Get ready to transport your senses to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean with this incredibly simple yet irresistible Marinated Feta Cheese Appetizer! In just 10 minutes, you'll create a mouthwatering dish that looks like it was crafted by a professional chef but requires minimal effort. Imagine creamy, tangy feta cheese bathed in a fragrant olive oil marinade, bursting with garlic, oregano, and a subtle kick of red pepper flakes - this appetizer is guaranteed to be the star of any gathering!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz feta cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, sliced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of feta cheese, 1/2 cup of olive oil, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 tsp of dried oregano, 1/2 tsp of red pepper flakes, and fresh herbs for garnish if desired.
- Cut the feta cheese into small cubes, approximately 1-inch in size. This will help the flavors of the marinade to penetrate the cheese better.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cubed feta cheese with the sliced garlic. Make sure the garlic is evenly distributed among the cheese cubes.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the olive oil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine all the ingredients into a uniform marinade.
- Pour the olive oil mixture over the feta and garlic in the mixing bowl. Gently toss the cheese cubes to ensure they are well-coated with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture to a glass jar with a lid. Let it marinate at room temperature for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- If you have fresh herbs, such as parsley, basil, or thyme, chop them finely and set them aside for garnish.
- After the marinating time is complete, transfer the marinated feta cheese to a serving platter or bowl. Drizzle some of the marinade over the top for added flavor.
- Garnish the marinated feta with the chopped fresh herbs, if using. This will add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
- Serve the marinated feta cheese as an appetizer with crusty bread, pita chips, or fresh vegetables for dipping. Enjoy your Mediterranean-inspired appetizer!
Tips
- Choose high-quality feta: Use fresh, authentic Greek or Bulgarian feta for the best flavor and texture.
- Room temperature matters: Let the feta and marinade sit at room temperature to enhance flavor absorption.
- Customize your heat: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your spice preference.
- Make ahead: This appetizer tastes even better after 2-3 hours of marinating in the refrigerator.
- Serving suggestion: Pair with olives, crusty bread, or as part of a Mediterranean mezze platter.
- Storage tip: Keep marinated feta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Fresh herb hack: Use a mix of herbs like oregano, thyme, and parsley for complex flavor profiles.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 140kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
