Ingredients
For the Whipped Feta Dip:
- 8 oz (225g) block feta cheese, drained and roughly crumbled
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ⅓ cup (80g) plain Greek yogurt (full-fat recommended)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about ½ lemon)
- 1 small garlic clove, minced or grated
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- 2 tablespoons honey (for drizzling)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or oregano (optional)
- Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
- Pita bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Remove the cream cheese from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting—this ensures smooth blending. Drain the feta cheese and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess brine. This prevents the dip from becoming too thin or watery.
Step 2: Blend the Base
Add the crumbled feta cheese, softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and minced garlic to your food processor. Secure the lid tightly.
Step 3: Process Until Smooth
Pulse the mixture several times to break down the feta, then blend continuously for 1-2 minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula. The mixture should transform from chunky to completely smooth and creamy, with a texture similar to thick hummus or cream cheese frosting. If the dip seems too thick, add another tablespoon of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of olive oil and blend again.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Taste your whipped feta and adjust seasonings as needed. Add a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper for depth. If it tastes too salty (feta brands vary in saltiness), add another tablespoon of Greek yogurt or cream cheese. If it needs more brightness, add a squeeze more lemon juice. Blend briefly to incorporate any additions.
Step 5: Transfer and Style
Using your rubber spatula, transfer the whipped feta to a shallow serving bowl or plate. Use the back of a spoon to create attractive swirls and valleys in the surface—this isn’t just for aesthetics; those swoops will catch the honey and olive oil beautifully.
Step 6: Add Finishing Touches
Drizzle generously with honey in a zigzag pattern across the top. Add a generous drizzle of your best extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a pop of color and mild heat. Add fresh herbs if using—dill and parsley are particularly beautiful.
Step 7: Serve Immediately or Chill
Serve immediately with warm pita bread, pita chips, crackers, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, or carrot sticks. Alternatively, cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Feta Quality Matters: Use block feta rather than pre-crumbled feta for the smoothest texture. Pre-crumbled feta contains anti-caking agents that can make your dip grainy.
- Room Temperature is Key: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before blending. Cold cream cheese will create lumps that are difficult to blend out.
- Consistency Adjustments: If your dip is too thick, thin it with additional Greek yogurt, a splash of milk, or olive oil. If it’s too thin, add more feta or cream cheese.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dip tastes even better after the flavors meld for a few hours in the refrigerator.
- Serving Temperature: While this can be served cold, it’s most flavorful at room temperature (about 20-30 minutes out of the fridge).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup (about 60g)
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 285mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g