Whipped Feta Dip
User Reviews
4.8
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
234 kcal
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Course
Appetizer, Condiments, Snacks
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Cuisine
Mediterranean, American
Whipped Feta Dip
Description
This Whipped Feta Dip uses creamy Danish-style feta softened with cream cheese to achieve a smooth texture when blended in a food processor with a touch of crushed garlic and optional lemon zest. The olive oil is slowly incorporated to create a rich, silky consistency. The dip is spread thinly on a plate and decorated with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and honey, sprinkled with roughly chopped pistachios, finely minced parsley, and an optional pinch of chili flakes or additional lemon zest to add complexity and color.
The dip presents a pleasantly creamy, slightly tangy, and mildly garlicky flavor profile. Its texture is smooth without graininess typical of some feta varieties unless blended extensively. The combination of sweet honey and crunchy pistachios balances the saltiness of the feta.
Serve this dip immediately alongside a selection of warm breads, pita, crackers, or crudités for dipping. It pairs well with cheeseboards or as part of mezze platters including pickled vegetables or olives. Leftover dip without toppings can be refrigerated and consumed within three days.
Notes highlight the importance of using Danish-style feta for smoothness while accepting that Greek feta can be used with more blending but a grainier texture. Cream cheese can be substituted with yogurt or sour cream, and garlic intensity should be moderated. Alternative toppings and serving suggestions are provided to accommodate preferences.
Ingredients
Creamy Feta Dip:
- 400g / 10 oz feta cheese at room temp (ie. the creamy sort, not crumbly Greek sort, Note 1, Danish
- 125g/ 4 oz cream cheese Note 2, at room temp, or 3/4 cup yogurt
- 1/4 tsp garlic , crushed using garlic press (Note 3)
- 1 1/2 tsp lemon optional, zest
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Toppings (Note 4 for subs):
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp pistachio roughly chopped
- 1/2 tsp parsley , finely minced
- Pinch of chili flakes optional, or red pepper flakes
- Sprinkle of lemon optional, zest
Dipping options - choose:
- bread warmed, thick slices
- Lebanese , pita or flat bread wedges
- crackers
- Veggie sticks (ie crudités)
Instructions
- Feta Dip: Place all ingredients except the oil in a food processor. Blitz on high for 10 seconds or until pretty smooth, scraping down the sides once. (You could also use a stick blender, but a stand mixer will not work)
- Olive oil: With the motor running, slowly pour the olive oil through the feeder then blitz until the dip is smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Spread on a shallow bowl-plate / regular plate so it's around 1.5cm / 0.6" thick. Use the back of a spoon to create swirls for the honey and oil to pool in.
- Drizzle over the honey and olive oil. Sprinkle with pistachios, parsley, chilli and lemon. Serve immediately with dippers of choice!
Notes
- Danish feta yields a very smooth dip; Greek feta can be used but results in a grainier texture requiring longer blending.
- Cream cheese may be replaced with 3/4 cup yogurt or sour cream, adjusting quantities accordingly.
- Garlic flavor is prominent; use sparingly to avoid overpowering the dip.
- Variations for toppings include maple syrup instead of honey, various nuts, seeds, dried fruits, olives, or pickled items.
- Keep dip refrigerated up to 3 days without toppings; add toppings just before serving to prevent moisture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 234 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 234cal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 9g | 3% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Fat | 19g | 29% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 46mg | 15% |
| Sodium | 659mg | 27% |
| Potassium | 57mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 231IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 256mg | 26% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.