Dive into the flavorful world of Mediterranean cuisine with this Creamy Whipped Feta Dip. This rich and tangy dip brings together feta cheese, aromatic herbs, and fresh lemon zest to create a tantalizing appetizer. It's perfect for any occasion, be it a cozy family dinner or a grand party.
Feta cheese is a key ingredient in this dip, and while it's common in Mediterranean cuisines, it might not be a staple in your pantry. It's a brined curd white cheese made in Greece from sheep's milk, or from a mixture of sheep and goat's milk. It's tangy and crumbly and can usually be found in the cheese section of your local supermarket.
Ingredients for Creamy Whipped Feta Dip
Feta cheese: A tangy and crumbly cheese that adds a distinctive flavor to the dip.
Sour cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang to the dip.
Mayonnaise: Adds a smooth, creamy texture to the dip.
Lemon zest: Gives a fresh and zesty flavor.
Garlic: Adds a savory depth of flavor.
Dried dill, oregano, and thyme: These herbs add a wonderful aromatic flavor.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and complexity.
Red pepper flakes: Adds a spicy kick.
Sesame seeds: Adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor when toasted.
Olive oil: Used for drizzling on top and for toasting pita wedges.
Pita wedges or pita chips and/or sliced vegetables: For serving with the dip.
One reader, Erhart Coons says:
This creamy whipped feta dip is a game-changer! The smooth texture and tangy flavor are absolutely addictive. It's so versatile - perfect for dipping veggies, pita chips, or spreading on sandwiches. The blend of herbs and spices is spot on. It's a must-try for any gathering or just a cozy night in.
Techniques Required for Making Creamy Whipped Feta Dip
How to make creamy whipped feta dip: Combine all the ingredients in a food processor or blender and process until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary. Transfer to a serving bowl and use a small spoon to create a swirl on the surface of the dip. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and crushed red pepper flakes, if using.
How to make ahead: This dip can be made up to 3 days ahead of time and stored in a covered container in the refrigerator. It will stiffen up in the fridge to a spread-like consistency, so be sure to let it sit at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
How to make toasted pita wedges: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Brush the pita bread on both sides with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Cut into wedges, then arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes until lightly toasted.
How to make toasted sesame seeds: In a small pan over medium heat, cook the sesame seeds, stirring frequently, until golden, a few minutes. Watch carefully as they are quick to burn.
How To Make Creamy Whipped Feta Dip
Munch on your favorite snacks and treats with a side of this creamy and savory feta dip! It’s rich, tangy, and slightly spicy; and takes no time to make!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 8ozfeta cheese,(1 block)
- ½cupsour cream
- ½cupmayonnaise,best quality such as Hellman’s or Duke’s
- 1tsplemon zest,(from 1 lemon), packed
- 1small garlic clove,chopped
- ¼tspdried dill
- ¼tspdried oregano
- ¼tspdried thyme
- ⅛tspsalt
- ¼tspfreshly ground black pepper
- ⅛tspred pepper flakes,crushed, plus more for serving
For Serving:
- sesame seeds,toasted
- extra virgin olive,for drizzling
- pita wedges,toasted, or pita chips
- vegetables,sliced
Instructions
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Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor or blender and process until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.
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Transfer to a serving bowl and use a small spoon to create a swirl on the surface of the dip.
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Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and crushed red pepper flakes.
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Serve with pita wedges or vegetables, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
MAKE AHEAD: This dip can be made up to 3 days ahead of time and stored in a covered container in the refrigerator. It will stiffen up in the fridge to a spread-like consistency, so be sure to let it sit at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 2441.98kcal
- Fat: 239.95g
- Saturated Fat: 90.65g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 57.92g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 83.53g
- Carbohydrates: 21.84g
- Fiber: 1.00g
- Sugar: 19.13g
- Protein: 52.42g
- Cholesterol: 460.04mg
- Sodium: 4202.45mg
- Calcium: 1900.69mg
- Potassium: 506.83mg
- Iron: 3.46mg
- Vitamin A: 733.21µg
- Vitamin C: 6.90mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting Creamy Whipped Feta Dip
When making the creamy whipped feta dip, it's important to remember that the quality of your feta cheese will greatly affect the final taste of your dip. Opt for a high-quality, full-fat feta for a rich and creamy result. Additionally, when toasting your sesame seeds, keep a close eye on them. They can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in a matter of seconds. A good tip is to shake the pan frequently to ensure even toasting and prevent them from burning.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Dip Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the dip a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to meld and develop, saving you time on the day of serving.
Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly and efficiently blend the ingredients into a smooth and creamy consistency.
Multi-purpose dip: This versatile dip can also be used as a spread for sandwiches or wraps, saving you time on preparing other condiments.
Batch cooking: Consider doubling the recipe to have extra dip on hand for future use, reducing the need for frequent preparation.
Quick garnish: Use pre-toasted sesame seeds to save time on toasting them yourself, or purchase pre-made pita chips for convenience.
Substitute Ingredients For Creamy Whipped Feta Dip Recipe
feta cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a similar tangy and creamy texture to feta, making it a great substitute in this recipe.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a similar tanginess and creaminess to the dip while also adding a bit of protein.
mayonnaise - Substitute with plain yogurt: Plain yogurt can add a creamy texture while also providing a tangy flavor, similar to mayonnaise.
lemon zest - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can provide a tangy and acidic flavor similar to lemon zest.
dried dill - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley can add a burst of freshness and a mild herbaceous flavor to the dip.
dried oregano - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil can provide a similar earthy and aromatic flavor to the dip.
dried thyme - Substitute with dried marjoram: Dried marjoram has a similar earthy and slightly sweet flavor to thyme, making it a good substitute.
red pepper flakes - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika can add a smoky and slightly spicy flavor to the dip, similar to red pepper flakes.
Best Way to Present Creamy Whipped Feta Dip
Elevate the dip with a beautiful serving platter: Present the creamy whipped feta dip on a stunning platter or board to create an eye-catching display that showcases the dip as the star of the dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs and edible flowers: Add a touch of elegance by garnishing the dip with sprigs of fresh dill and oregano, and delicate edible flowers for a pop of color and a sophisticated finish.
Serve with an assortment of artisanal crackers and breads: Accompany the creamy whipped feta dip with an array of high-quality crackers and artisanal breads to provide a variety of textures and flavors for an elevated tasting experience.
Incorporate a drizzle of aged balsamic reduction: Create a visually stunning presentation by drizzling a rich, syrupy aged balsamic reduction over the creamy whipped feta dip, adding a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor.
Arrange a selection of fresh, seasonal vegetables: Complement the creamy whipped feta dip with a vibrant selection of fresh vegetables, such as heirloom cherry tomatoes, rainbow carrots, and crisp cucumber slices, arranged artfully around the dip for a visually appealing and refreshing presentation.
Add a touch of luxury with truffle-infused olive oil: Elevate the flavors and presentation by drizzling a luxurious truffle-infused olive oil over the creamy whipped feta dip, imparting a subtle earthy aroma and enhancing the overall indulgent experience.
Serve on individual tasting spoons: For a sophisticated and elegant presentation, serve the creamy whipped feta dip in individual tasting spoons, allowing guests to enjoy a refined and personalized tasting experience.
Create a charcuterie-inspired platter: Arrange the creamy whipped feta dip alongside an assortment of charcuterie, cheeses, and antipasti for a visually stunning and indulgent platter that exudes culinary sophistication.
Essential Tools for Making Whipped Feta Dip
- Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used to blend, chop, grind, and puree ingredients. It's perfect for creating smooth and creamy dips like the whipped feta dip recipe.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the ingredients for the whipped feta dip. It allows for easy mixing and blending of the feta cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and other seasonings.
- Microplane zester: A microplane zester is used to zest the lemon, adding a burst of citrus flavor to the whipped feta dip.
- Garlic press: A garlic press is handy for mincing the small clove of garlic, ensuring it's evenly distributed throughout the dip.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for the whipped feta dip, making measuring cups and spoons essential for portioning out ingredients like sour cream, mayonnaise, and spices.
- Spatula: A spatula is useful for scraping down the sides of the food processor or mixing bowl, ensuring all the ingredients are well combined.
- Baking sheet: A baking sheet is needed for toasting the pita wedges, providing a flat surface for even toasting in the oven.
- Small pan: A small pan is used for toasting the sesame seeds, allowing for even heat distribution and careful monitoring to prevent burning.
- Parchment paper: Parchment paper is placed on the baking sheet to prevent the pita wedges from sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Oven: The oven is used to toast the pita wedges to a golden brown, adding a crispy element to the dish.
- Blender: A blender can be used as an alternative to a food processor for creating the whipped feta dip, blending the ingredients to a smooth and creamy consistency.
Storing and Freezing Creamy Whipped Feta Dip
To store the creamy whipped feta dip, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The dip will thicken in the refrigerator, so allow it to sit at room temperature for about an hour before serving to soften and become more spreadable.
If you want to freeze the feta dip, spoon it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Cover the container tightly with a lid or plastic wrap, and then wrap the entire container in aluminum foil for extra protection against freezer burn. Label the container with the date and contents.
Freeze the whipped feta dip for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy the dip, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, give the dip a good stir to reincorporate any separated liquid and to restore its creamy texture.
If the thawed feta dip seems a bit watery or grainy, you can smooth it out by blending it again in a food processor or blender until it returns to its original creamy consistency.
To serve the thawed creamy whipped feta dip, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your preferred consistency. This will allow the dip to soften and become more easily spreadable.
How To Reheat Leftover Whipped Feta Dip
To reheat leftover creamy whipped feta dip, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about an hour. This will allow the dip to soften and become more spreadable, making it easier to reheat evenly.
Once the dip has come to room temperature, transfer it to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the dip in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each interval, until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat the dip, as this can cause the feta cheese to become grainy and the dip to separate.
Alternatively, you can reheat the creamy whipped feta dip in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir the dip constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to ensure even heating. Heat the dip until it reaches your desired temperature, being careful not to let it boil or simmer, as this can cause the dip to curdle.
If you find that the reheated dip has become too thick, you can thin it out by stirring in a small amount of sour cream or mayonnaise until it reaches your desired consistency.
Once the dip is heated through and has reached your desired consistency, transfer it to a serving bowl. If desired, drizzle the top of the dip with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and red pepper flakes for added flavor and texture.
Serve the reheated creamy whipped feta dip with toasted pita wedges, pita chips, or an assortment of sliced vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers for dipping.
Interesting Fact About Whipped Feta Dip
The creamy whipped feta dip is a versatile dish that can be served as a dip or spread. It can be paired with various accompaniments such as toasted pita wedges, pita chips, or sliced vegetables. This dip can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a convenient option for entertaining or snacking. Additionally, the combination of feta cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise creates a rich and creamy texture, while the addition of herbs and spices adds depth of flavor.
Is Making Whipped Feta Dip at Home Cost-Effective?
The creamy whipped feta dip is a cost-effective addition to any household. With simple and affordable ingredients, it offers a delightful twist to traditional dips. The overall verdict rates this recipe at 9 out of 10 for its budget-friendly nature and flavorful outcome. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12, making it an economical choice for gatherings or everyday snacking.
Is This Dip Healthy or Unhealthy?
This creamy whipped feta dip recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients, feta cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise, are all high in saturated fat and calories. The recipe also lacks any significant sources of fiber, vitamins, or minerals. However, the inclusion of herbs and spices like dill, oregano, thyme, and garlic does provide some antioxidants and flavor without adding extra calories.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the sour cream and mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, which is lower in fat and higher in protein
- Use reduced-fat feta cheese to cut down on the overall fat content
- Incorporate more vegetables into the dip, such as roasted red peppers, artichokes, or spinach, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Serve the dip with a variety of fresh, raw vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers, instead of or in addition to the pita chips
- Reduce the amount of feta cheese used and replace some of it with a white bean puree, which will maintain the creamy texture while adding fiber and protein
By making these adjustments, you can create a healthier version of this creamy whipped feta dip that still satisfies your cravings for a tasty appetizer or snack.
Editor's Opinion on This Creamy Whipped Feta Dip
The creamy whipped feta dip recipe is a delightful blend of tangy feta, zesty lemon, and aromatic herbs, creating a lusciously smooth and flavorful dip. The combination of feta, sour cream, and mayonnaise yields a rich and creamy texture, while the addition of garlic and spices adds depth and complexity. The finishing touch of olive oil, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes provides a beautiful presentation and a burst of additional flavors. This versatile dip is perfect for entertaining and can be prepared ahead, making it a convenient and delicious option for any gathering. Serve with toasted pita wedges or fresh vegetables for a delightful appetizer or snack.
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Why trust this Creamy Whipped Feta Dip Recipe:
This creamy whipped feta dip recipe is a must-try for any cheese lover. The combination of tangy feta cheese and creamy sour cream creates a rich and indulgent flavor. The addition of lemon zest and a blend of dried herbs adds a refreshing and aromatic touch. With the convenience of a make-ahead option, this recipe offers both convenience and deliciousness. Trust the harmonious blend of flavors and the versatility of serving options, from toasted pita wedges to fresh vegetable slices. This recipe promises to elevate any gathering with its irresistible taste and ease of preparation.
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