Food EditionCookMiddle EasternAppetizerWhipped Feta Dip
10 minEasyServes 4
Middle Eastern · Appetizer

Whipped Feta Dip

This dip is built by blitzing salty, firm feta with Greek yogurt and olive oil until it reaches a cloud-like consistency. It relies on the contrast between the sharp, cooling cheese base and a punchy, oil-heavy topping. Serve it at room temperature to ensure the texture remains spreadable and airy.

Total time
10 min
Hands-on
10 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Easy
Before you start

Mind the texture of your feta.

Use a block of feta packed in brine rather than pre-crumbled varieties, which are coated in starch to prevent sticking and will never emulsify into a smooth cream.

  • food processor
  • rubber spatula
  • small mixing bowl
Ingredients

What goes in.

  • 8 ozfeta cheese block, drained
  • 1/2 cupfull-fat Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbspextra virgin olive oil
  • 1 clovegarlic, peeled
  • 1/2 tsplemon zest
  • Optionalcrushed red pepper or dried oregano for topping
The key technique

Slow-stream the oil

While the processor is running, pour the olive oil in a steady, thin stream. This forces the oil to bond with the yogurt and cheese, turning a heavy crumble into a velvet-like spread.

Step by step

The method.

  1. Pulse the aromatics

    Place the garlic clove and a pinch of lemon zest into the processor and blitz until finely minced, ensuring there are no large chunks of garlic left.

  2. Combine the base

    Add the broken-up feta and Greek yogurt to the processor. Pulse until the mixture begins to come together into a thick paste.

  3. Create the whip

    Turn the processor on high. Drizzle in the olive oil slowly. Stop once the blades are spinning through a smooth, aerated mixture that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

  4. Finish and plate

    Scoop the dip into a shallow bowl. Use the back of a spoon to create deep, wide swirls across the top to hold extra olive oil or toppings.

Tips & troubleshooting

When it doesn't go to plan.

Tip

If the dip feels too thick, add a teaspoon of cold water and pulse again until it reaches your desired consistency.

Tip

Bring the feta to room temperature before blending; cold cheese stays grainy longer.

Tip

Serve with toasted pita bread or raw, crunchy vegetables like sliced radishes or cucumbers.

Questions

The ones that keep coming up.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but it will firm up in the refrigerator. Take it out 30 minutes before serving so it softens back into a spreadable state.

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