Feta Marinated with Herbs and Chilli Recipe
This Feta Marinated with Herbs and Chilli recipe offers a creamy, flavorful appetizer with a delightful blend of garlic-infused olive oil, fresh herbs, spicy chilli, and lemon zest. Perfect as a savory dip or partner for crusty bread, this marinated feta is easy to prepare and serves as a sophisticated addition to any snack or antipasto platter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes plus marination time
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 8 oz / 250 g feta cheese, preferably Danish or another creamy type
Marinade
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs, finely chopped (parsley and thyme recommended)
- 1 bird’s eye chilli, finely chopped (or any fresh red chilli of choice)
- 1/4 tsp lemon rind, finely grated
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Infuse Olive Oil with Garlic: Smash the garlic cloves using the side of your knife and combine with the olive oil. Cover and refrigerate the mixture for several hours or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to meld. This step is optional but enhances the garlic flavor.
- Prepare Quick Garlic Oil (if short on time): If you don’t have time to infuse the oil, mince one small garlic clove finely and stir it directly into the olive oil.
- Cut the Feta: Slice the feta cheese into bite-sized cubes, approximately 1 cm or 1/3 inch in size, to ensure even marination and easy serving.
- Assemble the Marinade: Place the cubed feta into a serving dish. Evenly scatter the finely chopped herbs, bird’s eye chilli, grated lemon rind, and a grind of black pepper over the cheese.
- Pour Olive Oil: Pour the prepared olive oil over the feta and herb mixture, ensuring the cheese is well coated. Serve the marinated feta with crusty bread for dipping and enjoy immediately or allow to marinate further for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the feta to marinate for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- The type of feta cheese affects creaminess; Danish or other creamy varieties work best.
- You can adjust the amount and type of chilli based on your preferred spice level.
- The garlic infusion is optional but adds a richer flavor to the oil.
- Serve with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables as a delicious appetizer.
Keywords: feta, marinated feta, herb marinated cheese, appetizer, Mediterranean recipe, spicy feta, easy appetizer, garlic infused olive oil
