Description
This Whipped Feta with Honey is a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy Mediterranean-inspired appetizer. The feta cheese is blended to a smooth, ricotta-like texture, accented with lemon juice and a touch of milk, then swirled with warm honey infused with red pepper flakes for a sweet and spicy kick. Garnished with crunchy chopped pistachios, it’s perfect served immediately with toasted baguette slices for a delightful and elegant starter or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces cow’s milk feta cheese
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons whole milk (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- â…“ cup chopped pistachios (for garnish)
Instructions
- Rinse and Drain Feta: Break the feta cheese into small pieces and quickly rinse them under cold water to reduce excess saltiness. Drain the pieces thoroughly to remove any water.
- Infuse the Honey: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey and red pepper flakes. Warm the mixture until it just begins to simmer, then remove it from heat and let it cool. This step infuses the honey with a subtle spicy heat.
- Blend Feta Mixture: Place the drained feta into a food processor, add the fresh lemon juice and whole milk (or Greek yogurt), and blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, resembling ricotta cheese in texture.
- Add Olive Oil: While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Continue processing until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.
- Assemble and Garnish: Transfer the whipped feta into a serving bowl. Use a spoon to create swirls on the surface. Drizzle the cooled spiced honey over the top and sprinkle with chopped pistachios for added texture and flavor.
- Serve: Serve the whipped feta immediately with toasted baguette slices for dipping and spreading.
Notes
- Rinsing feta helps mellow its saltiness for a balanced flavor.
- Use whole milk or plain Greek yogurt depending on your preferred creaminess and tang.
- Warm the honey gently to infuse the red pepper flakes without burning the honey.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest texture and flavors.
- Toasted baguette slices add a crunchy contrast to the creamy dip.
- Can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but is best fresh.
