Ina Garten Whipped Feta only needs 5 ingredients and a food processor to come together. Cream cheese is the trick, turning crumbly feta into a smooth, spreadable dip. Make it ahead as an easy side dish, because the flavor improves as it sits in the fridge.
Use Greek feta, not the domestic kind, because domestic feta tastes bland and too salty for this. Let the cream cheese come to room temperature before processing, so everything whips into one smooth texture.
Source: Make It Ahead (2014)
Ina Garten Whipped Feta
Course: Side DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings5
minutes325
kcalA tangy, smooth spread made by pulsing Greek feta and cream cheese in a food processor with olive oil and lemon juice until silky.
Ingredients
6 ounces Greek feta, crumbled
2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1/3 cup good olive oil
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
- Blend and chill: Place the feta and cream cheese in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade and pulse until the cheeses are mixed. Add the olive oil, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and process until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
FAQs
Can I use regular feta instead of Greek feta?
You can, but Greek feta has a creamier texture that blends better. Domestic feta tends to be drier and saltier, so the result might be grainy. If that happens, add an extra splash of olive oil and blend longer to smooth it out.
How long does whipped feta last in the fridge?
Store it in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Give it a stir before serving since it firms up as it chills. The flavor actually gets better after a day or two, so making it ahead works in your favor.
Can I make whipped feta without a food processor?
A blender works if you scrape down the sides a few times. An immersion blender in a tall container also does the job. Skip a hand mixer, though, because it won’t break down the feta enough to get that smooth consistency.
What should I serve whipped feta with?
Warm pita, crudites, or toasted bread are the classics. It also works as a spread on flatbread or bruschetta. Try spooning it alongside roasted vegetables or grilled lamb for a dinner party side.
Can I freeze whipped feta?
Freezing is not recommended for this dip. The texture goes from smooth and creamy to grainy once it thaws, and no amount of reblending fully fixes it. Since the recipe takes about five minutes, just make a fresh batch when you need one.
