Feta Cheese: How Is It Made | Where to Use It

Feta cheese, with its creamy yet crumbly texture and sharp tang, has been a staple of Mediterranean cuisine for centuries. Originally hailing from Greece, this brined cheese is made from sheep’s milk or a mix of sheep and goat’s milk, giving it a distinct flavor profile. Feta adds a burst of flavor to countless dishes – from fresh salads to savory pastries. 

In recent years, it has gained global popularity, inspiring a wave of trending recipes like baked feta pasta and feta-stuffed veggies, making it a versatile favorite in kitchens around the world.

How Is Feta Cheese Made?

Feta cheese is traditionally made from sheep’s milk or a blend of sheep’s and goat’s milk.

• The milk is first pasteurized, then rennet is added to curdle it.
• Once the curds form, they are cut, drained, and packed into molds.
• The cheese is then salted and left to age in a brine solution, usually for about two months.

The brining process gives feta its signature tangy, salty flavour and preserves its firm yet crumbly texture. Authentic Greek feta must be at least 70% sheep’s milk, which gives it a creamy richness, while the addition of goat’s milk (up to 30%) imparts a sharper, more pungent taste.

Where Can You Use It?

Feta cheese is incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide variety of dishes:

1. Its crumbly texture makes it perfect for sprinkling over salads like the classic Greek salad, adding a savory, tangy flavour to the fresh vegetables.
2. It’s also widely used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes, like spanakopita (Greek spinach pie), savory pastries, and mezze platters.
3. You can crumble it over roasted vegetables, use it as a pizza topping, mix it into pasta, or include it in dips and spreads like whipped feta.

Origin and Production

Feta cheese has a long and rich history, with its origins deeply rooted in Greek tradition. It is believed to date back over 8,000 years, with references to feta-like cheese found in ancient Greek texts, including Homer’s Odyssey. The name “feta” comes from the Italian word fetta, meaning “slice,” referring to the way the cheese was traditionally sliced and stored in barrels of brine.

Where Does It Come From?

Feta is primarily from Greece, and its production is protected under the European Union’s Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, meaning authentic feta must be produced in specific regions of Greece using traditional methods.

The most common regions for producing feta are Thessaly, Macedonia, Thrace, Peloponnese, and Lesvos. The unique climate and terrain of these areas, where sheep and goats graze on wild grasses and herbs, contribute to the distinctive flavour of the cheese.

Perfect Pairings for Feta Cheese

Feta’s bold, tangy taste pairs well with both sweet and savory flavors. It’s commonly paired with olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers in Greek salads.

When paired with fruits like watermelon, figs, or pomegranate, the salty tang of feta contrasts beautifully with the sweetness, creating a balanced and refreshing dish. Feta also pairs well with honey and nuts for a sweet-savory combination, making it a great addition to cheese boards or light appetizers.

In terms of beverages, feta pairs beautifully with crisp, acidic white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Assyrtiko, or even with a cold beer to complement its saltiness.

Trendy Recipes

Feta has recently taken the culinary world by storm with viral recipes like baked feta pasta. This simple dish involves baking a block of feta with cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and seasonings until the cheese becomes creamy, then mixing it with pasta for a quick, flavorful meal.

Another trending recipe is whipped feta, where the cheese is blended with olive oil and herbs to create a smooth, spreadable dip. Feta-stuffed peppers, grilled feta with honey, and feta-topped flatbreads are also gaining popularity for their creative use of this iconic cheese.

Whether you’re sticking with traditional recipes or trying modern twists, feta’s versatility makes it an easy and delicious ingredient to incorporate into your meals:

1. Baked Feta Pasta (The Viral Trend)

Baked Feta Pasta is a popular meal that has earned a lot of attention on social media. The recipe is simple but delicious: bake feta cheese with cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and seasonings until the feta is creamy and melts into the tomatoes.

The cooked pasta is then combined with this creamy mixture which makes for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 block (200g) feta cheese
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 300g pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the block of feta cheese in the center of a baking dish. Surround it with cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss the tomatoes in the olive oil to coat them well. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes have burst and the feta is soft and golden on top.
4. While the feta and tomatoes bake, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. Once the feta and tomatoes are done baking, use a spoon to gently mix and smash everything together in the dish, creating a creamy sauce.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and stir until the pasta is fully coated in the feta-tomato mixture.
7. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.

2. Watermelon and Feta Salad (Refreshing and Light)

The creamy feta cheese contrasts well with the juicy watermelon, while the red onion and mint lend a fresh, herbaceous note. It’s a simple yet delicious recipe ideal for summers or a light lunch.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups watermelon, cubed
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic glaze or reduction
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large serving bowl, combine the cubed watermelon, crumbled feta, and thinly sliced red onion.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Gently toss the ingredients to combine, being careful not to crush the watermelon.
4. Garnish with chopped fresh mint leaves before serving.
5. Serve chilled as a refreshing appetizer or light side dish for a summer meal.

Both recipes showcase feta’s ability to balance salty and sweet flavours, making it a standout ingredient in various dishes!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few interesting FAQs on Feta Cheese

Conclusion

Feta cheese is a beloved ingredient with a rich history and a distinct flavour profile that enhances countless dishes. Whether you enjoy it in a refreshing salad, as a topping on pasta, or in savory pastries, its versatility and unique taste make it a staple in kitchens around the world.

Understanding the origins, production, and uses of feta cheese can help you appreciate this delightful ingredient even more.

With its numerous culinary possibilities, feta cheese is sure to remain a favorite for years to come!