Feta Psiti (Greek Baked Feta)

Feta cheese: A brined curd cheese traditionally made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep and goat's milk, known for its tangy and salty flavor.

Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes add a juicy and slightly acidic contrast to the creamy feta.

Olive oil: A staple in Mediterranean cuisine, it adds richness and helps meld the flavors together.

Dried oregano: A fragrant herb that adds a classic Greek flavor to the dish.

Dried thyme: Another aromatic herb that complements the oregano and enhances the overall taste.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and balances the flavors.

When preparing feta cheese for baking, consider using a block of feta rather than crumbled feta. A block will hold its shape better during baking, resulting in a delightful contrast between the creamy interior and the slightly golden exterior. Additionally, for an extra burst of flavor, you can marinate the feta in olive oil and herbs for a few hours before baking. This will allow the cheese to absorb the aromatic flavors, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• feta cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture, making it a good alternative.

• feta cheese - Substitute with ricotta salata: Ricotta salata is a firmer, saltier version of ricotta that can mimic the crumbly texture of feta.

• sliced tomatoes - Substitute with cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes can provide a similar juicy and sweet flavor when sliced in half.

• sliced tomatoes - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers add a sweet and smoky flavor that complements the other ingredients well.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a mild flavor that works well in baking.

• olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it a good alternative for baking.

• dried oregano - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil offers a sweet and slightly peppery flavor that can complement the dish.

• dried oregano - Substitute with dried marjoram: Dried marjoram has a similar flavor profile to oregano but is slightly milder.

• dried thyme - Substitute with dried rosemary: Dried rosemary has a robust, piney flavor that can add depth to the dish.

• dried thyme - Substitute with herbes de Provence: This blend includes thyme and other herbs, providing a complex flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat but a slightly different flavor profile, making it a good alternative.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and spice, which can enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

• Allow the feta psiti to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the cooled feta psiti to an airtight container. If you don't have one, tightly wrap the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The feta psiti will keep well for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the feta psiti in an oven-safe dish and bake for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave it on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but be cautious as microwaving can alter the texture of the feta.
• For freezing, wrap the cooled feta psiti tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Place the wrapped feta psiti in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness. The feta psiti can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the feta psiti in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat following the same instructions as for refrigerated storage.
• Note that while freezing is an option, the texture of the feta cheese may change slightly upon thawing. It may become a bit crumbly, but the flavors will still be delightful.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover Feta Psiti in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the feta cheese from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the feta is warmed through and slightly melty.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the Feta Psiti on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure the feta is not overheating.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Place the Feta Psiti in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the feta is warmed through and slightly golden.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the Feta Psiti in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure the feta is warming evenly.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the Feta Psiti on a small baking sheet.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to keep the feta moist.
  4. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until the feta is warmed through and slightly melty.

• Oven: Used to bake the feta cheese and tomatoes at the specified temperature.

• Small baking dish: Holds the feta cheese and tomatoes while they bake.

• Knife: Used to slice the tomatoes.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface to safely slice the tomatoes.

• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of olive oil, oregano, thyme, and black pepper.

• Serving plate: Used to serve the baked feta with crusty bread.

• Tongs: Helps to handle the hot baking dish safely.

• Oven mitts: Protects your hands when handling the hot baking dish.

Pre-slice the tomatoes: Slice the tomatoes in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

Use pre-crumbled feta: Opt for pre-crumbled feta cheese to save time on preparation.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating your oven while you gather and prepare your ingredients.

Measure spices ahead: Measure out the oregano, thyme, and black pepper in advance and keep them ready to sprinkle.

Use parchment paper: Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.