Description
This Green Peppercorn-Marinated Feta recipe features creamy, tangy feta cheese cubes soaked in a flavorful marinade of extra-virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, green peppercorns, crushed red pepper, kosher salt, and fresh thyme. The cheese absorbs the vibrant briny and herbaceous notes, making it a perfect appetizer or accompaniment served with crackers or crostini. Ideal for entertaining or as a delightful snack, this marinated feta combines simplicity with bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons drained green peppercorns in brine
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 8 small thyme sprigs
Cheese
- 1 (1-pound) block feta cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
Serving
- Crackers or crostini, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, drained green peppercorns, kosher salt, crushed red pepper, and fresh thyme sprigs until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Arrange Feta: Cut the block of feta cheese into 1-inch cubes and evenly arrange them in a 9-inch square baking dish, ensuring they fit snugly without overcrowding.
- Marinate Cheese: Pour the prepared marinade over the feta cubes, making sure each piece is coated with the oil and vinegar mixture. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap to preserve freshness.
- Refrigerate: Place the covered baking dish in the refrigerator and allow the feta to marinate for 8 hours or overnight. During this time, gently stir the cubes a few times to ensure even marination.
- Serve: After marination, remove the feta from the refrigerator and serve chilled or at room temperature alongside crackers or crostini for a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Use good quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Be sure to drain the green peppercorns from the brine to avoid overly salty marinade.
- You can prepare the marinated feta up to 2 days in advance; flavors only improve with time.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper.
- Serve with a variety of crackers or toasted baguette slices for texture contrast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (about 3 oz feta with marinade)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
