Description
A flavorful and tangy appetizer featuring feta cheese marinated in a zesty blend of green peppercorns, extra-virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, crushed red pepper, and fresh thyme. This dish is perfect for serving with crackers or crostini, offering a delicious savory treat that melds bright, herbal, and spicy flavors after several hours of marinating.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade and Feta
- 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
- 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 extra-virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, drained green peppercorns, kosher salt, and crushed red pepper until well combined. Add the thyme sprigs to infuse herbal notes into the marinade.
- Arrange the Feta: Cut the feta cheese block into 1-inch cubes and evenly place them in a 9-inch square baking dish to create a single layer for thorough marination.
- Marinate the Feta: Pour the marinade mixture over the feta cubes, ensuring all pieces are covered. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate: Place the covered dish in the refrigerator and let the feta marinate for 8 hours or overnight. Gently stir the feta cubes a few times during marination to help distribute the flavors evenly.
- Serve: Remove from the refrigerator and serve the marinated feta with crackers or crostini as an appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances the flavor absorption for the feta cheese.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper amount to control the spiciness level.
- Use good-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- This dish pairs well with fresh vegetables or as part of a Mediterranean appetizer board.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 0.8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
