Feta makes everything taste better and this creamy whipped feta spread is nothing less than perfection. Maybe I am a little biased because I am Greek, but feta has so much depth of flavor that can uplift anything it touches.
So this delicious Greek spread/dip is nothing less than perfection. This recipe is inspired by the Greek tyrosalata (cheese salad) and a baked feta cheese dish with honey that we had on our vacation to Zakynthos (Zante).
Health benefits of Feta cheese!
Real Feta cheese is Greek and only Greek and we make it using sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep and goat milk. This combination makes it easier to digest than other cheeses, especially the ones made out of cow milk.
It is a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product and even though the name is used to describe other types of white cheeses, none of them is the same as feta. Feta is also brined which means fermented. Fermented foods contain probiotics which are especially good for gut health.
Feta is also lower in fat than other cheeses and it is loaded with calcium, phosphorus, zinc, selenium, and a number of B vitamins. These minerals and vitamins can help with bone health and may improve bone density. It also contains a fatty acid known as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) that has been shown to improve body composition.
Although feta is a very healthy cheese it can be harmful to people with casein allergies, and lactose intolerance. It also contains a high amount of sodium which should be avoided in case of high blood pressure.
Ingredients for the creamy whipped feta spread
Feta: Use good quality Greek feta in brine for the best and most delicious results.
Yogurt: I use full-fat Greek yogurt. I use it to make the creamy feta more subtle and less salty.
Olive oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for its healthy fats and because it helps to make this spread extra creamy and smooth.
Lemon: Use fresh lemons or limes. The lemon juice adds some freshness and the lemon zest provide a wonderful aroma.
Honey: I use Greek thyme honey for the extra aroma and the intense flavor. Use any type that you like and if allergic to honey, replace it with maple syrup just to add some sweetness to the dish.
Tips & tricks
Feta has 3 different types: hard, medium-hardness, and soft. I recommend using hard or medium hardness for this recipe.
Always buy feta in brine. It makes the flavor more intense, the texture is creamier, and it prolongs feta's life span.
Use good quality Greek extra-virgin olive oil. It adds a peppery flavor to the dish.
Avoid the white bits of the lemon when zesting it because they can be bitter.
How to serve the creamy whipped feta spread
Serve the creamy feta spread as:
- Side dish, usually with potatoes
- Salad, called tirosalata
- Spread, over warm bread or in sandwiches
- Dip, from bread, pita, chips, or veggie sticks
- Pasta sauce
- Addition to a salad bowl with roasted peppers or tomatoes
Top the whipped feta spread with:
- Toasted sesame seeds, or pinenuts
- Walnuts, almonds, or pistachios
- Pomegranate seeds
- Drizzle some extra-virgin olive oil
- Extra honey
- Fresh chopped herbs
- Chilli flakes
- Basil pesto
How to store the creamy whipped Feta spread
Keep the creamy whipped feta spread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When cold, creamy whipped feta has the tendency to stiffen, that is why we need to remove it from the fridge about 15 minutes before serving.
I don't recommend freezing whipped feta.
Related recipes
Combine the whipped feta spread with:
If you consume gluten, check also the following:
Recipe
Creamy Whipped Feta Spread
Equipment
- Food processor, immersion/hand blender, blender
Ingredients
- 250 g/8.8oz Feta cheese
- 180 g/6.34oz Greek yogurt full-fat
- 2 ½ tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
- ½ tablespoon honey
- 1-2 cloves garlic
- 1 lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- ⅓ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- In a food processor crumble the feta, and add the rest of the ingredients except from the olive oil.
- Combine the ingredients and while the food processor is working start drizzling with the olive oil until the mixture becomes fluffy, smooth, and creamy.
- Transfer to a serving dish, make a swirl on the surface with the back of a spoon and top it with olive oil or honey and other toppings of choice.
- Enjoy 😀
Notes
Nutrition facts
Servings: 1 (90g) | Calories: 187kcal | Carbohydrates: 5.39g | Protein: 9.01g | Fat: 14.66g | Saturated Fat: 7.1g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 393mg | Potassium: 87mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 4.39g | Vitamin A: 197IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Vitamin B2: 0.44mg | Vitamin B12: 0.93μg | Calcium: 243mg | Iron: 0.43mg | Phosphorus: 184mg
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