If you love bold flavors with a touch of heat and herbal freshness, this Feta Marinated with Herbs and Chilli Recipe is truly a game-changer for your appetizer repertoire. Creamy, tangy feta cheese soaks up the fragrant olive oil infused with garlic, fiery chilli, zesty lemon, and vibrant herbs, creating an irresistible combo that’s bursting with personality. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, an impressive party starter, or a flavorful ingredient to elevate salads and mezze platters, this recipe delivers all that with minimal fuss and maximum yum.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity: each ingredient plays a star role, from rich olive oil to the sharp freshness of herbs and the fiery zing of chilli. Gather these pantry essentials to create a beautifully balanced marinated feta.
- Feta cheese (8 oz / 250 g): Choose a creamy variety like Danish feta for smooth texture and rich flavor.
- Extra virgin olive oil (1/2 cup): A good-quality oil that adds fruity depth and helps all the flavors meld together.
- Garlic cloves (2, peeled): Crushing or mincing releases that classic punch of aromatic warmth.
- Fresh herbs (2 tbsp, finely chopped): Parsley and thyme work beautifully to lend brightness and earthiness.
- Bird’s eye chilli (1, finely chopped): Adds just the right amount of heat, but any fresh red chilli can be used.
- Lemon rind (1/4 tsp, finely grated): Brings a lovely citrus lift to balance the richness.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground for a subtle kick and seasoning.
How to Make Feta Marinated with Herbs and Chilli Recipe
Step 1: Infuse the Olive Oil with Garlic
Start by gently smashing the garlic cloves with the side of your knife to release their flavor. Combine them with the olive oil in a container, cover it, and refrigerate. Letting this sit for a few hours or ideally overnight really intensifies that lovely garlic aroma and infuses the oil with richness that will soak into the feta later on. If you’re short on time, don’t worry—there’s an easy shortcut in the next step.
Step 2: Prepare a Quick Garlic Olive Oil Mix
If infusing isn’t an option, simply mince one small garlic clove and stir it directly into the olive oil. This step still packs plenty of garlicky flavor without the wait, so the dish remains just as delicious.
Step 3: Cube the Feta Cheese
Cut your feta into bite-sized cubes, about 1cm or 1/3 inch pieces. These manageable cubes are perfect for soaking up all those vibrant flavors and make it easier to serve. The creamy texture of the feta really shines here, making every bite melt in your mouth.
Step 4: Add Herbs, Chilli, Lemon Rind, and Pepper
Place the feta cubes in your serving dish, then scatter over the freshly chopped herbs, bird’s eye chilli, lemon rind, and a good grind of black pepper. This colorful combo adds layers of freshness, heat, citrus brightness, and subtle spice, transforming simple feta into something extraordinary.
Step 5: Drizzle with Garlic-Infused Olive Oil and Serve
Finally, pour your infused olive oil generously over the top. The oil not only brings everything together but keeps the feta luscious and moist. Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping and scooping, or prepare it a few hours ahead to let the flavors meld even further.
How to Serve Feta Marinated with Herbs and Chilli Recipe
Garnishes
Trimming your dish with extra fresh parsley sprigs, a few curls of lemon zest, or even a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts can elevate the presentation and texture. The fresh green herbs contrast beautifully against the white feta and red chili, making your dish both pretty and inviting.
Side Dishes
This marinated feta pairs wonderfully with Mediterranean staples like warm pita bread, crunchy crudités, or alongside a fresh Greek salad. You can also serve it next to grilled vegetables or as part of a flavorful mezze spread to impress guests without any complicated prep.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, layer the marinated feta cubes on small skewers with cherry tomatoes and olives for an easy-to-eat appetizer. Or, spoon it over roasted eggplants or zucchini slices to add richness and spice to your vegetarian dishes. The versatility of this recipe means you can always mix things up while savoring that fragrant herbal and chilli kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though they rarely last long!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors continue to develop over time, so the feta will be even more flavourful the next day. Just make sure to keep the cheese submerged in the oil to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this feta dish as the texture of the cheese can become crumbly and lose its creamy smoothness after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or chilled within a few days.
Reheating
This recipe is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary or ideal. If you’d like the oil to be slightly warm, gently bring it to room temperature before serving to enhance the aroma without compromising the feta’s texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?
While feta is perfect for this recipe due to its firm yet creamy texture and salty tang, you could experiment with halloumi or goat cheese, though the flavor profile will change. Just keep in mind that other cheeses might not absorb the marinade in quite the same way.
How spicy is this recipe?
The chilli adds a noticeable but pleasant heat that complements the herbs and cheese. You can adjust the amount or type of chilli to make it milder or hotter depending on your preference, or omit it altogether for a gentler taste.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! Marinating the feta for several hours or overnight allows the flavors to infuse deeply, making it even more delicious. Just keep it refrigerated and covered until ready to serve.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Since it relies on feta cheese, which is a dairy product, this dish is not vegan-friendly. However, you might try a plant-based feta alternative to experiment with a vegan version, but note that the flavor and texture will differ.
What is the best way to serve this appetizer at a party?
Serve the marinated feta in a shallow dish with plenty of good crusty bread or breadsticks for dipping. Adding olives, roasted peppers, and fresh veggies nearby encourages guests to build their own flavorful bites, making it a fun and easy crowd-pleaser.
Final Thoughts
This Feta Marinated with Herbs and Chilli Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites to whip up when I want something that tastes effortlessly elegant but takes just minutes to prepare. It’s a simple celebration of fresh ingredients coming together to make each bite sing with flavor. Give it a try and watch it disappear from your table as fast as you can serve it!
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Feta Marinated with Herbs and Chilli Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes (plus optional marinating time overnight)
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Feta Marinated with Herbs and Chilli recipe features creamy Danish-style feta cheese gently infused with a fragrant blend of garlic, fresh herbs, fiery bird’s eye chilli, and zesty lemon rind, all soaked in rich extra virgin olive oil. It’s a quick and vibrant appetizer that’s perfect for serving alongside crusty bread or as part of a mezze platter, delivering a perfect balance of spice, freshness, and creaminess.
Ingredients
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 mixed fresh herbs, finely chopped (parsley and thyme recommended)
- 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 olive oil with garlic: Using the side of a knife, smash the peeled garlic cloves and combine them with the extra virgin olive oil. Cover the mixture and refrigerate it, allowing the flavors to develop for a few hours or preferably overnight.
- Quick garlic option: If short on time, mince one small garlic clove finely and stir it directly into the olive oil instead of infusing.
- Prepare the feta: Cut the feta cheese into bite-sized cubes approximately 1cm (1/3 inch) each for easy serving and marinating.
- Assemble the dish: Place the cubed feta into a serving dish. Scatter over the finely chopped herbs, chopped bird’s eye chilli, grated lemon rind, and add a grind of fresh black pepper.
- Add the infused oil: Pour the garlic-infused olive oil over the feta and herbs, ensuring everything is well coated.
- Serve: Present the marinated feta immediately alongside crusty bread to enjoy as a flavorful starter or snack.
Notes
- Use a creamy Danish feta for best texture; avoid crumbly or overly salty varieties.
- The garlic infusion is optional but enhances flavor dramatically if time allows.
- Adjust chilli quantity depending on your heat preference.
- This dish can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated; bring to room temperature before serving.
