Have you ever found yourself at a party, awkwardly holding a plate, and just wondering what the secret was behind that one dish everyone couldn’t stop raving about? That was me last weekend with this Creamy Whipped Garlic Feta Dip. It’s the kind of dip that makes you forget about everything else on the table—smooth, garlicky, and just the right amount of tang to keep you coming back for more.
Steps
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (about 200°C). Prepare a whole head of garlic by peeling away the outer layers, leaving the skins on the individual cloves. Cut off about 1/4 inch from the top of the cloves to expose them, then place the garlic on a sheet of foil, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap it loosely.
- Place the wrapped garlic on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 40 minutes until the cloves are soft and fragrant. Allow the garlic to cool for a few minutes before handling.
- Once cool to the touch, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and into a blender or food processor. Add Greek yogurt, crumbled feta cheese, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice.
- Blend the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and well combined, scraping down the sides as needed. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and blend again briefly to incorporate.
- Transfer the whipped feta dip into a shallow serving bowl. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle with freshly chopped herbs such as parsley, chives, or dill. Optionally, add a dash of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Serve the dip with a variety of dippable items like crispy roasted potatoes, chips, crostini, or fresh vegetables. You can also use it as a sandwich spread or a topping for roasted meats and vegetables. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 head of garlic
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ¾-1 cup plain Greek yogurt (preferably 2% or whole milk)
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh chopped leafy herbs (such as parsley, chives, or dill)
- Red pepper flakes, optional
Nutritional Values
Calories: 780cal | Carbohydrates: 23.4g | Protein: 35.4g | Fat: 62.4g | Saturated Fat: 23.4g | Fiber: 0.6g | Sugar: 7.8g
FAQ
- How do I roast a head of garlic for the dip?
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice about ¼-½ inch off the top of a garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap it in foil. Roast it on a baking sheet for around 40 minutes until the cloves are soft and golden. Let it cool before squeezing out the garlic to use in the dip.
- Can I prepare the roasted garlic feta dip ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the dip a few days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to add fresh herbs just before serving.
- What are some variations of this garlic feta dip?
- You can try adding 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs such as dill, parsley, or basil for a herbed version. Alternatively, incorporate 2 tablespoons of tahini for a nutty twist, topping it with toasted sesame seeds.
- How should I store leftover garlic feta dip?
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Stir the dip before serving to blend any separated ingredients.
- What are some serving suggestions for the garlic feta dip?
- This dip pairs well with fresh veggies, pretzels, pita bread, or crackers. It can also be used as a sandwich spread, salad dressing, or drizzled over roasted vegetables. For a unique option, toss it with pasta for a flavorful sauce.
Tips
- Roast the garlic until it is soft and golden for optimal flavor. This process enhances its sweetness and makes it easier to blend into the dip.
- Experiment with flavor variations such as adding fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or basil, or incorporating tahini for a nutty twist.
- Prepare the dip in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge, garnishing with fresh herbs just before serving to maintain their vibrant flavor.
- Double the recipe if serving a crowd, and offer it alongside a variety of dippable items like vegetables, crackers, and pita bread for a versatile appetizer.
Equipment
- Food Processor or High-Powered Blender – This is essential for blending the ingredients into a smooth dip.
- Baking Sheet – Used for roasting the garlic in the oven.
- Tin Foil – For wrapping the garlic during roasting. (Although not a typical “equipment,” some might need to purchase it if they don’t have it at home.)
