Description
This Green Peppercorn-Marinated Feta is a flavorful appetizer featuring creamy feta cheese cubes marinated in a zesty blend of extra-virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, green peppercorns, crushed red pepper, and fresh thyme. Perfectly balanced with a touch of spice and herbaceous notes, this dish is ideal for serving with crackers or crostini at gatherings or as a sophisticated snack.
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 the 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 the Feta: Place the cubed feta cheese evenly in a 9-inch square baking dish, ensuring the cubes are spread out for even marination.
- Marinate the Feta: Pour the prepared marinade over the feta cubes, covering them thoroughly. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight, stirring gently a few times during this period to ensure the flavors permeate the cheese evenly.
- Serve: After marination, serve the peppercorn-marinated feta with your choice of crackers or crostini as an appetizer or snack.
Notes
- For best flavor development, marinate the feta overnight.
- Gently stir the feta occasionally during marination to distribute the marinade evenly.
- Use a non-reactive dish like glass or ceramic to avoid any metallic taste during marination.
- Adjust crushed red pepper quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- Keep refrigerated and consume within 3–4 days for freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (about 3 ounces)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg