This Whipped Feta Dip is a quick and easy appetizer you can make with just 5 ingredients in 5 minutes. It’s creamy, salty, tangy, and delicious spread on crostini, pita chips, or with veggies!

Feta dip with garlic in a wooden bowl on cream board.

Contents

Whipped Feta Dip: A 5-Minute Creamy, Tangy, and Irresistible Appetizer

Transform your appetizer game with this incredibly simple yet sophisticated Whipped Feta Dip. In just five minutes, with only a handful of ingredients, you can create a luscious, flavorful dip that’s perfect for any occasion. This dip boasts a unique combination of creamy texture, the beloved salty tang of feta, and a bright citrus finish, making it an instant crowd-plepleaser. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, planning a casual get-together, or simply craving a delicious snack, this feta dip is your go-to recipe for effortless elegance.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Whipped Feta Dip

Feta cheese has taken the culinary world by storm, and for good reason! Its distinctive salty and tangy profile adds incredible depth to everything from baked pasta dishes to savory tarts. We’ve enjoyed its magic in many recipes, like our savory chicken skillet with tomatoes and feta, and it’s always a hit. This time, we’re harnessing its power to create a wonderfully creamy and fresh dip that’s especially delightful during warmer months when chilled appetizers are a must. Here’s why this Whipped Feta Dip will become a staple in your kitchen:

Unbeatable Speed: With just 5 minutes of prep, this dip comes together faster than you can say “feta fantastic!” It’s ideal for last-minute guests or when hunger strikes unexpectedly.
Minimal Ingredients: You only need five core ingredients, most of which you likely already have on hand. Simplicity without sacrificing flavor is the name of the game here.
Creamy Perfection: The whipping process transforms the crumbly feta into a smooth, airy, and luxurious dip that’s utterly spreadable and scoopable.
Versatile Flavors: The balance of salty feta, tangy lemon, and savory garlic creates a harmonious flavor profile that pairs beautifully with a wide array of dippers.
Cool & Refreshing: Served chilled, this dip offers a refreshing contrast to heavier appetizers, making it a perfect addition to summer spreads, picnics, or barbecues.

While delicious on its own, you can elevate this dip even further by topping it with roasted garlic. We followed our easy air fryer roasted garlic recipe for convenience. Alternatively, you can gently simmer peeled garlic cloves in a small saucepan with olive oil for about 10 minutes until they turn golden and tender. The resulting garlic-infused oil is absolutely divine and makes a perfect drizzle over the finished dip, adding another layer of rich, savory flavor.

The Star Ingredient: Feta Cheese Explained

At the heart of this irresistible dip is feta cheese, a cornerstone of Greek cuisine and a true Mediterranean delight. Feta is a brined curd cheese, traditionally made in Greece from sheep’s milk, or a mixture of sheep’s and goat’s milk. Its Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status means that only cheese produced in specific regions of Greece using traditional methods can be called “feta.”

This soft, rindless cheese is characterized by its distinctive salty, tangy, and slightly pungent flavor, often with a creamy undertone. It’s usually sold in blocks, submerged in brine, which helps preserve its freshness and contributes to its characteristic taste and texture. When you buy feta, opt for the block form rather than pre-crumbled varieties. Block feta, often packed in brine, generally has a richer flavor and a smoother, more consistent texture, which is crucial for achieving that perfectly creamy whipped consistency.

While often compared to goat cheese due to similar tangy notes, feta is distinct. Goat cheese is, as its name suggests, made exclusively from goat’s milk, offering a typically stronger, earthier flavor. Feta, with its sheep’s milk base, tends to be saltier and tangier, with a slightly firmer yet still crumbly texture that softens beautifully when whipped.

Feta, sour cream, lemon, garlic and salt and pepper on a cream board.

Simple Ingredients for Exceptional Flavor

Crafting this flavorful dip requires just a few key components. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of taste and texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

Feta Cheese: As mentioned, we highly recommend using a block of authentic feta cheese, preferably packed in brine. The block form ensures a purer cheese with no anti-caking agents, which can interfere with the smooth, whipped texture we’re aiming for. Its inherent saltiness and tang are the backbone of this dip.
Sour Cream: This ingredient is essential for achieving the dip’s signature creamy texture and adding a subtle, refreshing tang that complements the feta. For a lighter or tangier alternative, full-fat Greek yogurt can be used. Both options contribute to a rich mouthfeel and help to mellow the sharpness of the feta.
Fresh Lemon: Both fresh lemon juice and zest are vital. The juice brightens the flavors and adds a zesty kick, while the zest infuses the dip with aromatic citrus oils, making it incredibly fresh and vibrant. Always use fresh lemons for the best results; bottled juice simply won’t offer the same brightness.
Garlic: A single garlic clove provides a necessary aromatic foundation. For a subtle flavor, a raw clove is perfect. If you prefer a richer, sweeter, and more mellow garlic presence, roasted garlic is an excellent choice and takes this dip to another level.
Salt and Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are crucial for balancing and enhancing all the flavors. Feta cheese is naturally salty, so it’s important to taste the dip before adding too much salt. Freshly ground black pepper adds a hint of warmth and spice.
Olive Oil (for serving, optional): A drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil before serving adds a luxurious sheen, a fruity aroma, and helps to enhance the overall flavor experience. It also provides a beautiful visual touch.

Crafting Your Whipped Feta Dip: Step-by-Step Guide

Making this whipped feta dip is incredibly straightforward. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create such an impressive appetizer.

Combine Ingredients: Begin by crumbling the block of feta cheese into your food processor. Add the sour cream, a peeled garlic clove, and the lemon zest. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal blending and a smoother consistency. A powerful food processor or even a hand-held immersion blender (like the Cuisinart smart stick blender mentioned) will work perfectly.
Process Until Creamy: Pulse and blend the mixture until it transforms into a thick, smooth, and creamy dip. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. If the dip appears too thick or isn’t reaching your desired creamy consistency, add a tablespoon or two more of sour cream or a splash of lemon juice until it’s perfectly smooth and spreadable.
Season to Perfection: Taste the dip before adding any additional seasoning. Since feta cheese is naturally quite salty, you may find it needs less salt than you anticipate. Adjust with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
Serve with Style: Transfer the finished dip to a beautiful serving dish. Use the back of a spoon to create attractive swirls or grooves on the surface. For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, drizzle a good quality extra virgin olive oil over the top, especially into the swirls.
Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish your whipped feta dip with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, fresh chopped parsley for color and herbaceous notes, or a scattering of roasted garlic cloves for a rich, sweet aroma. Serve immediately or chill for a short period before serving.

Ingredients for feta dip in a small food processor and whipped.

Elevate Your Dip: The Magic of Roasted Garlic

While a fresh garlic clove adds a sharp, vibrant kick to this whipped feta dip, incorporating roasted garlic takes it to a whole new level of gourmet deliciousness. Roasting garlic transforms its pungent, raw flavor into a sweet, mellow, and deeply savory experience. The cloves become tender and caramel-colored, offering a buttery texture that blends seamlessly into the creamy feta.

Why Roasted Garlic?

Mellows Flavor: Roasting significantly reduces garlic’s sharpness, replacing it with a rich, almost nutty sweetness that’s less assertive and more complex.
Adds Depth: It introduces a nuanced, earthy undertone that enhances the tang and saltiness of the feta, creating a more sophisticated flavor profile.
Creamier Texture: Soft, roasted garlic cloves blend effortlessly into the dip, contributing to an even smoother and more luxurious consistency.

How to Roast Garlic:

Air Fryer Method (Quickest): Place whole, peeled garlic cloves in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Drizzle lightly with olive oil. Air fry at 380°F (195°C) for about 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the cloves are golden brown and tender.
Stovetop Method (Infused Oil Bonus): In a small saucepan, combine peeled garlic cloves with enough olive oil to cover them. Simmer gently over low heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the garlic is golden and very soft. The infused olive oil can then be used to drizzle over your finished dip, adding incredible flavor.
Oven Method (Traditional): Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut off the top quarter-inch of a whole garlic head to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then wrap in foil. Roast for 30-45 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden. Squeeze out the roasted garlic pulp to use in your dip.

Whether you choose to blend roasted garlic directly into the dip or simply use it as a garnish, it’s an addition that truly elevates the entire experience.

Creative Variations to Personalize Your Feta Dip

The beauty of this whipped feta dip lies in its versatility. While it’s fantastic as is, you can easily customize it with additional ingredients to suit your taste preferences or to pair with specific meals. Here are some exciting variations to inspire your culinary creativity:

Sun-Dried Tomato & Herb: Blend in a few rehydrated sun-dried tomatoes (or oil-packed ones, draining most of the oil) along with a tablespoon of their oil for an intense, sweet-tart flavor. Fresh basil or oregano would be a perfect addition here.
Spicy Sriracha or Harissa: For those who love a bit of heat, swirl in a teaspoon or two of sriracha or harissa paste. Start with a small amount and add more to achieve your desired level of spice.
Roasted Red Pepper: Roast a red bell pepper until softened, peel it, and blend it into the feta dip for a smoky, sweet, and vibrant addition. It adds beautiful color and a lovely depth of flavor.
Caramelized Onion: Slowly caramelize a thinly sliced onion until golden brown and sweet. Fold these savory-sweet onions into the whipped feta for an incredibly rich and satisfying variation.
Spinach & Artichoke: Sauté fresh spinach until wilted and squeeze out excess moisture. Chop marinated artichoke hearts. Blend both into the dip for a Mediterranean-inspired twist reminiscent of classic spinach and artichoke dips.
Pesto Swirl: Swirl a tablespoon or two of fresh basil pesto into the finished dip, creating beautiful green marbling and adding a fragrant, herbaceous layer of flavor.
Chili-Lime: Add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper and an extra squeeze of lime juice instead of lemon for a different citrus and spice dynamic.
Smoked Paprika & Honey: A pinch of smoked paprika adds warmth and a subtle smoky note, while a small drizzle of honey can balance the saltiness of the feta with a touch of sweetness.

Expert Tips for Perfect Whipped Feta

To ensure your whipped feta dip is nothing short of spectacular every time, keep these expert tips in mind:

Use Block Feta: This cannot be stressed enough. Block feta, especially one packed in brine, yields the creamiest, smoothest texture. Pre-crumbled feta often contains starches or anti-caking agents that prevent it from whipping up as beautifully.
Room Temperature Ingredients: For the smoothest and most homogenous blend, ensure your feta and sour cream are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can make the dip thicker and harder to whip evenly.
Process Until Silky: Don’t be shy with your food processor. Blend the ingredients until they are completely smooth and silky. You shouldn’t see any distinct crumbles of feta. Scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently to ensure everything gets incorporated.
Adjust Consistency: If your dip is too thick, add a little more sour cream or a splash of lemon juice until it reaches your desired spreadable consistency. If it’s too thin (which is less common), you might need to add a bit more feta (but this rarely happens if you follow the recipe).
Taste and Season: Always taste your dip before serving and adjust the salt and pepper. Feta’s saltiness can vary, so tasting is key to achieving perfect balance.
Chill for Flavor Development: While delicious immediately, a short chill in the refrigerator (30 minutes to an hour) allows the flavors to meld and deepen. The dip will also thicken slightly as it chills.

Serving Suggestions for Every Occasion

This versatile whipped feta dip is a fantastic addition to any spread. Its creamy texture and vibrant flavor make it suitable for a wide variety of dippers and occasions. Here are some of our favorite ways to serve it:

Toasted Baguette Slices (Crostini): Our absolute favorite! We toast baguette slices at 380°F (195°C) in the air fryer for about 4 minutes until golden and crisp. The crunchy crostini provides a perfect contrast to the creamy dip.
Pita Chips or Warm Pita Bread: Classic Mediterranean choices that are always a hit. Warm pita bread, cut into triangles, is soft and chewy, while pita chips offer a satisfying crunch.
Fresh Vegetables: For a lighter, healthier option, serve with an assortment of crisp raw vegetables like cucumber slices, carrot sticks, bell pepper strips (red, yellow, orange), cherry tomatoes, and celery sticks.
Crackers and Breadsticks: A selection of your favorite crackers, from simple water crackers to more robust artisanal varieties, or crispy breadsticks, make excellent companions.
Flatbread or Naan Bread: Warm up some flatbread or naan and cut it into wedges for a soft, flavorful dipper.
Spread on Sandwiches or Wraps: This dip isn’t just for dipping! Use it as a flavorful spread in sandwiches, wraps, or even as a creamy base for vegetarian burgers.
As a Side for Grilled Meats: Serve alongside grilled chicken, lamb, or fish for a refreshing and tangy counterpoint.

Three slices of baguette with feta dip and roasted garlic on a small plate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are answers to some common questions about making and serving this delicious whipped feta dip:

How should I serve whipped feta dip?
Our favorite way to serve this dip is with freshly toasted baguette slices, also known as crostini. You can easily toast baguette slices in an air fryer at 380°F (195°C) for just 4 minutes until they achieve a perfect golden crisp. Additionally, pita chips, a variety of crackers, and an assortment of fresh, colorful vegetables like cucumber, bell peppers, and carrots are fantastic choices for dipping. Consider serving it on a platter with a selection of these options for a beautiful and diverse appetizer spread.

How long does whipped feta dip last, and how should I store it?
Leftovers of whipped feta dip should be stored in an airtight container with a lid in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. You’ll notice that the dip tends to thicken as it chills in the fridge. If you prefer a creamier consistency when serving leftovers, you can easily re-whip it for a minute or two in your food processor, adding a tiny splash of olive oil or lemon juice if needed, to restore its original smooth texture.

Can I use crumbled feta cheese to make this dip?
While it might seem convenient, we strongly recommend against using pre-crumbled feta cheese for this recipe. Crumbled feta often contains anti-caking agents, such as starches or cellulose, which are added to prevent the cheese from clumping together in the package. These additives can significantly affect the texture of your dip, preventing it from becoming truly smooth and creamy. Just as freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded, block feta whips much better, resulting in a superior, luscious consistency. Always opt for a block of feta, preferably one packed in brine, for the best results.

More Irresistible Appetizers

If you loved this easy and delicious whipped feta dip, you’re sure to enjoy these other fantastic appetizer recipes. They are perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying a tasty snack:

Cheeseburger Sliders
Simple Charcuterie Board
Fried Ravioli
Zucchini Fritters Recipe

If you like this recipe and make it, please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! Don’t forget to rate it if you enjoyed it!

Feta dip with roasted garlic cloves in a wooden bowl on a cream board.

Whipped Feta Dip

Author: Anna

This Whipped Feta Dip is a quick and easy appetizer you can make with just 5 ingredients in 5 minutes. It’s creamy, salty, tangy, and delicious spread on crostini, pita chips, or with veggies!

Prep Time
5 mins

Cook Time
0 mins

Total Time
5 mins

Course
Appetizer

Cuisine
American

Servings
6 servings

Calories
139 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz feta cheese
½ cup sour cream
1 garlic clove
1 teaspoon lemon zest
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

In a food processor, combine feta, sour cream, garlic and lemon zest.
Process until thick and creamy. Add more sour cream if needed.
Taste the dip and season with salt and pepper. Feta cheese is quite salty so seasoning after mixing is a better option as you can adjust the taste to your likings.
Pour the dip into a serving dish. Make swirls with a spoon and drizzle olive oil into the grooves.
Garnish with crushed red pepper flakes, parsley, roasted garlic, etc.

Notes

We recommend storing leftovers of feta dip in an airtight container with a lid, in the fridge, for up to 4 days. The dip will thicken as it chills. You can re-whip it easily in the food processor if you prefer a smoother texture.
Please note that the nutrition value can vary depending on the specific products you use. The information below is an estimate. Always use a calorie counter you are familiar with for precise values.

Nutrition