Feta Skharas: Grilled Feta Cheese

By
Nancy Gaifyllia
Nancy Gaifyllia
A resident of Greece, Nancy Gaifyllia is a cook who writes about the country's regional specialties.
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Updated on 12/23/22
Feta cheese and tomatoes
ac_bnphotos/E+/Getty Images
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 17 mins
Total: 27 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
122 Calories
9g Fat
4g Carbs
6g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Amount per serving
Calories 122
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 9g 12%
Saturated Fat 6g 32%
Cholesterol 38mg 13%
Sodium 392mg 17%
Total Carbohydrate 4g 1%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Protein 6g
Calcium 217mg 17%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Feta cheese is versatile. It can be combined with so many different herbs and vegetables, but this grilled feta recipe is simple and basic. You and your guests can focus on the cheese's tangy, salty goodness as it melts in your mouth. Skharas—φέτα σχάρας in Greek and pronounced FEH-tah SKHAH-rahs—pairs well with wine, either blush, white or red. They also go down well with beer, and you can serve ouzo for a classic Greek touch.

Make sure the feta you use is genuine feta. The real deal is made exclusively in Macedonia, Thrace, Thessaly, central mainland Greece, the Peloponnese, and Lesvos. Those produced in central Greece and Thessaly having the strongest flavor.

Cheeses made elsewhere have no legal right to use the name "feta." They might look the same or similar, but they're typically labeled as "feta-like" cheese to keep in line with legal restrictions. The texture is not an indication of authenticity. Real feta can range from somewhat dry and crumbly to soft and creamy, depending on how long it's been aged. 

Ingredients

Steps to Make It

  1. Place the feta slices on a piece of foil large enough to wrap around the slices without overcrowding them. 

  2. Top the cheese with the chopped tomatoes, the pepper slices, a sprinkling of Greek oregano, and a couple of drops of olive oil. Wrap the feta slices securely in the foil.

  3. Heat your grill to medium-low. Place the packet on the grill next to your favorite meat, fish or veggies and cook for 15 to 17 minutes. Each slice of feta should be soft in the center when you press a finger to it. 

  4. Transfer the feta, tomatoes, and peppers to a bowl and serve. 

Tips

  • For best results, bring the feta to room temperature before grilling.
  • If you prefer a less salty feta, wash it briefly under water before cooking. 
  • The pepper can be hot or mild, depending on your taste and preferences. 

Recipe Variations

  • Thyme is an acceptable substitute for the oregano if you'd like to try a slight variation. 
  • The feta packet can also be roasted in the oven at 375 F for 15 to 20 minutes.
  • If you're in the mood for a really quick treat and you don't feel like firing up the grill or the oven, you can microwave the feta and its tomato topping on high for 1 minute.
  • As an added touch, serve the feta with grilled bread. Just brush both sides of the bread with a little olive oil and grill until it turns crunchy and toasty.