Keep in mind that feta cheese craze on TikTok? You recognize the one: Everybody and her brother have been making baked feta pasta with each potential add-in: shrimp, cherry tomatoes, rooster, spinach, walnuts, you identify it. If it was edible, it went in.
I form of felt the feta cheese was incidental, a free present with buy. It by no means was the star.
At some point, I mentioned to myself, “Self, why don’t you give feta cheese its due? Its quarter-hour of fame.” (Sure, I do know that feta cheese has been round for hundreds of years, however you get my drift.) That is the end result. A easy, elegant dip that may be made in—no kidding—10 minutes.
This dip is metaphorically the United Nations of meals. It may possibly accommodate any delicacies from around the globe. You’ll discover a bunch of my swap-outs and variations beneath. The one limits? Your creativeness and sense of geography. (Tuvalu, anybody?)
Chow,
Why This Recipe Works
This whipped feta dip works as a result of it’s constructed on an excellent little bit of culinary logic: Take our salty Greek pal, whiz it with creamy yogurt, and watch magic occur. The lemon zest wakes up the flavour, whereas the meals processor turns it into super-soft pillows of taste. And right here’s the kicker—it’s a chameleon of a dip that may deal with any topping you throw at it, and it really will get higher after chilling out (see what I did there?) in your fridge for just a few days.
Notes on Elements
- Feta cheese–Give your cheese somewhat nibble earlier than including it to the meals processor. If it’s on the salty aspect, don’t add any further salt till after the dip is mixed, then season to style.
- Greek yogurt–Don’t be tempted to substitute low-fat or common yogurt right here. This recipe wants the thickness and fats content material to create a easy unfold. Low-fat or common yogurt will lead to a watery sauce that received’t work for dipping.
- Crimson pepper flakes–This gives you taste however not lots of warmth. When you desire a spicy feta dip, sprinkle in an additional 1/4 teaspoon of pepper flakes.
The best way to Make Whipped Feta Dip
- Mix the feta, yogurt, lemon zest, and salt in a meals processor.
- Drizzle within the oil whereas the processor is working.
- Scrape down the perimeters of the meals processor, then blitz once more till easy. High the dip with a drizzle of oil, oregano, and pepper flakes earlier than serving.
Widespread Questions
Sure. You can also make the dip as much as three days earlier than serving. It’s going to want a superb stir to include any liquid, so, in the event you’ll be storing it for greater than a few hours, don’t add the extra oil, oregano, and pepper flakes till simply earlier than serving.
You’ll be able to freeze the dip in a sealed container for as much as 3 months. Nevertheless, the feel could change barely. Thaw within the fridge in a single day and stir properly earlier than utilizing.
Sure, you may, however you have to to cease the blender and scrape down the perimeters a number of occasions.
What to Serve with This Recipe
When you’re serving this as a snack, provide it with a number of crunchy uncooked greens, corresponding to broccoli, carrot sticks, radishes, and celery, together with crisp pita chips, pretzels, or crackers.
Don’t cease there, although! This creamy unfold may also be used as a salad dressing, a creamy sauce for tandoori rooster wraps, or a topping for Mediterranean nachos. Nonetheless bought leftovers? Drizzle it over spice-marinated salmon, pork chops, or grilled roasted rooster.
Variations
Consider this recipe as a blueprint, a suggestion. You’ll be able to tailor it to match the kind of delicacies you take pleasure in making. As a substitute of the red-pepper flakes and lemon zest, think about using:
- Chipotle powder: This can convey a smoky warmth to the dip. It’s good in the event you’re eager on a Southwestern or Mexican taste.
- Aleppo pepper: A milder warmth with fruity undertones—nice for a extra refined spice kick.
- Pink peppercorns: These little gems add a floral, barely candy, peppery taste, which performs properly with the tanginess of the feta.
- Sichuan chili crisps: A daring, tingling spice with crunch—this might be an thrilling textural and taste distinction.
- Lime zest and chopped cilantro: Shiny and contemporary, this variation will give the dip a vibrant, herbaceous twist.
- Chopped parsley, thyme, rosemary, tarragon, or basil: Every herb gives a definite taste that may complement the dip. Rosemary or thyme add a savory earthiness, whereas basil or parsley brighten it up with a spark of taste.
- Toasted sesame seeds and za’atar may add an additional layer of nuttiness and complexity, particularly for a Center Japanese-inspired model.
- Cucumber: Including finely diced cucumber or a cucumber salsa topper lends a refreshing crunch.
- Pomegranate seeds: These provide a burst of sweetness and vibrant shade, making the dip visually gorgeous and including a sweet-tart distinction.
- Toasted pine nuts: Attain for these for a pleasant buttery crunch, complementing the creaminess of the dip.
- Honey: A drizzle on high provides a candy distinction to the salty feta, creating an fascinating steadiness.
- Roasted garlic: Mellow, candy roasted garlic blended into the dip or used as a topping would add depth of taste.
As a substitute of yogurt, take into consideration:
Cream cheese and a splash of buttermilk: A thicker, tangier choice that mimics the feel of yogurt however provides a deeper taste with the buttermilk. Add extra buttermilk in your supreme consistency.
Bitter cream: An excellent various if you’d like a bit extra tang and creaminess; it should keep the same texture to yogurt.
Mascarpone cheese: This provides a wealthy, barely candy creaminess, making a extra indulgent dip.
Professional Suggestions
- Use a large bowl for plating your dip in order that the toppings aren’t too concentrated in a single place.
- This recipe is appropriate for gluten-free diets.
Storage
Retailer in a sealed container within the fridge for as much as 3 days. Stir properly earlier than serving.
Extra Nice Dip Recipes
Write a Assessment
When you make this recipe, or any dish on LC, think about leaving a evaluation, a star score, and your greatest photograph within the feedback beneath. I really like listening to from you.–David
- Choosing the proper serving bowl–Use a large bowl for plating your dip in order that the toppings aren’t too concentrated in a single place.
- Storage–Preserve in a sealed container within the fridge for as much as 3 days. Stir properly earlier than serving.
- Dietary–This recipe is appropriate for gluten-free diets.
Serving: 1 portionEnergy: 134 kcalCarbohydrates: 2 gProtein: 6 gFats: 11 gSaturated Fats: 5 gMonounsaturated Fats: 5 gTrans Fats: 0.001 gLdl cholesterol: 26 mgSodium: 404 mgFiber: 0.1 gSugar: 1 g
Diet info is robotically calculated, so ought to solely be used as an approximation.
Pictures © 2024 David Leite. All rights reserved.
Recipe Testers’ Critiques
I’m at all times on the lookout for recipes so as to add to my appetizer checklist. Tremendous simple and quick to make, it is going to be an ideal addition to a celebration unfold. The dip is wealthy and lemony and exquisite with olive oil and herbs sprinkled on high. We ate it with veggies, however it could even be nice with toasted pita chips, as an addition to a charcuterie board, or as a sandwich unfold.
A fast and tangy dip that went with every little thing in our fridge, this whipped feta made leftovers appear to be a brand new dinner. We had it on salmon planks and salt and pepper pork chops, used it to dip blanched broccolini, roasted carrots and cauliflower, and as a base for a beet salad with feta.
The crimson pepper flakes nearly disappear, which is the correct quantity for some, however would possibly want adjusting for many who need a contact of warmth. I added lemon juice from half of the zested lemon for further tang.
This creamy feta dip is scrumptious, appears wonderful, and could be made in a short time. The ingredient checklist can also be on the essential aspect, and all the elements are simple to seek out at most grocery shops.
The feta I used was salty and the ¼ teaspoon salt that the recipe referred to as for made the dip too salty. My meals processor is just too massive for the small quantity of elements, so I used my mini processor. This required extra time to mix every little thing and made the dip extra liquidy than whipped.
Subsequent time I make this recipe I’ll salt to style and break the feta into smaller crumbles to keep away from processing an excessive amount of.
This was tangy, creamy, and glorious as a dip for each greens and pita chips. It additionally labored properly as an expansion for no-knead sourdough bread slices. We actually beloved it and I might be making it once more.
The one situation we had with this was with the oregano and chili flakes on the highest, however that was as a result of my plating error. I used a stunning petal-shaped bowl, during which the dip appeared stunning, but it surely was slender on the high, which meant I used to be dipping straight into the dry toppings.
It was time for lunch, and we have been uninterested in the standard fare. So I made a decision to do that dip with pita bread for a light-weight lunch. It took solely about 5 minutes to make and was met with excessive reward.
The lemon zest, oregano, and crushed crimson pepper flakes made this simple feta unfold scrumptious. The lemon zest gave it a zing and the crushed crimson pepper introduced out the flavors of the fantastic elements on this dip. I’m positive that this is able to work properly with veggies or pita chips however don’t rule out the pita bread, it was yummy.
This sensible little recipe for whipped feta dip delivers phenomenal outcomes: unbelievable texture and taste from simply six elements, AND it comes collectively in simply 5 minutes. Doesn’t get significantly better than that! I’ll be making this as an appetizer for all my future entertaining alternatives, together with as a dip for pita triangles and crisp chilly greens on grazing boards for my catering enterprise.
That is my new favorite go-to dip for veggies. First, the mixed-in yogurt lightens up the energy on this dip. I changed the full-fat Greek yogurt with my home made low-fat however extremely drained Greek-style yogurt. Second, the feta supplies construction and flavour. Final, however not least, it’s on the desk in 10 minutes and retains properly within the fridge for a number of days permitting you to make forward.
Whereas I did really feel that the dried oregano and crushed crimson pepper flakes quantities might be elevated, I did this to 1/2 of the dip and my friends had the choice of each milder and punchier flavour.
The consistency was much less “whipped” and extra on the “drizzling” aspect after sitting out for quarter-hour however this was not an issue. After refrigeration, the consistency returned to extra strong and I used to be capable of pipe it onto greens. I served mine as a dip for crudités (peppers, tomatoes, and radishes). I additionally used it as stuffing for mini peppers and piped it onto fried inexperienced tomatoes.
Whereas flavourful, this dip additionally allowed the veggie flavours and crunch to shine by. What extra may you ask of a dip?
Such a easy recipe…such happy clients. I admit to being stunned by all of the completely satisfied eaters I served this whipped feta dip recipe to, all of whom unprompted mentioned one thing like; “That is actually good.”
Except for the little little bit of handbook labor required to zest the lemon and measure the opposite elements, it comes collectively in a snap and appears very inviting with somewhat drizzle of olive oil, some oregano, and crimson pepper flakes. And it goes equally properly with contemporary greens and crackers. The lemon zest brightens the in any other case, tangy, salty taste of the feta and the crimson pepper flakes and oregano add complexity.
This dip was very simple to make, and the lemon flavour got here by. I used my dip as a dressing for a combined salad. I feel this can turn into a favorite for me, as its simplicity and quickness of prep will guarantee I can at all times have a dip/dressing made rapidly.
