Description
This Easy Whipped Feta Appetizer is a light, airy dip that combines creamy feta with fresh herbs and lemon for a delightful spring treat. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for entertaining friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces (225g) feta cheese, packed in brine
- 2–4 ounces full-fat cream cheese or mascarpone, softened
- 2 tablespoons full-fat plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2–3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for garnish
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest from half a lemon
- 1 small clove of fresh garlic, minced
- 2–3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh herbs (dill, mint, chives, parsley)
- A pinch of freshly ground black pepper
- Optional garnishes: halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced cucumber, radishes, Kalamata olives, toasted pine nuts, a drizzle of honey, red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Ensure your block of feta is well drained from its brine. Take your cream cheese (or mascarpone) out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before you start, so it can come to room temperature and soften. Have your lemon juiced and zested, garlic minced, and herbs finely chopped.
- Combine in the Food Processor: In the bowl of a food processor, combine the drained feta cheese (broken into a few chunks), the softened cream cheese (or mascarpone), Greek yogurt (or sour cream), 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and the minced garlic.
- Whip It Up!: Secure the lid on your food processor and process on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You might need to pause once or twice to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula.
- Season and Flavor: Once whipped, taste the mixture and adjust as needed. Add more lemon juice for brightness or a tiny pinch of salt if needed. Season with freshly ground black pepper, then add the fresh lemon zest and most of your finely chopped fresh herbs, reserving a pinch for garnish. Pulse a few times or gently fold them in with a spatula.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the whipped feta to a serving bowl or shallow dish. Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil and garnish with reserved fresh herbs and any optional toppings. Serve immediately with warm pita bread, sturdy crackers, or fresh spring vegetables.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg