Sometimes, the internet mocks us. Viral trends seem unattainable, such as Pinterest-worthy homes, fitness regimens, and sad beige children.
All too often, people living without dairy are MOCKED by viral food trends that seem unattainable. Historically, dairy free cheese has not always behaved like its dairy counterpart. It does not always melt when we want, it does not always stay solid when we want.
But inside our minds, sometimes we wonder... what if? Is it possible?
Today we test out whether we can make the viral baked feta pasta.
Hypothesis: Dairy free feta cheese can indeed melt and create an easy, delicious pasta sauce, allowing those without dairy to access a viral trend.
Method
Recipe source: Just look it up on whatever internet you use (Instagram, Tik Tok, Google). Here's what I used:
Materials:
Feta Dairy-Free Substitute: Taking a big leap of faith, (most of) one block of Vegan Feta Cheese Alternative from Trader Joe's (snacking, I mean quality advocacy, is a must), took the starring role for this production.
Tomatoes: I used some of these homegrown cherry tomatoes (Sweet 100).
I also used the rest of my olive oil, and since that was not enough for the recipe, I added some canola oil.
Herbs and aromatics: Instead of fresh thyme, I sprinkled in some Italian seasoning. I also added sea salt instead of kosher salt, and garlic and onion powders.
Steps: This is why this is viral. The instructions are:
1. Pour tomatoes in dish.
2. Coat in olive oil and spices.
3. Add feta block to middle.
4. Top with a little more olive oil.
5. Bake.
6. Make pasta.
7. Mix all together when ready to serve.
Steps 1-2.
Steps 3-4.
I like that this recipe did not guide you to change the temperature part way through, making this version even easier than others.
Results
IT MELTED!!!
Twenty minutes into baking:
Thirty minutes in:
I paired it with angel hair spaghetti tossed in with about 1/4 cup starchy cooking water.
It was, in a word, delicious. That is what our dairy-eating tester said.
Discussion
Results conclusively demonstrated that the Trader Joe's brand of dairy-free feta cheese does indeed work in the viral Baked Feta and Tomato Pasta. Those living without dairy can access this viral trend using the recipe and ingredients described here.
There was not much leftover, so it was indeed well-loved. 10/10 recommend.
Due to budget constrictions, we were not able to test different methods or different products. Therefore, it is possible that results will not generalize to other recipes or other feta alternatives. (Trader Joe's- sponsor me?!)
In the future, I may not replicate this with as much oil, the decadence of the cheese was definitely sufficient. What other cheeses might you consider trying? What other trendy or traditional recipes seem difficult to replicate? Idea are welcome for future research!
