Description
A vibrant and flavorful Feta Marinated with Herbs and Chilli recipe featuring creamy Danish-style feta cheese soaked in garlic-infused olive oil with fresh herbs, zesty lemon rind, and a touch of spicy bird’s eye chilli. Perfect as a savory appetizer or accompaniment served with crusty bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Feta 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 (e.g., parsley and thyme leaves)
- 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 the olive oil: Smash the garlic cloves using the side of your knife to release their flavor. Combine the smashed garlic with the extra virgin olive oil in a small container. Cover and refrigerate for a few hours or preferably overnight to allow the garlic flavor to infuse the oil deeply. (Optional but recommended for best flavor.)
- Prepare quick garlic oil (if short on time): If you don’t have the time for the infusion, simply mince one small garlic clove finely and stir it into the olive oil to impart a more immediate garlic flavor.
- Cut the feta: Slice the feta cheese into bite-sized cubes approximately 1 cm (1/3 inch) each for easy serving and better absorption of the marinade flavors.
- Assemble the dish: Place the feta cubes in a serving dish. Scatter the finely chopped herbs, chilli, lemon rind, and freshly ground black pepper evenly over the cheese cubes.
- Add the marinade: Pour the garlic-infused olive oil over the feta and herb mixture, ensuring it’s well coated. Allow the flavors to meld briefly before serving.
- Serve: Present the marinated feta alongside crusty bread for a delightful appetizer or accompaniment perfect for sharing.
Notes
- Use Danish or a similarly creamy feta cheese for the best texture and flavor in this marinade.
- The garlic-infused olive oil can be prepared a day ahead to deepen its flavor.
- You can substitute herbs with your favorites like oregano or basil if desired.
- Adjust the chilli quantity based on your heat preference or omit for a milder version.
- Leftover marinated feta can be refrigerated and consumed within 2-3 days.
- Serving with crusty bread balances the strong flavors of the marinated cheese beautifully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus optional overnight for garlic oil infusion)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: feta cheese, marinated feta, herb marinade, garlic olive oil, chilli, appetizer, Mediterranean cheese dish
