Do not forget that feta cheese craze on TikTok? You realize the one: Everybody and her brother had been making baked feta pasta with each potential add-in: shrimp, cherry tomatoes, hen, spinach, walnuts, you title it. If it was edible, it went in.
I sort of felt the feta cheese was incidental, a free present with buy. It by no means was the star.
In the future, 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 might accommodate any delicacies from world wide. 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 Our Testers Liked This
It was no shock that this recipe was an prompt success with the testers. Joanna Burnett cherished that it was “tremendous simple and quick to make” and described it as “wealthy and lemony and delightful with olive oil and herbs sprinkled on prime.” What extra may you need from a dip?
What You’ll Have to Make This
- Feta cheese–Give your cheese a bit of 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.
- Pink pepper flakes–This provides you with taste however not plenty of warmth. When you desire a spicy feta dip, sprinkle in an additional 1/4 teaspoon of pepper flakes.
How one can Make Whipped Feta Dip
- Mix the feta, yogurt, lemon zest, and salt in a meals processor.
- Drizzle within the oil whereas the processor is operating.
- Scrape down the edges 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 stir to include any liquid, so, in case 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 effectively earlier than utilizing.
Sure, you’ll be able to, however you will want to cease the blender and scrape down the edges a number of occasions.
What to Serve with This Recipe
When you’re serving this as a snack, supply it with a collection of crunchy uncooked greens, comparable 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 hen wraps, or a topping for Mediterranean nachos. Nonetheless received leftovers? Drizzle it over spice-marinated salmon, pork chops, or grilled roasted hen.
Variations
Dasha Kiseleva 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 deliver a smoky warmth to the dip. It’s excellent in case 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 effectively with the tanginess of the feta.
- Sichuan chili crisps: A daring, tingling spice with crunch—this could possibly be an thrilling textural and taste distinction.
- Lime zest and chopped cilantro: Vibrant and contemporary, this variation will give the dip a vibrant, herbaceous twist.
- Chopped parsley, thyme, rosemary, tarragon, or basil: Every herb presents 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 supply a burst of sweetness and vibrant shade, making the dip visually beautiful 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 prime provides a candy distinction to the salty feta, creating an attention-grabbing 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 possibility that mimics the feel of yogurt however provides a deeper taste with the buttermilk. Add extra buttermilk on your best consistency.
Bitter cream: A fantastic various if you’d like a bit extra tang and creaminess; it’ll preserve an identical texture to yogurt.
Mascarpone cheese: This provides a wealthy, barely candy creaminess, making a extra indulgent dip.
Useful 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 effectively earlier than serving.
Extra Nice Dip Recipes
Write a Assessment
When you make this recipe, or any dish on LC, contemplate leaving a overview, a star ranking, and your finest picture within the feedback beneath. I really like listening to from you.–David
Forestall your display from going darkish
- 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 effectively 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.
Photographs © 2024 David Leite. All rights reserved.
Recipe Testers’ Opinions
I’m at all times in search of 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 delightful with olive oil and herbs sprinkled on prime. 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 the whole lot 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 just about disappear, which is the right amount for some, however would possibly want adjusting for individuals who desire a contact of warmth. I added lemon juice from half of the zested lemon for further tang.
This creamy feta dip is scrumptious, appears superb, and may be made in a short time. The ingredient checklist can be on the essential aspect, and the entire components are simple to search out at most grocery shops.
The feta I used was salty and the ¼ teaspoon salt that the recipe known as for made the dip too salty. My meals processor is just too giant for the small quantity of components, so I used my mini processor. This required extra time to mix the whole lot 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 effectively as a variety for no-knead sourdough bread slices. We actually cherished it and I might be making it once more.
The one challenge we had with this was with the oregano and chili flakes on the highest, however that was on account of my plating error. I used a stunning petal-shaped bowl, by which the dip appeared stunning, however it was slim on the prime, which meant I used to be dipping straight into the dry toppings.
It was time for lunch, and we had been uninterested in the same old fare. So I made a decision to do this dip with pita bread for a lightweight 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 components on this dip. I’m certain that this could work effectively with veggies or pita chips however don’t rule out the pita bread, it was yummy.
This good little recipe for whipped feta dip delivers phenomenal outcomes: unimaginable texture and taste from simply six components, AND it comes collectively in simply 5 minutes. Doesn’t get a lot 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 do-it-yourself 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 effectively 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 could possibly 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 in a position to 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 means of. What extra may you ask of a dip?
Such a easy recipe…such glad prospects. I admit to being stunned by all of the blissful eaters I served this whipped feta dip recipe to, all of whom unprompted mentioned one thing like; “That is actually good.”
Apart from the little little bit of guide labor required to zest the lemon and measure the opposite components, it comes collectively in a snap and appears very inviting with a bit of drizzle of olive oil, some oregano, and crimson pepper flakes. And it goes equally effectively 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 means of. I used my dip as a dressing for a blended salad. I believe this can grow to be a favorite for me, as its simplicity and quickness of prep will guarantee I can at all times have a dip/dressing made rapidly.
