Description
Creamy cubes of feta-style cheese bathed in extra virgin olive oil, brightened with lemon zest, garlic, and fresh herbs, perfect for serving with crusty bread, salads, or antipasto platters.
Ingredients
- Feta or firm goat cheese, 250 g (about 9 oz)
- Extra virgin olive oil, 1 cup (240 ml)
- White wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons
- Garlic cloves, 2, thinly sliced
- Fresh rosemary, 1 sprig
- Fresh thyme, 2 sprigs
- Red chili flakes, 1/2 teaspoon
- Black peppercorns, 1 teaspoon
- Lemon zest, from 1 lemon
- Sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: If you plan to infuse the oil, gently warm a small saucepan over low heat for a minute to prepare for infusion.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, white wine vinegar, sliced garlic, red chili flakes, crushed peppercorns, lemon zest, and sea salt until combined.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Sterilize a glass jar and lid by washing thoroughly and drying, ensuring it is clean and airtight.
- Assemble the Dish: Cut the cheese into uniform cubes and place them in the jar, layering with fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs and garlic slices.
- Cook to Perfection: Pour the prepared oil mixture over the cheese, making sure all cubes are fully submerged under the oil to preserve and infuse flavor.
- Finishing Touches: Seal the jar tightly and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.
- Serve and Enjoy: Bring the jar to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving. Serve with warm crusty bread, crackers, or as a salad topper.
Notes
- Taste and adjust salt before serving if using particularly salty cheese.
- Use fresh herbs for the brightest flavor, and add a pinch of dried herbs for depth if desired.
- Leftover oil is excellent for drizzling over salads or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 of 6 servings
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: marinated cheese, feta marinade, appetizer, make-ahead, Mediterranean, herbed cheese, olive oil preserved cheese