What Is Feta


What is feta? Find out everything there is to know and discover something delicious.


Published: June 9, 2023 · Modified: February 8, 2024 by Jennifer Ryan

What Is Feta

What is feta and how do we use it? Feta is a traditional Greek cheese that is soft and crumbly and is typically made using goat milk or sheep milk. The cheese is brined, which gives it a salty taste and a crumbly texture. Feta cheese has been around for centuries and is a staple in Greek cuisine. To be considered authentic feta cheese, the cheese must be made using sheep’s milk. This is because sheep’s milk contains twice the amount of fat as cows milk, which gives the white cheese its rich and creamy texture. However, modern standards allow producers to blend sheep’s milk with up to 30 percent goat’s milk and still be considered authentic feta cheese. This is regulated by the protected designation of origin (PDO) status.

Feta Pasta Recipes

Some cheesemakers produce a feta style white cheese using cow’s milk. However, the quality of this cheese can vary significantly. Cow’s milk feta cheese is lower in fat and calories than aged cheeses but it has more calcium and B vitamins than soft cheeses. Feta cheese is a delicious Greek treat, but it’s high in sodium due to the brine it’s made with. So if you’re watching your salt intake, it’s best to skip the feta and find another tasty snack!

What is feta cheese

How Is Feta Cheese Made

In Greece, traditional production methods involve adding rennet and casein to pasteurized milk or raw sheep’s milk, goat’s milk, or a blend of the two. The milk thickens as the curd forms, which is then separated, pressed into molds, and drained of excess whey. The feta cheese is then cut into smaller blocks, salted, and dried for two days before being submerged in brine. The cheese ages in the brine for one week to several months, depending on the desired flavor and texture.
Despite the popularity of feta cheese, it can be challenging to find authentic, unpasteurized feta cheese outside of Greece due to restrictions on unpasteurized milk. As a result, genuine feta cheese can be quite expensive if you do manage to find it. However, you can make your own feta cheese at home using goat’s milk. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can enjoy the rich, tangy flavor of traditional feta cheese in your own kitchen.

What is feta cheese

What Are The Uses For Feta Cheese

Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. The texture of crumbled feta cheese makes it an ideal choice for feta salad, pasta dishes, and even as a substitute for shredded mozzarella on pizzas, flatbreads, and even grilled cheese sandwiches.  Additionally, feta adds a delicious flavor when sprinkled on roasted vegetables of all kinds.
When using feta in uncooked dishes such as appetizers, and Greek salad, it’s best to allow it to come to room temperature to enhance its flavor. Feta can be served on a board or plate with slices of crusty baguette, olives, and sliced meats. Alternatively, it can be blended into a whipped feta dip with a little lemon juice and olive oil for a tangy and creamy flavor.
Feta softens in hot dishes but never fully melts, making it an excellent ingredient for adding texture and flavor in baked casseroles, savory pastries, and traditional cuisine. As you can see feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can add a delicious flavor and texture to a wide range of dishes. Its unique properties make it a great alternative to other cheeses and a must-have in any home cook’s pantry.

What is feta cheese

Substitutes For Feta Cheese

  1. If you are looking for a substitute for feta cheese, there are a few options that can come close in terms of flavor and texture. One of the best substitutes is ricotta cheese, which has a similar flavor profile to feta but is typically less salty. However, the texture of ricotta is usually more moist and creamy than feta, which can make it a less ideal substitute for certain dishes.
  2. Another good option for a feta substitute is cotija cheese, which is a crumbly cheese that is also salty and tangy like feta. Cotija can be a great choice for adding to salads or other dishes where you want a similar texture and flavor to feta. However, it’s worth noting that cotija is a bit drier than feta, so it may not work as well in dishes that require a more moist cheese.
  3. For a vegan twist on a classic feta cheese dish, try blending firm tofu with nutritional yeast and a splash of lemon juice! This combination will give you the same texture and flavor as feta cheese, while still allowing you to keep the saltiness of the dish. With this easy substitution, you can enjoy all the deliciousness of feta without dairy.
  4. Finally, if you’re looking for a substitute that is similar to feta in terms of both flavor and texture, fresh or slightly aged goat cheese can be a good choice. Goat cheese has a tangy, slightly salty flavor that is similar to feta, and it can also be crumbled or sliced for use in salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. When it comes to finding the perfect feta cheese substitute, it’s all about texture and saltiness. To get the closest taste to the real deal, make sure to choose a cheese that has the right combination of both.

Recipes With Feta Cheese

If you’re looking for a delicious and unique dish, why not try something with feta cheese? Feta cheese can add a salty and tangy flavor to any dish. You can make a spectacular Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. Or kick up your mac and cheese by adding feta for a rich, creamy, and light cheesy flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making a pizza with feta cheese, spinach, and olives. Greek feta is extremely versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. No matter what your favorite dish is, you can guarantee that adding some feta cheese will take it to the next level! Here are a few feta recipes to get you started.

1. Whipped Feta Dip

This dip is sure to be the star of the show. Whipped feta dip is the perfect combination of creamy texture and flavorful herbs and spices, it just doesn’t get any better than that.

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2. Mozzarella and Feta Pita Grilled Cheese

This isn’t your typical grilled cheese sandwich. Spice up your lunch with a pita grilled cheese, featuring Mediterranean favorites like mozzarella, feta, sundried tomatoes, and basil pesto. It’s going to add some zest to your mealtime. So yummy!

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3. Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta

This summer, why not try something refreshingly simple yet deliciously tasty? watermelon salad with cucumber and feta is the perfect side dish to accompany your favorite grilled protein. The combination of sweet watermelon and salty feta will make your taste buds sing.

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4. Spanakopita

These spinach and feta spanakopita triangles are a breeze to make and a great way to liven up any party. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a tasty appetizer that will have your guests coming back for more. So, get your phyllo dough ready and let’s get cooking.

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5. Lemony Chickpea Feta Salad

A delicious lemony chickpea feta salad that’s the perfect summer side dish for your next picnic. It’s quick and easy to make and only takes 20 minutes, plus it’s packed with flavor. The combination of chickpeas, feta, fresh herbs, and a zesty lemony vinaigrette is sure to please everyone, no matter their dietary preferences, it’s gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan friendly.

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How To Store Feta Cheese

With feta cheese, it’s all about storage! Keep it fresh in the fridge and wrap it securely with plastic or wax paper. To keep it extra moist, add a few paper towels to the container. If you want to preserve the flavor, store it in brine and change the brine every 1-2 weeks. If you’re feeling fancy, store it in olive oil in an airtight container. No matter what, you’ll have delicious feta cheese that’s ready to go whenever you are.

Can You Freeze Feta

If you want to make sure your feta cheese lasts longer, you can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months! First, make sure to wrap the feta blocks in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. When it’s time to enjoy your feta again, remember to thaw it in the refrigerator, thawing at room temperature can ruin the texture and taste. Now you can enjoy your feta with all your favorite Greek dishes all year round.

Feta Pasta Recipes

Now that you know all there is to know about feta cheese, why not take your cooking skills to the next level with Love Food Feed? We have 21 delicious feta recipes to choose from, ranging from Greek salad to spanakopita and everything in between. Our recipes are delicious, our foodie news is informative, and our kitchen hacks are clever, making cooking easier, tastier, and more enjoyable. So what are you waiting for? Join us on social media and stay up to date with all the trending recipes.