How to Dehydrate Feta Cheese
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Dehydrated feta cheese adds a rich, tangy flavour and a source of protein to a variety of dishes. Its long shelf life and concentrated taste make it perfect for camping meals or seasoning blends.
Snapshot
Special Prep
none
Temperature
135°F
Time
8 hours
Mass Change
Approx 55% decrease
How to prep feta cheese for dehydrating
Preparing feta cheese is simple: start by draining the brine, then crumble or cut it into 1/4-inch cubes. For best results, gently pat the pieces with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
FYI:
Because of its bacterial cultures, moisture, and fat content, soft cheese is considered a higher-risk ingredient for home dehydrating. While dehydrated cheese can last several months to a year, it’s essential to store it in a cool, dry place and check for any signs of spoilage before use. For added safety and longevity, consider storing it in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to use it.
How to dehydrate feta cheese
Basic Steps:
- Drain brine
- Crumble or slice into strips or cubes no more than 1/4″ thickÂ
- Gently pat the pieces with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture
- Arrange on a mesh lined dehydrating tray with enough room for air to circulate between the pieces (avoid over lapping as much as possible)
- Place in dehydrator and dehydrate at 135°F for about 8-10 hours
It’s that easy!
Notes:
- A mesh liner is recommended for feta cheese, required if crumbled
- Dehydrating times may vary (the water and fat content in the cheese, as well as the humidity and altitude of where you live in impact the time)
- To learn more about dehydrating, check out our post How to Dehydrate: Learning the Basics
How do you know when feta cheese is fully dehydrated?
Dehydrated feta cheese should be lightweight, firm, and noticeably difficult to break apart. Its bright white color will appear slightly muted. When cut or squeezed, it should release no moisture, indicating it’s fully dried.
Jar test: If eager, you can place your feta cheese in a glass jar and tightly close the lid. If you notice moisture or condensation forming in the jar within 24-48 hours (or if the feta cheese becomes spongy or soft) you know there is still moisture and more dehydrating time is needed.Â
Note: You technically can’t over dehydrate feta cheese. If in doubt, dehydrate until you’re absolutely certain there’s no moisture left.Â
Fresh to dehydrated conversion measurements ​
55%
The mass and weight of feta cheese decreases by about 55% once dehydrated.
Ex. 1 cup cubed feta cheese
- Pre-dehydrated: 1 cup | 131gÂ
- Dehydrated: 1/2 cup | 60gÂ
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How to store dehydrated feta cheese:
Here are some tips to help you maximize the shelf life of your dehydrated feta cheese:
- Allow to cool after dehydrating before storingÂ
- Keep stored in a sealable container or bag in a cool, dry and dark place
- Using Mylar bags or vacuum sealing can extend the shelf life by up to three times its normal duration! This is useful if you’re prepping lots for longer term use. Learn the pros and cons of each in our post: The Ultimate Guide to Long-Term Food Storage: Mylar Bags vs. Vacuum Sealing (Bags & Jars)
When dried and stored properly, feta cheese should have a shelf life of several months.
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Rehydrating dehydrated ingredients
When & Why to Rehydrate Dehydrated Ingredients
Knowing how much water to use for rehydration is essential for getting the best texture and flavour out of your dehydrated foods. Some ingredients are best rehydrated just before use, while others can absorb enough liquid during cooking – it all depends on how you’re using them!Â
For Dehydrated Meal Prep
- When preparing dehydrated meals for outdoor adventures, understanding the water requirements for different ingredients ensures you add just the right amount, giving you confidence in your meal creativity and preparation.
Before Cooking or Baking
- If a recipe doesn’t contain much liquid – such as stir-fries or casseroles – rehydrating beforehand prevents ingredients from staying too tough
- Pre-soaking reduces cooking time, especially for hard ingredients like beans or root vegetables
- Certain dehydrated ingredients (such as whole mushrooms or tomatoes) regain a better texture and flavour if rehydrated before cooking
- Rehydrated ingredients absorb flavors more easily when cooked, making dishes more flavorful
- Baking: Ingredients like dried fruits can be rehydrated to have a softer texture and to prevent them from drawing moisture out of the dough or batter
For Eating Raw
- If you’re eating the dehydrated ingredients uncooked, but prefer a softer texture (such as using dehydrated fruits or vegetables in a salad)
Rehydrating dehydrated feta cheese:
Dehydrated feta cheese to water ratio is typically 1 : 1
 Per 1/4 cup of dehydrated feta cheese:
Quick Simmer
- Add 1/4 cup water and bring to a boil
- Turn down heat, cover and simmer for 5 minutes
- Turn off or remove from heat and let sit for 5-10 minutes
Just Add Hot Water
- Add 1/4 cup boiling water and stir
- Let soak for 20-30 minutes
Add water & refrigerate
- Add 1/4 cup water and stir
- Place in fridge and let soak for 24 hours
Note: it’s important to not let sit for more than 30 minutes in room temperature because of the risk of bacteria growth.Â
FAQs
Can I use an oven to dehydrate feta cheese?
Not unless your oven can maintain a low temperature of around 135°F (57°C). Feta cheese needs to be dehydrated at this temperature to dry properly. If the temperature is too high, you risk either cooking the cheese or causing “case hardening,” where the outer layer hardens, trapping moisture inside and preventing proper drying.
How to Dehydrate Feta Cheese
Dehydrated feta cheese adds a rich, tangy flavour and a source of protein to a variety of dishes. Its long shelf life and concentrated taste make it perfect for camping meals or seasoning blends.
Notable Equipment
- 1 Dehydrator
Ingredients
- feta cheese
Instructions
- 1. Drain brine
- 2. Crumble or slice into strips or cubes no more than 1/4" thickÂ
- 3. Gently pat the pieces with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture
- 4. Arrange on a mesh lined dehydrating tray with enough room for air to circulate between the pieces (avoid over lapping as much as possible)
- 5. Place in dehydrator and dehydrate at 135°F for about 8-10 hours
Notes
- Because of its bacterial cultures, moisture, and fat content, soft cheese is considered a higher-risk ingredient for home dehydrating. While dehydrated cheese can last several months to a year, it’s essential to store it in a cool, dry place and check for any signs of spoilage before use. For added safety and longevity, consider storing it in the refrigerator or freezer until you're ready to use it.
- A mesh liner is recommended for feta cheese, required if crumbled
- Dehydrating times may vary (the water and fat content in the cheese, as well as the humidity and altitude of where you live in impact the time)
- To learn more about dehydrating, check out our post How to Dehydrate: Learning the Basics
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The Foodie Behind the Screen
Hi there! I'm Bri. I'm sharing my love for cooking - and the outdoors - one recipe at a time.
