Marinated feta cheese cubes are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer that brings the bold flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. This recipe transforms creamy, tangy feta into a luxurious treat by infusing it with olive oil, herbs, garlic, and spices.
Perfect for serving with crusty bread, olives, or fresh vegetables, these marinated cubes also elevate salads, pasta dishes, and mezze platters. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a flavorful snack, this dish adds an elegant and savory touch to any spread. Plus, it’s a make-ahead recipe that gets better with time.
Ingredients:
- 250 grams of firm feta cheese (preferably in block form)
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil (plus more if needed)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 small sprig fresh rosemary (optional)
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- Zest of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)
- A few strips of roasted red pepper or sun-dried tomato (optional, for color and depth)
- Sterilized glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
Instructions:
- Cut the feta cheese into uniform cubes, about 1-inch in size. Firm feta works best as it holds shape better during marination.
- Pat the cubes dry with a paper towel. This step is important to remove excess moisture, helping the marinade absorb better and keeping the olive oil clear.
- In a clean and dry glass jar or container, place a few feta cubes at the bottom, followed by a pinch of herbs, a couple of garlic slices, some peppercorns, and chili flakes.
- Continue layering the ingredients — feta, herbs, garlic, spices — until the jar is filled, leaving a small space at the top.
- Slowly pour the olive oil over the layered feta cubes. Ensure all pieces are fully submerged in the oil. This helps preserve the cheese and infuses it with flavor.
- If using lemon zest, rosemary, or sun-dried tomatoes, add them now for extra complexity. These ingredients pair beautifully with feta’s natural tang.
- Seal the jar tightly and give it a gentle shake to help distribute the herbs and oil.
- Place the jar in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. However, the flavors deepen the longer the feta is marinated. Ideally, wait 2–3 days before using.
- Before serving, allow the marinated feta to come to room temperature for 10–15 minutes to let the olive oil return to liquid form and the flavors to bloom.
- Serve the marinated feta cubes with crusty baguette slices, pita bread, or alongside olives, fresh tomatoes, or grilled vegetables. They also make a wonderful topping for salads or grain bowls.
- Store the marinated feta in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Always ensure the cubes remain covered in oil to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.