Dairy | Vegetarian Diet (if rennet-free) Keto

Feta Cheese

N/A (Derived from Milk) Allergens: Milk
feta cheese

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Bovidae (Sheep/Goat)
  • Primary Cuisine Greek|Mediterranean
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Sheep's Milk|Goat's Milk

What Is Feta Cheese?

A brined curd white cheese traditionally made in Greece from sheep's milk, or a mixture of sheep and goat's milk, known for its salty, tangy, and crumbly texture.

"Embracing the piquant punch of Greece's quintessential crumbly cheese."

What Does Feta Cheese Taste Like?

Salty, tangy, slightly acidic, milky

Taste
Salty, Tangy, Pungent, Slightly Sour
Texture
Crumbly, Creamy (when warmed)
Aroma
Sharp, Briny
Acidity
High

Technical Metrics

Calcium Content (per 100g)

~493mg

PDO Status Origin (EU)

Greece (2002)

Shelf Life (Refrigerated, Brined)

Up to 3 Weeks

Nutrition Facts

Per 28 g (1 oz)
Calories264 kcal
Total Fat21.3 g
Saturated Fat14.9 g
Trans Fat0.0 g
Cholesterol89 mg
Protein14.2 g
Total Carbohydrate4.1 g
Dietary Fiber0.0 g
Total Sugars4.1 g
Calcium493 mg
Iron0.7 mg
Potassium62 mg

Chef’s Secret

To reduce the saltiness of feta, soak it in cold water or milk for 15-30 minutes before serving. Store in its brine or fresh water.

Feta Cheese Substitutes & Ratios

The best substitute for Feta Cheese is Goat Cheese (Chèvre), used at a 1:1 ratio. Similar tangy, earthy flavor and crumbly texture, often less salty.

Substitutes for Feta Cheese with ratios
Substitute Ratio Best for
Goat Cheese (Chèvre) Best 1:1 Similar tangy, earthy flavor and crumbly texture, often less salty.
Halloumi Cheese 1:1 Salty, firm cheese that holds shape when cooked; lacks the crumbly texture.
Ricotta Salata 1:1 Salty, firm, and crumbly, but milder and less tangy.
Vegan Feta (Plant-based) 1:1 Dairy-free option mimicking the salty, tangy profile and crumbly texture.

How to Choose & Store Feta Cheese

  1. Look for feta stored in brine for best flavor and texture.
  2. Avoid dry, yellowed, or extremely crumbly blocks.

What Pairs Well With Feta Cheese?

  • Olives
  • Tomatoes
  • Cucumber
  • Onions
  • Watermelon
  • Spinach
  • Lamb
  • Chicken
  • Pasta
  • Pita Bread
  • Oregano.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Feta Cheese taste like?

Salty, tangy, slightly acidic, milky Sharp|Briny

What is a good substitute for Feta Cheese?

The best substitute is Goat Cheese (Chèvre) (1:1). Similar tangy, earthy flavor and crumbly texture, often less salty.

How do you choose and store Feta Cheese?

Look for feta stored in brine for best flavor and texture. Avoid dry, yellowed, or extremely crumbly blocks.

Recipes Using Feta Cheese

Main Ingredient Comfort Food 4 Hours Or Less Time To Make

Alton Brown's Gyro Meat Recipe

Experience the ultimate gyro meat recipe, perfected by Alton Brown! This mouthwatering blend of succulent lamb and savory ground beef is incredibly flavorful and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you prefer the oven-baked meatloaf method or the impressive rotisserie approach, the result is a juicy, tender gyro that's guaranteed to impress. Detailed instructions guide you through each step, ensuring a perfect gyro every time. Get ready for a culinary adventure!

See Complete Recipe
New Years Lunch European Occasion

Andros Island Shrimp Baked In Tomato Sauce W Feta

Escape to the sun-drenched shores of Andros Island with this irresistible baked shrimp dish! Inspired by upscale Greek taverns, this recipe delivers a taste of the Aegean. Succulent shrimp are bathed in a vibrant tomato sauce, then baked to bubbly perfection with salty feta cheese. Serve in individual gratin dishes for an elegant presentation, perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. The scrumptious sauce is begging to be sopped up with crusty bread – you've been warned! This adaptation of a classic Greek island recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

See Complete Recipe
Apples Fruit Salads Easy

Apple Salad With Cranberry Vinaigrette

A festive and refreshing Apple Salad with a tangy Cranberry Vinaigrette, perfect for your holiday gatherings! This vibrant salad combines crisp apples, crunchy celery, and tart cranberries, all tossed in a homemade vinaigrette that's both easy to make and incredibly delicious. Get ready for a burst of holiday flavor in every bite!

See Complete Recipe
Healthy Low Cholesterol Low Calorie Healthy 2

Araka Peas Potatoes Dill

Experience the vibrant flavors of Greece with this quick and easy Araka Peas, Potatoes, and Dill recipe! A comforting and delicious side dish or light meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a taste of the Mediterranean. This recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and features fresh dill, tender potatoes, and sweet peas in a light and flavorful olive oil sauce. Serve warm with crumbled feta for an authentic Greek touch!

See Complete Recipe
Easy Course Summer Cuisine

Artichoke Heart And Tomato Salad

This vibrant Artichoke Heart and Tomato Salad is a refreshing side dish or a delightful pita pocket filling! Inspired by the legendary Moosewood Restaurant, this recipe requires minimal cooking – mostly chilling time – to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Imagine juicy tomatoes, tender artichoke hearts, and a zesty, herbaceous dressing creating a symphony of taste in your mouth. Perfect for a light lunch, summer barbecue, or a healthy weeknight meal.

See Complete Recipe
Free Of Something Time To Make Nut Free Occasion

Athena's Ma Cropolis Rsc

Elevate your mac and cheese game with this Greek-inspired twist! Imagine creamy, dreamy mac and cheese infused with the bold, salty tang of blue cheese-stuffed olives. This recipe, inspired by Hidden Valley Ranch, transforms a classic comfort food into a sophisticated dish worthy of the gods. Easy to make, yet impressive to serve, it's the perfect showstopper for your next gathering. Prepare to be amazed!

See Complete Recipe
60 Minutes Or Less Pasta Rice And Grains Low In Something 60 Minutes Or Less

Athenian Rice With Feta Cheese

Experience the vibrant flavors of Greece with this authentic Athenian Rice with Feta! This creamy, cheesy rice dish is bursting with sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and fresh herbs. A quick and easy weeknight meal, perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying side. This recipe is inspired by traditional Greek cooking, offering a delicious and healthy option.

See Complete Recipe
Low Protein Dietary Dips 3 Steps Or Less

Avocado Tomato And Olive Salsa

This vibrant and flavorful Avocado Tomato & Olive Salsa is the perfect appetizer or side dish! A delightful blend of creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and briny olives, this versatile recipe is equally delicious scooped with tortilla chips, served as a refreshing salad, or used as a zesty dip. The quick prep time and minimal cooking make it ideal for weeknight meals or entertaining. We'll show you how to keep your avocados vibrant and green!

See Complete Recipe
15 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Equipment Main Ingredient

Awesome Bow Tie Pasta Salad

This vibrant and refreshing bow tie pasta salad is perfect for a light lunch, potluck, or summer BBQ! Made with creamy feta, juicy tomatoes, and a zesty balsamic vinaigrette, this easy recipe comes together in minutes. Feel free to customize it with your favorite additions like black olives or cherry tomatoes for a burst of extra flavor. Get ready to impress your taste buds!

See Complete Recipe
Ragu Recipe Contest Preparation Sauces Ragu Recipe Contest

Babette's Colossal Crockpot Chili Ragu

This hearty and bold chili ragu, a Ragú® recipe contest entry, is packed with flavor and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters! Imagine tender Italian sausage, succulent stewed tomatoes, and rich black beans simmering to perfection in your slow cooker. Topped with creamy feta, this colossal chili is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a chilly evening or a crowd-pleasing feast. Get ready for rave reviews!

See Complete Recipe
Oven Dietary Low In Something Course

Baked Eggs Florentine

Indulge in this easy and delicious Baked Eggs Florentine recipe – the perfect brunch or breakfast casserole! Flaky spinach, creamy eggs, and a touch of cheese make this a crowd-pleasing dish that's ready in under an hour. Perfect for weekend mornings or a special occasion.

See Complete Recipe
One Dish Meal Low In Something Tomatoes Brunch

Baked Feta Stuffed Tomatoes

Escape the summer heat with this light yet satisfying Baked Feta Stuffed Tomatoes recipe! Juicy tomatoes are filled with a creamy feta, herb, and breadcrumb mixture, then baked to perfection. A perfect side dish or light meal, this Southern Living inspired recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with fresh flavors. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete and refreshing dinner.

See Complete Recipe
Taste Mood Taste Mood 4 Hours Or Less Pasta

Baked Ziti With Feta

Forget the red sauce! This unbelievably easy baked ziti recipe features a creamy, dreamy feta cheese sauce that will become your new favorite comfort food. A lighter take on a classic, perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual gathering. Say goodbye to boring baked ziti and hello to cheesy, delicious perfection!

See Complete Recipe
15 Minutes Or Less 15 Minutes Or Less Side Dishes Preparation

Balsamic Cashew Pea Salad

This vibrant and refreshing Balsamic Cashew Pea Salad is the perfect picnic companion for summer! Light, sweet, and incredibly crunchy, this recipe (inspired by Trader Joe's!) skips the mayo for a lighter, healthier twist. Enjoy the tangy balsamic vinaigrette or substitute with your favorite balsamic vinegar for a customizable flavor experience. Get ready for a burst of summer in every bite!

See Complete Recipe
Breakfast Lunch Presentation Spinach

Barb's Feta Cheese Scramble

Fluffy scrambled eggs meet salty feta cheese and vibrant veggies in this irresistible breakfast (or brunch!) recipe! Barb's Feta Cheese Scramble is a family favorite, easy to customize with your favorite vegetables like broccoli, peppers, mushrooms, and more. This quick and satisfying recipe is perfect for a weekday morning or a weekend treat. Get ready to enjoy a burst of Mediterranean flavors!

See Complete Recipe
Low Cholesterol Main Ingredient Time To Make Equipment

Beef And Eggplant Stew Greek Crock Pot Version

Experience the taste of the Mediterranean with this hearty, slow-cooked Beef and Eggplant Greek Stew! Our adapted recipe delivers a rich, flavorful sauce, perfectly tender beef, and melt-in-your-mouth eggplant. The aromatic spices create an authentic Greek experience, and the stew is unbelievably delicious served over penne or rigatoni pasta. This easy crock-pot recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.

See Complete Recipe
Main Ingredient Occasion Stove Top Equipment

Mediterranean Salad With Grilled Chicken Breasts

This vibrant Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Salad is a crowd-pleaser! Inspired by a cooking class recipe, this dish features juicy grilled chicken breasts marinated in a zesty blend of herbs and spices. The quick marinade and easy stovetop grilling make it perfect for weeknight dinners or impressive gatherings. Crisp greens, fresh vegetables, and crunchy pita chips complement the flavorful chicken, all tossed in a light and tangy lemon-herb dressing. Prepare for a taste of the Mediterranean in under an hour!

See Complete Recipe
Dietary Low Carb Low In Something Low Cholesterol

Mrs Maline's Health Salad

This vibrant and healthy salad by Mrs. Maline requires minimal effort! Simply mix the dressing, toss in your favorite veggies, and let it sit overnight in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld. Wake up to a delicious and nutritious meal, perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish. It's packed with vitamins and is naturally gluten-free and low-calorie. Get ready to enjoy the freshness!

See Complete Recipe

Related Dairy Ingredients

Need a substitute for Feta Cheese right now, or a recipe that uses it? Ask Sous, your AI sous-chef.