If Feta is the bold, salty rebel of the Greek islands, Manouri P.D.O. is its elegant, refined sibling who went to finishing school and returned with a buttery disposition. This traditional Greek cheese is a "whey cheese," crafted from the silky leftovers of feta production enriched with sheep’s milk cream. The result is a gourmet sheep's milk cheese that defies the crumbly expectations of its heritage, offering a texture so moist and velvety it’s often compared to a dense cheesecake or a modified ricotta. It is famously mild, yet it possesses a sophisticated, lemony aftertaste that cleanses the palate just as the rich fats settle in. Holding a Protected Designation of Origin (P.D.O.) status, this is an authentic Mediterranean deli item that brings the sun-drenched hills of Greece directly to your kitchen. It is arguably the most versatile player in the dairy world; it’s salty enough to anchor a savory salad, yet creamy enough to be drizzled with honey for dessert. It doesn’t demand your attention with pungency; it earns it with a quiet, luxurious grace that makes standard cream cheese feel like a missed opportunity. For anyone looking to elevate their Greek food recipes, Manouri is the secret weapon that bridges the gap between a snack and a culinary event. The Recipes Recipe #1: Pan-Seared Manouri & Roasted Tomato Salad Thickly slice the Manouri log into 1-inch rounds. Lightly dredge the slices in seasoned flour and sear in a hot pan with olive oil for 2 minutes per side until a golden crust forms. Roast cherry tomatoes with garlic, thyme, and extra virgin olive oil until the skins burst. Arrange the warm cheese over a bed of arugula and top with the blistered tomatoes and their juices. This warm cheese salad highlights the unique ability of Manouri to hold its shape while softening beautifully under heat. Recipe #2: Greek Manouri & Spinach Tyropitakia Create a filling by mashing Manouri cheese with a small amount of crumbled feta, chopped spinach, and a hint of nutmeg. Layer sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each with melted butter. Place a tablespoon of the Greek cheese filling at the base of the dough strips and fold into triangles. Bake at 375°F until the pastry is golden-brown and shattering. These savory cheese pastries offer a richer, creamier interior than the standard feta-only version. The Appetizers Appetizer #1: Grilled Manouri with Honey & Figs Place Manouri wedges on a hot grill or griddle for 60 seconds to create char marks. Serve immediately on a platter with halved fresh figs. Drizzle generously with Greek thyme honey and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. The contrast of the salty-sweet cheese pairing makes this a standout Mediterranean starter. Appetizer #2: Manouri & Olive Tapenade Crostini Spread room-temperature Manouri onto toasted baguette rounds. Top with a spoonful of salty Kalamata olive tapenade and a zest of lemon. The creaminess of the imported Greek cheese perfectly offsets the brine of the olives for a balanced deli-style appetizer. Ingredients: Sheeps & goat milk whey sheep's goat's pasteurized milk sheep's goat's pasteurized milk cream. Size: 3.85 Lbs Origin: USA
