Easy Whipped Feta Dip Recipe

how about whipped feta dip, for a change!

Whipped feta dip recipe is a modern appetizer idea that’s exploding in popularity right now. The process of whipping feta cheese with other ingredients, such as cream cheese, sour cream, or Greek yogurt, creates a smooth and creamy texture that is perfect for spreading or dipping. If you’ve overdone it with hummus, salsa, or guac, whipped feta could be your new favorite appetizer. Think of it as your warmer weather version of a creamy hot cheese dip.

I love whipped feta piled in a bowl with lots of crispy pita chips for dipping. But today I’m also going to show you how to make adorable (and ingenious) individual veggie dip cups so you can mix and mingle all the while clutching your newest appetizer obsession.

more cool and creamy dip ideas

• Smoked Trout Dip
• Muhammara (roasted red pepper & walnut dip)
• How to Make Tzatziki Dip
• Herb Marinated Goat Cheese
• Jewel Box Labneh Balls
• Creamy Spring Onion and Radish Dip
• Creamy Vidalia Onion Dip

5 simple ingredients in this whipped feta dip recipe

You’ve heard me say it before, but when you have a recipe this simple, each ingredient counts…buy the best you can afford.

• feta cheese
• yogurt
  • I use Icelandic skyr, which is super thick.
• extra virgin olive oil
  • a little goes into the whip but mostly it’s drizzled over top and collects in golden pools. If you’ve got a good olive oil the flavor is wonderfully fruity with a hint of pepper.
• lemon
• garlic
  • just one small clove, otherwise raw garlic can overwhelm.

choosing the best feta ~ imported or domestic?

Feta cheese has been made in Greece for thousands of years, and it is thought to be one of the oldest cheeses in the world. Traditionally, feta cheese was made with sheep’s milk, or a combination of sheep’s and goat’s milk.

I reserve the right to change my mind in the future, but for now I strongly prefer imported Greek feta. I find it to be milder (less sharp) with a more complex flavor, than domestic feta. Look for the words product of Greece or made in Greece, and sheep’s milk on the label.

BUT you can absolutely make this whipped feta dip recipe with domestic feta, and if you find a great one, let me know in the comments below.

is whipped feta dip a healthy snack or appetizer?

The pros: feta cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, and it also contains vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and magnesium.

The cons: feta cheese is relatively high in fat compared to other cheeses and also high in sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation. Some whipped feta recipes are made with cream or cream cheese, or even heavy cream, but mine is made with healthy yogurt.

timing is everything

Freshly whipped feta has a lighter than air consistency. It’s most fluid right after whipping, but it will become stiffer after it chills. I like to chill it briefly before serving for a thicker texture.

If you’d like a bit more texture in your dip, use a food processor rather than a high speed blender. The flavor will be the same, and you’ll get a slightly thicker, grainier texture. This is how they serve it in our local Greek restaurant and I love it both ways.

what to serve with whipped feta dip

Pita bread, cut in triangles, is a classic way to serve this Mediterranean appetizer. I like to brush with olive oil and toast my pita bread for some extra crunch. You can use toasted bread, crackers, or fancy Copycat Raincoast Crisps® Crackers if you like.

how to garnish whipped feta dip

Whipped feta is gleaming white and silky smooth ~ beautiful on its own with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. But it really comes alive when you top it with something special. This not only adds enticing color, but a contrast of textures.

• I chose crushed pistachios, dill fronds, and tiny Niçoise olives from my supermarket’s olive bar.
• Toasted pine nuts and chopped parsley.
• Blistered cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and acidity to the dip. You can roast them in the oven with olive oil and garlic for added flavor.
• Roasted red peppers are sweet and smoky, and pair well with the tanginess of the feta. You can roast your own red peppers or use jarred roasted red peppers.
• Caramelized onions are sweet and savory, and add a depth of flavor to the dip. You can caramelize the onions with balsamic vinegar or honey for extra sweetness which offsets the tanginess of the feta.
• Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend made with dried thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and other herbs. Sprinkle some on top of your whipped feta dip for a flavorful and aromatic touch. For a lower brow spice blend how about Everything Bagel?
• Hot honey drizzled over the whipped feta dip instead of olive oil.
• Crispy prosciutto adds a salty and crunchy texture to the dip. Simply cook some prosciutto in the oven or in a pan until it’s crispy, then crumble it on top of the dip.

whipped feta dip to go!

Sometimes I like to make individual whipped feta veggie dip cups so my guests and I can grab our food and move about without being tethered to the appetizer table. (Remember my Jarcuterie?) Without the pita bread this is a lower carb option, too.

1. Spoon a layer of whipped feta at the bottom of wide mouth glasses or jars.
2. Add crisp raw veggie sticks like carrots, baby asparagus, green beans, bell peppers, cucumbers, etc. A toothpick can corral cherry tomatoes and olives.
3. Include a couple of thin crisp crackers and you’re ready to roll!