Baked Feta Cheese More Food

SHEET PAN BAKED FETA WITH SUMMER VEGETABLES

Steps:

• Place a rimmed baking sheet on the lower rack of the oven. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• Combine the vinegar, rosemary sprig and honey in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer until thick and syrupy and reduced to about 2 tablespoons, about 2 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly. Remove and discard the rosemary sprig.
• Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven. Scatter the corn, peppers, zucchini and scallions on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with the red pepper flakes and 1 teaspoon salt. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons of the olive oil and toss. Nestle the slabs of feta in among the vegetables. Roast until the vegetables are tender and the feta is warmed through and softened, about 15 minutes.
• While the feta and vegetables roast, combine 1 cup water, 1 teaspoon salt and the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and stir in the bulgur. Remove from the heat and cover. Let sit for 8 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
• Once the vegetables are tender, turn on the broiler and move the baking sheet to the top rack of the oven. Broil until the cheese and vegetables are browned in places, about 2 minutes.
• To serve, divide the escarole among 4 shallow bowls. Top with the warm bulgur, vegetables and feta. Drizzle with the balsamic reduction and serve.

BAKED FETA PASTA

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Toss the cherry tomatoes and olive oil with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and several grinds of black pepper in a medium bowl until combined. Transfer to a 2 1/2- to 3-quart baking dish, place the feta in the center of the tomatoes and season with a pinch of black pepper. Bake until the tomatoes have burst and the feta has softened, about 30 minutes. Raise the heat to 450 degrees F and continue to cook until the tomatoes and feta are golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes more.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 13 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then thoroughly drain the pasta.
• As soon as the tomatoes and feta come out of the oven, stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Use the back of a spoon to smash the tomatoes and feta into a smooth and creamy sauce (it's okay if some of the oil isn't fully integrated). Add the pasta and half the basil and toss until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, stir in some pasta water a couple tablespoons at a time. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve topped with the remaining basil and a pinch of sea salt.

BAKED OLIVES AND FETA CHEESE

Steps:

• In a small bowl, toss the olives with the thyme, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, fennel seeds and olive oil.
• Lightly oil the bottom of an 8 to 9 inch ovenproof skillet, such as cast iron.
• Place the cheese in the center of the pan, then top with the marinated olive mixture. Use a spatula to get all the goodies out of the olive tossing bowl and some will fall to the side. At this point, you can cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day.
• When ready to bake, heat the oven to 400*F.
• Bake the cheese and the olives for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is soft and gooey. Serve immediately, right out of the pan, with slices of rustic bread, crostini, pitta, or Pita chips.

BAKED HERB FETA CHEESE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 180C or 350F degrees.
• Place the feta on a 30cm piece of foil or 12inches square.
• Mix together the freshly chopped herbs and press on to the sides of the feta.
• Drizzle with the oil and season to taste with cracked black pepper.
• Gently fold the sides and ends of the foil over to make a parcel.
• Place on a baking tray and bake for 10-15 minutes until the feta is soft.
• Drain any excess liquid before serving and serve either hot or cold chopped in salads, with bread or as part of a cheese platter.

EV'S BAKED FETA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 380 degrees F.
• Centre a slice of feta on each of the 8 sheets of foil.
• Centre a slice of tomato over that; sprinkle with garlic and oregano and a light sprinkling of red pepper flakes.
• Drizzle 1 tblsp of olive oil over each feta parcel and seal foil.
• Bake for 15 minutes or, if you're grilling, place the foil packet on your bbq.
• Place one packet per plate (allowing guests to open their own packet and inhale lovely fragrance) and serve with crusty bread as an appetizer.
• Note: You can also grill this feta on the bbq, but double-wrap in foil to ensure there are no tears and you don't lose any melty cheese and juices.

BAKED FETA CHEESE WITH ONIONS, RED PEPPER & TOMATOES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 220°C/425°F/Gas Mark 7
• You will need two individual serving dishes that can go into the oven.
• De-seed and cut the bell pepper length ways into 3 cm strips.
• Brush the pepper slices in a little oil and place on a preheated non stick baking tray and roast for about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven.
• Char the skin of the pepper slightly with a cooks blow torch if you think the skin isn't looking nice and roasted. Put the peppers to one side.
• Now, in a saucepan, melt the butter and the olive oil.
• Slice the onion thinly and finely chop the garlic. Add the onion and garlic to the saucepan. Over a low heat, cook until soft but not coloured.
• Cut the feta cheese into 2cm cubes.
• Using individual serving dishes, layer the onions, with the thinly sliced tomatoes and the roasted red pepper slices.
• Top with the cubed feta cheese. Finish by sprinkling with the grated parmesan cheese. Sprinkle a pinch of paprika on top of each dish.
• Cover with aluminium foil (trying not to touch the cheese) and bake in the oven for about 15 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the feta starts to get a nice colour.
• Take care not to cook too much as it looks better if the feta stays in cubes.
• Serve with nice fresh crusty bread.