Description
A creamy and flavorful whipped feta dip that combines tangy Danish feta with smooth cream cheese or yogurt, enhanced by garlic, lemon zest, honey, and extra virgin olive oil. Garnished with pistachios, parsley, and a hint of chili, this dip is perfect served with bread, crackers, or veggie sticks for an elegant appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 400g / 10 oz Danish feta (at room temperature, creamy type, not crumbly Greek)
- 125g / 4 oz cream cheese (at room temperature) or 3/4 cup yogurt (as an alternative)
- 1/4 tsp garlic (crushed using a garlic press)
- 1 1/2 tsp lemon zest (optional)
To Blend
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Toppings and Garnishes
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp pistachios (roughly chopped)
- 1/2 tsp parsley (finely minced)
- Pinch of chili or red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sprinkle of lemon zest (optional)
For Serving
- Thick slices of bread (warmed)
- Lebanese, pita or flat bread wedges
- Crackers
- Veggie sticks (crudités)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Place the Danish feta, cream cheese or yogurt, crushed garlic, and lemon zest into a food processor. Blitz on high for about 10 seconds until the mixture is pretty smooth, scraping down the sides once as needed. A stick blender can be used as an alternative, but a stand mixer won’t achieve the desired consistency.
- Incorporate Olive Oil: With the food processor motor running, slowly drizzle in the 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil through the feeder tube. Continue to blitz until the dip achieves a smooth and creamy texture, scraping down the sides if necessary to combine everything evenly.
- Plate the Dip: Spread the whipped feta mixture on a shallow plate or bowl so that it is approximately 1.5cm (0.6 inch) thick. Use the back of a spoon to create gentle swirls in the surface; these indentations will hold the honey and oil later.
- Garnish and Serve: Drizzle honey and 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over the swirled surface of the dip. Sprinkle chopped pistachios, minced parsley, a pinch of chili flakes if desired, and a light sprinkle of lemon zest on top. Serve immediately with warmed thick bread slices, pita or flatbread wedges, crackers, and veggie sticks for dipping.
Notes
- Use creamy Danish feta rather than crumbly Greek feta for the best texture.
- You can substitute the cream cheese with yogurt for a lighter variation.
- Freshly crushed garlic adds more flavor than pre-minced garlic.
- If you don’t have a food processor, a stick blender is the next best option.
- Adjust the amount of honey and chili flakes according to your taste preference.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the dip at its creamiest and freshest.
