• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Homebody Eats
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Dessert
    • Main Dish
    • Side Dish
  • Entertaining
  • Kitchen Essentials
  • About
  • Start a Food Blog
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Healthy Recipes
  • Recipe Index
  • Contact
  • About
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Homebody Eats » Recipes » Appetizers » Marinated Feta Cheese Appetizer

    Marinated Feta Cheese Appetizer

    Published: Oct 26, 2019 · Modified: Dec 27, 2022 by Jessica Mode · This post may contain affiliate links, which means I'll receive a commission if you purchase through the link, at no extra cost to you. Please see full disclosure for more details.

    404 shares
    • Share
    • Email
    • Print
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
    feta cheese topped with herbs on a white serving tray Pinterest pin.

    Whip up a delicious and easy marinated feta appetizer with only 10 minutes in the kitchen. This appetizer recipe can be served alongside toasted pita or added to a charcuterie board.

    feta cheese squares garnished with herbs on a serving platter.

    Whether you're hosting the holidays or just need a quick appetizer recipe to bring along for a friend's party, this marinated feta cheese is the perfect answer!

    You'll only need 10 minutes of active work in the kitchen to throw this dish together. Then, it goes into the fridge to marinate and soak up all the delicious flavors from the olive oil, herbs, and spices.

    This feta cheese can easily be paired with other heavy appetizers to make it more filling or placed on a charcuterie board or hummus platter.

    Jump to:
    • What You'll Learn In This Recipe
    • What Is Feta Cheese?
    • Ingredients You Need
    • How To Make This Recipe
    • Expert Tips
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More Appetizer Recipes
    • Marinated Feta Cheese Appetizer

    What You'll Learn In This Recipe

    • A little bit about feta cheese, including my favorite way to purchase feta.
    • Fun and unique serving ideas for this appetizer.
    • My favorite wine to pair with feta cheese.

    If you enjoy learning new tips and tricks to enhance your home cooking skills, be sure to sign up for my free five day email series all about ways to become a better home chef.

    What Is Feta Cheese?

    While real Greek feta is made from sheep's milk, the feta we purchase in the U.S. is mostly made with cow's milk and has a tangy, briny flavor.

    When purchasing feta, be sure to buy it in a block (not crumbled). The feta block has a longer shelf life and tastes more moist and flavorful.

    Given the choice, I prefer to purchase my block of feta in brine. The liquid brine will protect the cheese from the air, thus preventing dry and sour feta.

    Ingredients You Need

    marinated feta cheese ingredients with labels.

    Here are the ingredients you'll need to make this delicious marinade for feta cheese:

    • Feta cheese: Be sure to purchase a block of feta cheese. This recipe won't work the same with crumbled feta.
    • Extra virgin olive oil: Olive oil is one of the main flavor enhancers of this dish. Be sure to purchase high-quality olive oil that tastes good.
    • Lemon peel and juice: We're maximizing the lemon flavor in this dish by using both the peel and the juice. You should be able to buy 2 medium-sized lemons and get the amount needed for this recipe.
    • Fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley: This variety of parsley adds a delicious flavor and pop of color to the marinated feta. Don't buy the curly parsley. It has less flavor than the flat-leaf variety.
    • Fresh thyme leaves: This is another herb that adds flavor to the dish. If you have extra thyme leaves, use them as garnish.
    • Garlic: I prefer to use fresh garlic, but you can substitute this ingredient for 3 teaspoons of jarred garlic.
    • Crushed red pepper: This ingredient adds just a touch of spice. Feel free to increase or decrease the amount listed in the recipe depending on your preferred spice level.
    • Pita bread: I love serving this feta cheese with toasted pita bread. You could also opt for raw vegetables or crackers.

    Be sure to check out the recipe card below for the ingredient quantities.

    How To Make This Recipe

    The best part about this feta cheese appetizer or snack is that it only requires 10 minutes of active work in the kitchen. Here's what you'll need to do to make this recipe:

    two numbered photos showing feta in a container and feta marinating with herbs and oil.

    Place a block of feta cheese along with olive oil, lemon peel, lemon juice, parsley, thyme, garlic, and crushed red pepper in an airtight storage container.

    numbered photo showing a container topped a label noting the date and time.

    Next, seal the container with a lid, and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for 24 - 48 hours.

    I like to place a piece of tape with the day and time I put the cheese in the fridge to marinate. This is a helpful reminder to know when the 48 hours have elapsed.

    If time allows, flip the feta cheese every so often to evenly flavor both sides.

    numbered photo showing sliced feta cheese squares on a cutting board.

    Once the cheese is done marinating, remove it from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature. Then, slice it into thin pieces using a sharp chef's knife.

    Expert Tips

    • Wondering what to serve alongside this marinated feta recipe? I love serving it with toasted pita, crackers, or raw veggies like cucumber, endive leaves, and bell pepper.
    • If you need an even bigger and more impressive feta appetizer, try adding the marinated cheese to a charcuterie board. This is exactly what I did when I made a Greek-inspired appetizer platter. It's a fun and enticing way to serve feta cheese.
    • Don't waste the leftover olive oil and herbs at the bottom of the container after the feta is done marinating. You can spoon the oil and herbs over the feta cheese once it's plated on a serving platter for a beautiful presentation.
    • Make sure to use a sharp chef's knife while cutting the feta cheese so you get nice and even cuts.

    Recipe FAQs

    What's the best type of feta to buy?

    It's best to buy a block of feta stored in the brine. The liquid brine will protect the cheese from the air, thus preventing dry and sour feta.

    How long does marinated feta last in the fridge?

    This marinated feta recipe should last about 7 days in the refrigerator. This is great news if you have leftovers or if you want to prep this dish days ahead of time for a party.

    What wine can I pair with this feta appetizer?

    I personally love pairing this marinated feta with white wine. Chardonnay pairs nicely with the herbs in this dish. You could also serve it with a glass of sauvignon blanc.

    Can I make this feta appetizer ahead of time?

    Yes, this feta cheese can be made up to 7 days ahead of time.

    herbed feta cheese on a serving platter next to pita wedges.

    More Appetizer Recipes

    • Whipped Spicy Feta Dip
    • Hummus Platter
    • Grilled Peach and Ricotta Crostini Appetizer
    • 25 Minute Smoked Salmon Canapés With Cucumber

    Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐rating in the recipe card below. Don't forget to follow along on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest for more recipes.

    feta cheese squares garnished with herbs on a serving platter.

    Marinated Feta Cheese Appetizer

    Whip up a delicious and easy marinated feta appetizer with only 10 minutes in the kitchen. This appetizer recipe can be served alongside toasted pita or added to a charcuterie board.
    Author: Jessica Mode
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Active Time 10 mins
    Marinating Time 2 d
    Total Time 2 d 10 mins
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine Greek
    Servings 6 people
    Calories 185 kcal

    Equipment

    • storage container
    • chef's knife

    Ingredients
      

    • 8 ounce block feta cheese
    • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons freshly grated lemon peel
    • juice of 2 lemons (about 6 tablespoons)
    • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley
    • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
    • 3 cloves garlic finely minced
    • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
    • pita bread for serving

    Instructions
     

    • Add feta, olive oil, lemon peel, lemon juice, parsley, thyme, garlic, and crushed red pepper to an airtight storage container.
    • Seal the container with a lid, and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for 24 - 48 hours. If time allows, flip the feta cheese every so often to evenly flavor both sides.
    • To serve, remove the storage container from the refrigerator and allow the feta to come to room temperature. Slice the feta into thin pieces using a chef's knife. Place sliced feta on a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining oil and herbs from the storage container on top of the feta. Serve alongside toasted pita wedges.

    Notes

    To make toasted pita wedges: Heat the oven to 350°F. Cut pita into 4 wedges. Place wedges on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 8 - 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until warmed and toasted all the way through.
    Make Ahead: This dish can be made up to 7 days ahead of time.
    Leftovers? Feta cheese will last up to 7 days when properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving (without pita bread)Calories: 185kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 6gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 34mgSodium: 435mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 378IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 199mgIron: 1mg
    Have you tried this recipe?Tag @homebody.eats on Instagram so we can see your creations!
    « Roasted Garlic Hummus (Two Ways)
    Greek Appetizer Platter »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Pat Mode

      December 31, 2019 at 6:25 PM

      5 stars
      I wanna try this to my next party. It looks amazing

      Reply
      • Jessica Mode

        January 1, 2020 at 8:27 PM

        Yum!! This would be perfect for a party!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Jessica! Here, you'll find delicious & fresh recipes that will help you learn to master a new skill in the kitchen!

    More about me →

    Healthy Side Dishes

    • Sweet Maple Pan Roasted Carrots
    • Brussel Sprouts With Balsamic Glaze (4 Ingredients)
    • Fall Cobb Salad
    • Stuffed Butternut Squash Boats (5 Ingredients)

    Sweet Treats

    • Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies
    • Salted Caramel Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
    • Loaded Gooey Chocolate Brownies
    • Mini Sweet Potato Pocket Pies With Premade Pie Crust

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    Learn About Us
    Privacy Policy
    Accessibility Statement

    Disclaimer
    Terms of Use

    Newsletter

    Sign Up for weekly emails and updates

    Contact

    Contact Us
    Work With Us

    As an LTK & Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Homebody Eats

    404 shares