or looks questionable, don’t eat it.

Do You Drain the Brine from Feta Cheese?

If you are using the whole block of feta cheese, yes, drain the brine. If you are using less, simply remove the amount of feta you need and leave the rest in the brine.

A bowl with marinated feta, a bottle of olive oil and some slices of bread

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