Feta cheese is the most popular and versatile cheese in the world. This soft Greek briny cheese is a key ingredient in Eastern Mediterranean cooking, baking, and snacking. It became so popular that the Greek government registered the cheese name feta as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), meaning the word “feta” can only be used for cheeses from that region.

I love making this as an appetizer, shaping the cheese into balls, which not only looks gorgeous but also tastes amazing.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb feta cheese
• 3 tbsp fresh dill
• 3 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• 2 tbsp za’atar
• 1/2 tsp Aleppo pepper

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, crumble the feta and add fresh dill and olive oil.
2. Form the mixture into balls by hand, choosing your preferred size (e.g., two inches in diameter).
3. Roll the balls in the za’atar, ensuring that all sides are covered.
4. Place the balls on a tray and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle Aleppo pepper on top.
5. Serve and enjoy as an appetizer.