All cheeses melt. Or do they? Many of us cheese lovers are quite accustomed to the gooey, stringy, creamy heaven we call cheese, dripping from out pizzas, and grilled sandwiches. But what about feta cheese? Does it melt? Here are some brilliant feta cheese facts that you will love!
Table of Contents
- Does Feta Melt?
- What Does Feta Do When Heated?
- Will Crumbled Feta Cheese Melt in The Oven?
- Does Feta Cheese Melt in The Microwave?
- Feta Melting in Food
- Tips to Soften or Melt Feta Cheese
- How to Store Melted Feta Cheese
- Other Types of Cheese That Don’t Melt
- So Does Feta Cheese Melt?
- FAQs
Does Feta Melt?
No, unlike other cheeses, feta cheese does not melt.
Not all cheese melts. For instance, goat cheese, Indian paneer, Italian ricotta, and Cypriot Halloumi are all examples of cheese that don’t melt.
Feta has a very high acid content and an incredibly high moisture level, which prevents the cheese from melting to the desired consistency.
Why Doesn’t Feta Melt?
Melting cheese should be the easiest thing in the world, so why doesn’t feta cheese melt?
The only reason feta cheese is unable to transform into a gooey, creamy, and stringy mess is because of its very high water and acid content.
While feta cheese won’t melt into a smooth sauce-like consistency, it can certainly soften a little when exposed to high temperatures.
What Does Feta Do When Heated?
Generally, when cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar are heated they melt easily, forming a gooey, stringy, and flowing liquid that we all know and love. But when feta cheese is heated, it simply will not melt.
So what happens when feta is heated?
When heated, the tough cheese softens in texture. Crumbled feta cheese will become a soft and buttery fluff of cheese. If you bake or fry feta cheese, you may even accomplish a wonderful browning on the outside.
Additionally, if you want to indulge in feta’s flavor to the maximum, then ensure that you keep the indestructible cheese in the oven to brown. This will also enhance its delicious tangy taste!
Can You Force Feta to Melt?
Yes, while feta cheese can seem impossible to melt, there is a way to melt this tough block of cheese.
Simply place the block of feta cheese in a baking dish and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes. Once the cheese has melted, remove it from the oven and let it cool. Then cut the cheese into cubes and serve.
Will Crumbled Feta Cheese Melt in The Oven?
While it is almost impossible to get feta to melt, there are some ways to get your feta cheese to achieve a melty cheese texture.
One of the ways of getting your feta to soften considerably is by putting it into the microwave set to medium heat. Due to the high water content, feta cheese won’t melt entirely, though it will become softer than it was. To get the cheese to melt properly, or becomes softer, simply bring the cheese to room temperature of 20 minutes, but do not leave the fresh cheese to sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Crumble the cheese up into tiny pieces, and place these crumbled pieces into the oven set to medium heat. The smaller the pieces of feta cheese, the faster the cheese will melt. For a creamier sauce you can even add a splash of milk, corn, or flour to quicken the process.
Does Feta Cheese Melt in The Oven?
Yes. While feta cheese might not melt like other cheeses, it can certainly soften to a more gooey-like texture.
Feta cheese is often used as a topping for salads and dips, and feta cheese melts quickly when heated in the oven because it contains lots of moisture. You only need to place it in the oven for 5 minutes to achieve that wonderful creamy feta cheese sauce!
Does Feta Cheese Melt in The Microwave?
While it is possible to melt feta cheese in the microwave, it isn’t easy.
When it comes to melting feta cheese you need to make sure that you are maintaining consistent texture throughout the dish. You must stir the feta cheese mixture frequently after each short microwave burst.
The best way to achieve a completely melty cheese consistency is through the addition of melting cheeses i.e., mozzarella and parmesan cheese. This will help manipulate the feta into submitting to a more melted consistency.
Why Did My Feta Cheese Not Melt?
Say you’ve placed your feta cheese on some toast, and waiting for it to produce its gooey cheesy magic when you notice that it hasn’t melted at all. The fact is, feta cheese won’t melt because it contains salt, which prevents the cheese from melting.
Feta Melting in Food
Does Feta Melt in Soup?
While feta doesn’t melt completely, it does soften and produce a pleasant texture. If you’re looking to add a little tangy addition to your hearty soups, then crumbled feta cheese is the best cheese to go for. This delicious cheese will provide a rich, creamy texture to your meal, and will have you going back for more in no time!
How to Make Feta Melt On Toast
While feta cheese does not melt like ordinary cheeses such as mozzarella or cheddar cheese, you might not be able to achieve that familiar gooey, stringy texture. However, there are other ways to enjoy feta cheese on toast!
Thinly slice tomatoes and place them neatly over your slice of bread, then add a handful of crumbled feta cheese and place this into the oven to heat for 3 minutes. The results are simply amazing!
Will Feta Cheese Melt on Pizza?
No. Feta cheese doesn’t melt like other cheeses such as mozzarella or cheddar cheese, which is why you won’t achieve the same results when you add it to pizza. Rather you’d have a chewier texture of cheese to enjoy, which isn’t such a bad thing since feta tastes absolutely fantastic, it’ll only complement the pizza toppings.
Tips to Soften or Melt Feta Cheese
To soften or melt feta cheese, place it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Alternatively, place feta cheese in a bowl filled with hot water for 5 minutes to soften the cheese.
How to Store Melted Feta Cheese
Feta cheese can easily grow mold if it isn’t stored properly. To prevent this from happening, try to store your melted feta cheese in the refrigerator immediately after it has melted. Simply place your melted cheese in an airtight container, and pop it in the refrigerator. Ensure the lid of the container is properly sealed to prevent air from entering the container as this will create a batch of spoiled cheese. If you wish to store your feta for longer, then wrap the cheese in aluminum foil, and place it in the freezer until you’re ready to eat. Freezing your cheese minimizes the chances of mold and bacteria growth, retaining its quality for multiple uses.
Other Types of Cheese That Don’t Melt
There are many types of cheeses that do not melt easily. Some of them include paneer, ricotta, cottage cheese, halloumi, quark, Queso Blanco, and mascarpone.
Though blue cheese melts well when shredded and heated in an oven.
So Does Feta Cheese Melt?
Feta cheese won’t melt completely, but it will soften enough to provide a smooth cheesy texture for you to enjoy. Feta cheese is typically best when added to certain foods like soups, pasta, and salads, which is why its crumbly texture is adored.
FAQs
Does Feta Cheese Taste Good Melted?
Although feta does not melt, it does maintain a wonderful flavor when heated, turning deliciously soft and gooey.
Can Feta Cheese Be Heated?
Yes, feta cheese can be fried, baked, or microwaved to create a gooey texture.
Is Feta Cheese Hard to Melt?
Yes, feta cheese is pretty difficult to melt as it has a much higher acid content compared to other types of cheese.
Is Feta Cheese Healthy?
Feta cheese is undoubtedly healthier than other cheeses mainly because it is a great source of vitamins and minerals, contributing to healthier skin, and a healthy nervous system. Feta is also lower in fat compared to other cheeses as it has a much higher water content. This fantastic cheese is made from sheep and goat’s milk and is recognized for its distinct sour, salty taste and rich aroma.
What Does Feta Cheese Taste Like?
Feta has a tangy, rich, and slightly salty taste, that tastes even better the more aged it is. Feta is mostly made with sheep’s milk which has a rich buttery flavor, while goat’s milk will contribute to the hard texture and mild taste of the cheese.
