Ouzo-marinated Greek cheese is a delicious preparation that reflects the richness of Greek gastronomy. Kaseri cheese, originating from Thessaly and Macedonia, is a semi-hard cheese traditionally made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep and goat milk. In Greece, this recipe is enjoyed as an appetizer or starter, especially during social gatherings and celebrations. In other Latin American countries, particularly those with Mediterranean influence, it is simply known as "marinated cheese" or "anise cheese," referring to the use of ouzo, a typical Greek anise-flavored liquor. This dish combines the intensity and aroma of ouzo with fresh herbs and the mild flavor of the cheese, creating a unique experience that invites you to enjoy Greek culture from the table.
Greek cheese marinated in ouzo
How to prepare Ouzo-marinated Greek cheese
To begin, cut the Kaseri cheese lengthwise into four pieces, each 1/2 inch thick.
Place the pieces in a single layer in a shallow dish.
In a small bowl, mix ouzo, olive oil, fresh parsley, fresh thyme, and pepper until the flavors are well combined.
Pour this mixture over the cheese, making sure to coat each piece evenly.
Let the cheese marinate for at least 4 hours and up to 8 hours, turning it once so it absorbs the marinade well.
Preheat your oven's broiler to prepare for the grilling moment.
Carefully remove the cheese from the marinade and transfer it to four small broiler-safe dishes.
Drizzle 2 teaspoons of the marinade over each piece of cheese to enhance the flavor during cooking.
Broil the cheese until it is soft and just begins to melt, approximately 4 minutes.
Finally, serve the marinated cheese hot accompanied by freshly grilled pita bread to fully enjoy this exquisite recipe.
Ingredients (7)
- Kasseri Cheese
- Ouzo
- Olive Oil
- Fresh Parsley
- Fresh Thyme
- Pepper
- Pita Bread
Instructions (18 steps)
- 1 Cut the cheese lengthwise into four 1/2-inch thick pieces
- 2 Place in a single layer in a shallow dish
- 3 Mix ouzo
- 4 olive oil
- 5 parsley
- 6 thyme
- 7 and pepper in a small bowl
- 8 Pour over the cheese
- 9 Marinate for at least 4 hours and up to 8 hours
- 10 turning once
- 11 Preheat the grill
- 12 Remove the cheese from the marinade
- 13 Transfer to 4 small grill-proof gratin dishes
- 14 Drizzle 2 teaspoons of marinade over each piece of cheese
- 15 Grill until the cheese is soft and just begins to melt
- 16 about 4 minutes
- 17 Serve with bread
- 18 Serve with freshly grilled pita bread