Quick Whipped Feta Dip: Deliciously Easy

This post for the whipped feta dip was originally published on the 10th of May 2021.

A whipped feta dip is what savoury dreams are made of. At least my dreams, for sure. I love the smooth, flavorful taste of this dip, and I cannot even start to tell you just how delicious everything gets with the roasted tomatoes, the spicy hint from the chilli flakes and even more.

Rolling from the highs of the last recipes these past few weeks, I am all about the food for the good season. I want to make sure we’re all fed and hydrated, and not only that, I want us all to enjoy it. So I have been digging around for the flavours that remind me of summer, and the heat, the beach, all of that. And how can you not think of summer and Greece, the islands, the sea and all that comes with that when you see feta cheese?

I’m typing this one as I sit next to TJ snoring away in his relaxing fluffy bed. His nose is all stuffed and you can clearly hear him snore. To the point that it’s funny and I am shooting all the videos. Sorry, just had to make a note of how cute he is.

Anyway, back to the recipe for this whipped feta dip. You know I love trying stuff, especially when it comes to food. I am in my element when I am in the kitchen and there is nothing I’d rather do. But there are days when I just want to whip up something fast, but it has to be tasty. So this came to the rescue in less than an hour. Fred had just bought a loaf of crusty sourdough, and let me tell you it was a godsend. Cut that bread – if it even gets to being sliced! – and start digging in, it’s just delicious like that.

And while you might not agree, this quick whipped feta dip & roasted tomatoes dish is the best. It has salty, it has umami, it has all of it, all in one plate. Serve it with toasted crusty sourdough and you’ll be happy you did. We highly recommend trying this bread out if you have none in the house. Or if you want to try something crispier, try this one from Venice.

Time to get making this Whipped Feta Dip and serve it with Roasted Tomatoes

Whipped feta dip with roasted tomatoes is a delicious and popular appetizer that combines the tangy creaminess of whipped feta cheese with the sweet and savoury flavours of roasted tomatoes. Let’s get to know this dish together.

What is feta and is it good for you?

Feta is a type of cheese that originates from Greece. It is traditionally made from sheep’s milk, though it can also contain up to 30% goat’s milk. Feta is known for its crumbly texture and tangy, slightly salty flavour. It is typically aged in brine, which gives it its characteristic taste and helps preserve it.

Feta cheese is relatively low in calories compared to many other cheeses and it is a powerhouse with plenty of health benefits:

1. High in Nutrients: Feta is a good source of calcium, which is essential for bone health. It also contains protein, B vitamins, and phosphorus;
2. Probiotics: Like other fermented foods, feta contains probiotics, which can support gut health;
3. Lower Fat Content: Compared to many other types of cheese, feta is lower in fat and calories, making it a good option for those watching their intake;
4. Rich in Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): Some studies suggest that CLA may help reduce body fat and improve body composition.

There are a few points you need to consider when consuming feta cheese, in particular:

1. High Sodium Content: Feta is high in sodium, which can be a concern for individuals with hypertension or those trying to reduce their salt intake;
2. Lactose Content: While feta has lower lactose levels compared to fresh cheeses, it may still pose problems for those who are lactose intolerant;
3. Saturated Fat: Feta contains saturated fat, which should be consumed in moderation, especially for individuals concerned about heart health.

Feta can be a healthy addition to any diet when consumed in moderation. It provides essential nutrients like calcium and protein, and its probiotic content can benefit gut health. However, its high sodium content is a factor to consider, particularly for those with specific health concerns. As with any food, it is best enjoyed as part of a balanced diet (Healthline).

What do you serve with whipped feta dip?

Whipped feta dip is versatile and pairs well with a variety of toppings and dippers. Here are some alternatives to roasted tomatoes:

1. Caramelized Onions: Sweet, caramelized onions add a rich, savoury flavour that complements the tanginess of the feta;
2. Honey and Walnuts: Drizzle honey and sprinkle chopped walnuts for a sweet and crunchy contrast;
3. Cucumber and Dill: Fresh cucumber slices and a sprinkle of dill offer a refreshing and light topping;
4. Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These provide a concentrated tomato flavour with a chewy texture;
5. Olives and Herbs: A mix of chopped olives such as Kalamata or green olives and fresh herbs like parsley, oregano, or thyme;
6. Pomegranate Seeds: These add a burst of sweetness and a pop of colour;
7. Roasted Red Peppers: Chopped roasted red peppers add sweetness and a smoky flavour;
8. Fresh Vegetables: Sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, carrots, and celery sticks;
9. Crusty Bread: Slices of baguette, sourdough, or ciabatta;
10. Pita Bread: Warm pita wedges or pita chips;
11. Crackers: Various types of crackers, such as whole grain, seed crackers, or flatbreads;
12. Breadsticks: Crunchy breadsticks for a different texture;
13. Fruit: Apple slices, pear slices, or grapes for a sweet and savoury combination.

When it comes to how to serve your whipped feta dip, these are some of the ideas we have:

• As a Spread: Use it as a spread on sandwiches, wraps, or bagels;
• With Grilled Meats: Serve alongside grilled chicken, lamb, or steak as a flavorful sauce;
• On a Mezze Platter: Include it as part of a Mediterranean mezze platter with hummus, baba ganoush, tzatziki, olives, and stuffed grape leaves.

Also worth trying with this summer bean salad, this orzo pesto pasta salad and why not, this chicken tempura sushi dish!

These alternatives and accompaniments can enhance the flavour and presentation of whipped feta dip, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish for various occasions.

What ingredients do I need to make the whipped feta dip?

This whipped feta dip is pretty easy to put together with only 4 ingredients, let’s see what they are and how they contribute to this whipped feta dip dish together:

• Feta Cheese: Feta is a brined curd cheese traditionally made from sheep’s milk or a mixture of sheep’s and goat’s milk. It has a crumbly texture and a tangy, salty flavour. Feta is the star ingredient, providing the base for the dip’s distinctive flavour. Its crumbly texture needs to be blended to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. The saltiness and tanginess of feta contribute to the overall taste profile of the dip;
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a high-quality olive oil known for its rich flavour and health benefits. It is made from pure, cold-pressed olives. EVOO adds richness and a smooth texture to the whipped feta dip. It also enhances the flavour, adding a fruity and slightly peppery note. Olive oil helps to emulsify the feta, creating a creamy and cohesive dip;
• Water: Water is a clear, flavourless liquid essential for life and commonly used in cooking to adjust consistency and texture. Water is used to thin the mixture, making the whipped feta smoother and more spreadable. It helps achieve the desired consistency without adding any additional flavours or calories. The amount of water can be adjusted to achieve the preferred thickness of the dip;
• Black Pepper: Black pepper is a common spice made from the dried, ground berries of the Piper nigrum plant. It has a sharp, pungent flavour and is widely used to enhance the taste of savoury dishes. Black pepper adds a hint of spiciness and depth to the whipped feta dip. It complements the tanginess of the feta and the richness of the olive oil, balancing the flavours and adding mild heat to the dip.

So let’s get to make this whipped feta recipe now, and see what we can do to add some different flavours to it.

What makes this easy whipped feta dip a creamy whipped feta dip?

While most recipes for the whipped feta dip require some sort of addition like greek yogurt or even cream cheese and sour cream, this whipped feta recipe only includes feta. The creaminess of it comes from blending it with water for a bit longer with either a food processor or an immersion blender.

The crumbled feta might be a little too salty so yogurt or cream cheese can help with lowering that umami flavour, but we have preferred to keep it as it was. Adding a drizzle of lemon juice and some red pepper flakes helps with toning down the saltiness, so definitely worth a shot.

Food processor vs immersion blender – what’s best?

When preparing this whipped feta dip, both a food processor and an immersion blender can be used effectively, but they have their own advantages and limitations. Here’s a comparison to help you decide which tool might be best for your recipe:

Food Processor

Advantages:

1. Efficiency: Food processors are powerful and can blend ingredients quickly and efficiently, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture;
2. Capacity: They often have a larger bowl, making them ideal for preparing larger batches of whipped feta dip;
3. Consistency: The blades and design of a food processor are well-suited for evenly mixing and emulsifying ingredients, resulting in a consistent texture;
4. Ease of Use: Generally straightforward to use, with easy-to-clean parts.

Disadvantages:

1. Size: Food processors are bulkier and take up more counter space and storage room;
2. Cleanup: More parts to clean compared to an immersion blender.

Immersion Blender

Advantages:

1. Convenience: Immersion blenders are compact, easy to store, and ideal for small kitchens;
2. Versatility: They can be used directly in the bowl or container you’re serving from, reducing the number of dishes to clean;
3. Portability: Easier to manoeuvre and can be used in different types of containers, including deep mixing bowls or measuring cups;
4. Ease of Cleanup: Typically easier and faster to clean than a food processor.

Disadvantages:

1. Power: Immersion blenders might not be as powerful as food processors, potentially requiring more time and effort to achieve the desired smoothness;
2. Capacity: Better suited for smaller batches. Blending larger quantities might be more time-consuming and less efficient;
3. Consistency: Achieving a perfectly smooth and consistent texture might be slightly more challenging compared to using a food processor.

Which Is Best for Whipped Feta Dip?

• Food Processor: Best if you are making a larger batch or want to ensure a perfectly smooth and creamy texture with minimal effort. Ideal if you have the space and don’t mind the extra cleanup;
• Immersion Blender: Best if you are making a smaller batch or prefer the convenience and easy cleanup. Great for those with limited kitchen space or if you want to blend directly in your serving bowl.

We have opted for an immersion blender as we have made a small batch, but a food processor would probably be the best idea here.

How do I make this whipped feta dip?

Making this easy whipped feta dip is as easy as 1-2-3! Let’s see together the how to, including how we roasted our tomatoes.

Grab your immersion blender (or normal blender, whatever works) and add to the glass the crumbled feta, the olive oil, water and pepper and blend until creamy. Cover with cling film and place it in the fridge as we prepare the tomatoes.

In a big tray, place the tomatoes and drizzle them with enough olive oil, then peel and slice the garlic thinly, add the salt, chilli flakes and Italian herbs and roast for 30 minutes.

Once the tomatoes are ready, grab the whipped feta and put in a plate, then place the tomatoes and drizzle with the olive oil from the tomatoes.

Sprinkle some extra pepper and chilli flakes and serve with toasted crusty bread. You can also add some lemon zest for a fresh finish to the dish!

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Surprisingly, this quick whipped feta dip & roasted tomatoes goes down so easy with a glass of fizz or white wine. But is that really a surprise, to be completely honest?

This will be the perfect dish for the summer BBQ you’re going to have in the garden with the family. It will be great to be taken for that picnic you have been trying to organise with the girls. Just make sure to bring the Prosecco too.

You know by now that sweet stuff is what I love, but this whipped feta dip & roasted tomatoes has got me fall head over heels for savoury again. It’s salty to the point you’ll be washing it down so easily with anything around you. It can be made ahead and just kept in the fridge. And, if you are vegan, you can also make it vegan! There are so many options of vegan feta on the market, this will come out great with that too – we have tried it. It did not fail to impress.

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