Barefoot Contessa Marinated Herbed Feta

Barefoot Contessa Marinated Herbed Feta is made with Greek feta, dried thyme, fennel seeds, crushed red pepper, green olives, and olive oil. This recipe creates a flavorful, aromatic cheese perfect for entertaining. It takes about 4 hours and 10 minutes to prepare and serves 8.

Barefoot Contessa Marinated Herbed Feta Ingredients

• 1½ teaspoons dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried fennel seeds
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1½ pounds Greek feta, drained and sliced ½ inch thick
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• ½ cup green olives with pits, such as Cerignola
• ½ cup good olive oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Toasted pita triangles, for serving

How To Make Barefoot Contessa Marinated Herbed Feta

1. Mix the Herbs: In a small bowl, combine dried thyme, fennel seeds, and crushed red pepper flakes.
2. Arrange the Feta: Overlap the feta slices on a 9 × 9-inch serving plate.
3. Add Flavor: Sprinkle the herb mixture evenly over the feta.
4. Add Garnishes: Nestle the fresh thyme sprigs and olives among the slices.
5. Drizzle and Season: Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
6. Marinate and Serve: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Serve at room temperature with toasted pita triangles.

Recipe Tips

• Use Block Feta: Greek feta in brine has the best texture and flavor.
• Slice, Don’t Cube: Sliced feta absorbs flavor without becoming greasy.
• Adjust the Heat: Add more or less crushed red pepper to taste.
• Let It Sit: Marinating for at least 4 hours helps the flavors meld.
• Serve with Bread: This is excellent with warm pita, crusty bread, or as part of a mezze platter.

What To Serve With Marinated Feta

This herbed feta pairs wonderfully with hummus, olives, tzatziki, and stuffed grape leaves. It’s also delicious on toasted bread or added to grain bowls and salads.

How To Store Marinated Feta

Refrigerate: Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Freeze: Not recommended, as feta’s texture may become crumbly and dry.

Marinated Feta Nutrition Facts

Estimated per serving:

• Calories: 220
• Total Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Sugar: 0g
• Protein: 8g
• Sodium: 480mg

FAQs

Can I use pre-crumbled feta?
No, block feta slices work best for this presentation and flavor absorption.

What kind of olives should I use?
Cerignola or other green olives with pits add the best flavor.

How long can I marinate the feta?
Up to one week when refrigerated in a sealed container.

Is this served warm or cold?
Serve at room temperature to best enjoy the texture and flavor.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Dried herbs give more concentrated flavor here, but a mix of both can be used.

Try More Recipes:

• Barefoot Contessa Greek Mezze Platter with Thyme Roasted Red Peppers
• Barefoot Contessa Truffled Chicken Liver Mousse
• Barefoot Contessa Roasted Red Pepper Hummus