Feta cheese – the salty, crumbly, and tangy delight that adds a burst of flavor to any dish. Whether you’re a fan of Greek cuisine, a lover of salads, or simply a cheese enthusiast, it’s easy to get carried away with this delicious ingredient. But what happens when you find yourself with too much feta cheese on your hands? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explore the various ways to use up a surplus of feta cheese, from cooking and baking to freezing and gifting.
Understanding Feta Cheese
Before we dive into the creative ways to use up too much feta cheese, let’s take a brief look at what makes this cheese so special. Feta is a type of brined cheese that originates from Greece, typically made from sheep’s milk or a combination of sheep’s and goat’s milk. Its distinctive flavor and texture are due to the cheese-making process, which involves salting and aging the cheese in a brine solution.
Feta cheese is a staple in Greek cuisine, often used in salads, pastries, and as a topping for various dishes. Its popularity has spread globally, and it’s now a common ingredient in many international recipes. However, its strong flavor and high salt content can make it overwhelming if consumed in excess.
Why You Might End Up with Too Much Feta Cheese
So, how does one end up with too much feta cheese? Here are a few scenarios:
- You bought a large block of feta for a recipe, but only needed a small portion.
- You received a generous gift of feta cheese from a friend or family member.
- You’re a cheese enthusiast who got carried away with a feta-buying spree.
- You’re a restaurant or catering business owner who overestimated the demand for feta-based dishes.
Whatever the reason, don’t worry – we’re about to explore the many creative ways to use up your feta surplus.
Cooking with Feta Cheese
Feta cheese is an incredibly versatile ingredient, and there are countless ways to incorporate it into your cooking. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Savory Dishes
- Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts: Stuff boneless chicken breasts with a mixture of crumbled feta, chopped herbs, and spices, and bake until cooked through.
- Feta and Spinach Stuffed Portobellos: Fill Portobello mushroom caps with a mixture of sautéed spinach, crumbled feta, and breadcrumbs, and bake until golden brown.
- Feta and Olive Phyllo Triangles: Mix crumbled feta with chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs, and fill phyllo triangles for a delicious appetizer.
Pastries and Baked Goods
- Feta and Herb Scones: Mix crumbled feta with chopped herbs and spices into your favorite scone recipe for a delicious breakfast or snack.
- Feta and Sun-Dried Tomato Quiche: Add crumbled feta and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to your favorite quiche recipe for a savory and satisfying brunch dish.
- Feta and Olive Focaccia: Mix crumbled feta with chopped olives and rosemary into your favorite focaccia recipe for a delicious and flavorful bread.
Baking with Feta Cheese
Feta cheese can also be used in sweet baked goods, adding a tangy and creamy element to your favorite recipes. Here are a few ideas:
Sweet Treats
- Feta and Fig Tart: Mix crumbled feta with chopped figs and honey into a sweet tart filling, perfect for a dessert or snack.
- Feta and Honey Cake: Add crumbled feta to your favorite cake recipe, along with a drizzle of honey, for a moist and flavorful dessert.
- Feta and Walnut Scones: Mix crumbled feta with chopped walnuts and honey into your favorite scone recipe for a delicious and savory breakfast treat.
Freezing Feta Cheese
If you’re unable to use up your feta cheese before it expires, don’t worry – you can freeze it for later use. Here are a few tips for freezing feta cheese:
- Crumbly Feta: Crumbling feta cheese before freezing helps to preserve its texture and flavor. Simply place the crumbled feta in an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 6 months.
- Block Feta: If you prefer to freeze block feta, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in a freezer bag. Frozen block feta is best used in cooked dishes, as it can become crumbly when thawed.
Gifting Feta Cheese
If you’re unable to use up your feta cheese before it expires, consider gifting it to friends or family members who appreciate good cheese. Here are a few ideas for gifting feta cheese:
- Feta and Charcuterie Board: Create a beautiful charcuterie board with feta cheese, cured meats, crackers, and garnishes, perfect for a dinner party or special occasion.
- Feta and Herb Gift Basket: Mix crumbled feta with chopped herbs and spices, and place in a gift basket along with crackers, bread, and other accompaniments.
- Feta and Olive Tapenade Gift Jar: Mix crumbled feta with olive tapenade and place in a gift jar, perfect for a quick and easy snack or appetizer.
Conclusion
Too much feta cheese might seem like a problem, but it’s actually an opportunity to get creative in the kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, there are countless ways to use up a surplus of feta cheese. From cooking and baking to freezing and gifting, we hope this article has inspired you to think outside the box (or block) when it comes to this delicious and versatile ingredient. So go ahead, get creative, and enjoy your feta cheese!
What are some common uses for feta cheese?
Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and pastries to pasta and pizza. It’s a staple in Greek cuisine, and its salty, tangy flavor makes it a great addition to many recipes. Some common uses for feta cheese include crumbled over salads, such as the classic Greek salad, or mixed into pasta dishes like spanakopita.
In addition to its use in savory dishes, feta cheese can also be used in sweet treats like cheesecakes and pastries. Its tangy flavor pairs well with sweet ingredients like honey and figs, making it a great addition to desserts. Whether you’re looking to add some flavor to a salad or create a unique dessert, feta cheese is a great ingredient to have on hand.
How can I store feta cheese to make it last longer?
To store feta cheese and make it last longer, it’s best to keep it in a brine solution. This will help to preserve the cheese and prevent it from drying out. You can purchase a brine solution at most grocery stores, or make your own by mixing water and salt. Simply place the feta cheese in the brine solution and store it in the refrigerator.
It’s also important to keep feta cheese away from strong-smelling foods, as it can absorb odors easily. You should also keep it away from heat sources, as this can cause the cheese to melt and become discolored. By storing feta cheese properly, you can help to extend its shelf life and keep it fresh for a longer period of time.
Can I freeze feta cheese?
Yes, you can freeze feta cheese, but it’s not always the best option. Freezing can cause the cheese to become crumbly and lose some of its flavor. However, if you have a large block of feta cheese that you won’t be able to use before it expires, freezing is a good way to preserve it. Simply wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
When you’re ready to use the frozen feta cheese, simply thaw it in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Keep in mind that frozen feta cheese is best used in cooked dishes, as it can be too crumbly to use in salads or as a topping. You can also crumble the frozen feta cheese and mix it into sauces or dips for added flavor.
What are some creative ways to use up a large block of feta cheese?
If you have a large block of feta cheese that you’re not sure what to do with, there are many creative ways to use it up. One idea is to make a feta cheese dip by crumbing the cheese and mixing it with herbs and spices. You can also use feta cheese to make a delicious spanakopita, a Greek pastry filled with spinach and cheese.
Another idea is to use feta cheese to make a savory tart. Simply crumble the cheese and mix it with herbs and spices, then fill a pre-made tart crust with the mixture and bake until golden brown. You can also use feta cheese to make a delicious frittata, a Italian-style omelette filled with cheese and vegetables.
Can I use feta cheese in place of other types of cheese?
While feta cheese has a unique flavor and texture, it can be used in place of other types of cheese in some recipes. For example, you can use feta cheese in place of goat cheese or ricotta cheese in many recipes. However, keep in mind that feta cheese has a stronger flavor than these cheeses, so you may need to adjust the amount used.
Feta cheese can also be used in place of parmesan cheese in some recipes, such as pasta dishes and salads. However, keep in mind that feta cheese has a softer texture than parmesan cheese, so it may not be suitable for all recipes. It’s always a good idea to taste the dish as you go and adjust the amount of cheese to your liking.
How can I make feta cheese less salty?
If you find that your feta cheese is too salty, there are a few ways to make it less salty. One way is to soak the cheese in water or milk for a few hours. This will help to remove some of the excess salt from the cheese. You can also try rinsing the cheese under cold running water to remove some of the salt.
Another way to make feta cheese less salty is to mix it with other ingredients that will balance out the flavor. For example, you can mix crumbled feta cheese with chopped herbs like parsley or dill, or with other ingredients like garlic or lemon juice. By balancing out the flavor of the feta cheese, you can make it less salty and more palatable.
Can I make my own feta cheese at home?
Yes, you can make your own feta cheese at home, but it requires some time and effort. To make feta cheese, you’ll need to start with a gallon of milk and a cheese cultures. You’ll also need to have a cheese mold and some cheesecloth on hand. The process of making feta cheese involves heating the milk, adding the cheese cultures, and then allowing the mixture to sit for several hours.
Once the cheese has set, you’ll need to cut it into small pieces and soak it in a brine solution. This will help to give the cheese its characteristic flavor and texture. After several days, you can remove the cheese from the brine solution and age it for several weeks. With a little patience and practice, you can make your own delicious feta cheese at home.