Halftime Spicy Feta Dip (Printable)
A bold and creamy feta dip with a spicy kick—perfect for game day snacking or parties, served with crunchy veggies or pita chips.
# What You Need:
→ Dairy
01 - 7 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
02 - 3.5 ounces cream cheese, softened
03 - 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
→ Flavor Enhancers
04 - 1 medium garlic clove, finely minced
05 - 1 to 2 tablespoons hot chili pepper (such as jalapeño or red chili), finely chopped
06 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
08 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
09 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
→ Fresh Herbs
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, finely chopped
→ Seasoning
11 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
12 - Pinch of salt (optional, as feta is inherently salty)
# How-To Steps:
01 - In a food processor or a sturdy mixing bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, softened cream cheese, and Greek yogurt. Process or mash until the mixture achieves a smooth, creamy consistency.
02 - Introduce the minced garlic, finely chopped chili pepper, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and half of the extra-virgin olive oil to the dip base. Blend thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as preferred.
03 - Transfer the finished dip to a serving bowl. Drizzle the remaining extra-virgin olive oil over the surface and sprinkle with the fresh herbs.
04 - Serve the dip immediately with fresh vegetables, pita chips, or crusty bread. For optimal flavor development, allow the dip to rest at room temperature for approximately 15 minutes before serving.
# Helpful Tips:
01 -
- It's astonishingly quick to pull together, making you look like a culinary genius with almost no effort.
- The balance of creamy feta, zesty lemon, and a spicy kick is utterly addictive – seriously, you'll want to guard the bowl.
02 -
- Always soften your cream cheese! Trying to blend cold cream cheese with feta results in a lumpy, frustrating mess and a very unhappy food processor.
- The heat level is entirely in your hands; start with less chili and taste as you go – you can always add more, but you can't take it away!
03 -
- For the creamiest texture, make sure your cream cheese is at true room temperature; it will blend seamlessly with the feta and yogurt.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with your chili choices – a bit of smoked ghost pepper for the truly daring, or a mild Anaheim for a gentle warmth.