Description
This Whipped Feta Dip is a creamy, tangy, and flavorful appetizer perfect for any gathering. Made by blending cold feta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and fresh lemon juice with garlic and olive oil, it delivers a smooth and rich texture. Garnished with parsley, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and freshly ground black pepper, this dip pairs wonderfully with pita chips, sliced vegetables, or warm pita bread.
Ingredients
Dip Ingredients
- 8 oz feta cheese block (cold, drained and crumbled)
- 4 oz cream cheese (cold)
- 1/2 cup thick sour cream (cold)
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (plus more for serving)
- 1 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed, make sure to zest lemon first)
- 1 garlic clove (minced or pressed)
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt (plus more to taste)
Garnishes
- 1-2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Parsley (finely chopped, to garnish)
- Zest from 1 lemon
- Red pepper flakes (crushed, to garnish)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to garnish)
For Serving
- Pita bread
- Pita chips
- Sliced vegetables (cucumbers, radishes, bell pepper, small tomatoes)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Ensure all dairy ingredients—feta cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream—are cold. Drain and crumble the feta cheese before using. Mince or press the garlic clove and zest the lemon before juicing.
- Blend Dip: In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a chopping blade, combine the crumbled feta, cream cheese, sour cream, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and sea salt. Blend on high speed for 3-4 minutes, scraping down the sides halfway through, until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
- Transfer and Garnish: Spoon the whipped feta mixture into a shallow serving bowl. Use the back of a spoon to swirl the top, creating decorative grooves. Drizzle 1-2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the surface, then sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, fresh lemon zest, and freshly ground black pepper evenly over the dip.
- Serve: Serve immediately with pita chips, sliced vegetables, or pita bread for dipping. Alternatively, cover the dip tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- For best results, ensure all dairy ingredients are very cold before blending to achieve a smooth texture.
- If you prefer a thinner consistency, add a bit more olive oil or a splash of milk while blending.
- This dip can be prepared a day in advance; let it chill in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.
- Adjust salt and lemon juice to taste after blending to suit your preference.
- Feel free to customize garnishes based on your flavor preference, such as adding toasted pine nuts or fresh herbs like dill or mint.
