Whipped Feta with Roasted Garlic
Discover the magic of Whipped Feta with Roasted Garlic, a creamy whipped feta dip that beautifully combines the tangy brightness of feta cheese with the mellow sweetness of slow-roasted garlic. This easy, flavorful dip is perfect for parties, family gatherings, or anytime you crave something satisfying and fresh. Its luscious texture and rich taste make it a standout addition to any appetizer spread, sandwich, or veggie platter.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses easy-to-find, wholesome ingredients that naturally complement each other for a rich flavor.
- Quick Preparation: Comes together in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for last-minute entertaining or snacks.
- Versatile Flavor: Perfect on crackers, toast, roasted veggies, or as a salad dressing base.
- Elegant Yet Rustic: Combines gourmet flavors with a rustic, comforting vibe that’s easy to love.
- Customizable Dish: Easily tailored with herbs, spices, or additional mix-ins to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Whipped Feta with Roasted Garlic recipe plays an essential role in achieving the perfect balance of creamy texture and bold flavor. The mix is simple but powerful, designed to deliver a smooth and tangy dip with a subtle garlic aroma.
- Feta Cheese: Choose a good quality, crumbly feta for that signature tang and creamy base.
- Garlic Cloves: Whole garlic roasted until soft and sweet, which mellows out the sharpness for a gentle infusion.
- Greek Yogurt: Adds smoothness and enhances creaminess while lightening the texture a bit.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens the dip with citrusy zest.
- Olive Oil: Contributes smooth richness and ties all flavors together beautifully.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance the natural flavors.
- Fresh Herbs (optional): Dill or parsley can be stirred in for color and aromatic freshness.
Variations for Whipped Feta with Roasted Garlic
This recipe is incredibly flexible to suit a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. Feel free to experiment with these creative twists to customize your whipped feta experience.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky heat.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in chopped fresh basil, thyme, or chives to elevate the herbal notes.
- Vegan Version: Substitute feta with a plant-based cheese and use vegan yogurt alternatives.
- Nutty Texture: Blend in toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a tasty crunch.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Fold in finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy, sweet burst of flavor.
How to Make Whipped Feta with Roasted Garlic
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off a bulb of garlic to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil. Roast for 35-40 minutes until the garlic is soft, caramelized, and fragrant.
Step 2: Prepare the Feta
While the garlic roasts, crumble the feta cheese into chunks to make it easier to blend smoothly later on.
Step 3: Blend the Ingredients
In a food processor, combine the roasted garlic cloves (squeezed out of their skins), crumbled feta, a few tablespoons of Greek yogurt, a generous drizzle of olive oil, and a splash of fresh lemon juice. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Adjust Seasoning
Taste your whipped feta and add salt and freshly ground pepper as needed. You can also add a bit more lemon juice or olive oil to reach your preferred texture and flavor balance.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Transfer the whipped feta dip to a bowl and chill for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors marry beautifully before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Whipped Feta with Roasted Garlic
- Roast Garlic Properly: Don’t rush the roasting; fully caramelized garlic brings out the best sweetness and depth.
- Use Full-Fat Feta: For creamier texture and more intense flavor, opt for full-fat feta cheese.
- Add Yogurt Gradually: Blend small amounts of Greek yogurt to control the dip’s thickness without over-thinning it.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled for the brightest zing.
- Serve at Room Temperature: Let the dip sit out for 15 minutes before serving to enhance its creaminess and flavor release.
How to Serve Whipped Feta with Roasted Garlic
Garnishes
A scatter of fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or oregano adds gorgeous color and an herbal pop. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts takes presentation to the next level.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs wonderfully with warm pita bread, crisp vegetable sticks like cucumber and bell peppers, or crusty artisan bread slices. It’s also fantastic alongside grilled meats or charcuterie boards.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the whipped feta in a small bowl surrounded by a vibrant veggie platter, swirl it onto crostini with roasted tomatoes, or use it as a flavorful spread inside sandwiches and wraps for an extra creamy boost.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Whipped Feta with Roasted Garlic keeps well covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other fridge odors.
Freezing
This dip can be frozen for up to 1 month, although the texture may become a bit grainy once thawed. For best results, thaw slowly in the fridge and stir well before serving.
Reheating
If you prefer a warm dip, gently heat in a microwave or on the stove over low heat just until warmed through, stirring frequently to avoid separation.
FAQs
Can I use regular garlic instead of roasted garlic?
While you can use raw garlic, roasting transforms its sharpness into a mellow sweetness, which is key to the creamy, subtle flavor that defines this recipe.
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?
If you prefer a dairy-free or lower-fat option, try using sour cream, crème fraîche, or a plant-based yogurt alternative to maintain the creamy texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Whipped Feta with Roasted Garlic is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and tasty option for gluten-sensitive guests.
How long does the dip last once made?
Stored properly in an airtight container, this dip stays fresh for up to 4 days refrigerated.
Can I make this ahead for a party?
Absolutely! In fact, making the whip ahead of time allows the flavors to deepen while it chills, making your hosting experience stress-free and delicious.
Final Thoughts
Whipped Feta with Roasted Garlic is a delightful, crowd-pleasing dip that brings simplicity and sophistication to your table. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a glamorous appetizer, this recipe hits every note with creamy tang, sweet garlic warmth, and a texture so smooth you’ll want to savor every bite. Give it a try—you’ll quickly understand why it’s become a beloved staple in so many kitchens.
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PrintWhipped Feta with Roasted Garlic
Whipped Feta with Roasted Garlic is a creamy, tangy dip that combines the bold flavor of crumbly feta cheese with the mellow sweetness of slow-roasted garlic, enhanced by Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and olive oil. This versatile, easy-to-make dip is perfect for parties, snacks, or as a flavorful addition to sandwiches, veggie platters, and more.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: about 1 1/2 cups 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz crumbled full-fat feta cheese
- 1 bulb garlic (whole cloves roasted)
- 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for roasting garlic
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ins and Garnishes
- Fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or oregano), chopped
- Crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for spice
- Toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunch
- Finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes
Instructions
- Roast the Garlic: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off a bulb of garlic to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 35-40 minutes until the garlic is soft, caramelized, and fragrant.
- Prepare the Feta: While the garlic roasts, crumble the feta cheese into chunks for easier blending.
- Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the roasted garlic cloves (squeezed out of their skins), crumbled feta, Greek yogurt, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dip, then add salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Adjust texture and flavor by adding more lemon juice or olive oil if desired.
- Chill and Serve: Transfer the whipped feta to a bowl and chill for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld before serving. Garnish with optional fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or toasted nuts if desired.
Notes
- Roast garlic fully to bring out its sweetness and depth.
- Use full-fat feta for creamier texture and richer flavor.
- Add Greek yogurt gradually to control dip thickness.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best citrus flavor.
- Let the dip sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to enhance creaminess.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 days.
- Dip can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw slowly and stir before serving.
- Reheat gently if preferred warm, stirring frequently to avoid separation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: Whipped feta, roasted garlic dip, creamy feta dip, party appetizers, easy dip recipe, Greek yogurt dip, gluten free appetizer
