If you’re searching for an appetizer that’ll steal the show at any gathering, look no further than this Roasted Garlic Whipped Feta Dip. It’s creamy, tangy, packed with luscious roasted garlic, and impossibly easy—all the magic of a Mediterranean mezze platter in a single swoop of your favorite chip, veggie, or bread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Creamy Texture: Whipping feta with Greek yogurt and olive oil turns it into a light, fluffy dip you’ll want on everything.
- Deep Garlic Flavor: Roasted garlic adds sweet, mellow richness without harshness—totally irresistible.
- Easy to Make Ahead: It actually tastes better after a little fridge time, making it ideal for parties and meal prep.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Perfect as a dip, spread, or even as a flavorful base for roasted veggies and grilled meats!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Roasted Garlic Whipped Feta Dip keeps things simple, but each ingredient brings something special—whether it’s tangy creaminess, punchy saltiness, or that oh-so-addictive roasted garlic. Let’s break down what makes each one a star!
- 1 head of garlic: Roasting brings out the garlic’s natural sweetness and makes it soft, mellow, and spreadable.
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (for roasting): Helps caramelize the garlic and infuses it with rich flavor.
- ¾ to 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or whole milk): This forms the creamy, tangy base—full fat makes it extra velvety.
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled: Brings salty-tangy umami and that signature Mediterranean flair.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for blending): Adds silkiness and elevates the dip’s texture.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens up the flavors and balances the richness.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: For seasoning—don’t skip the pepper for a tiny kick!
- Extra-virgin olive oil (for drizzling): The finishing touch that makes this dip look and taste special.
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh chopped leafy herbs (parsley, chives, or dill): Adds a pop of freshness, color, and herby aroma.
- Red pepper flakes, optional: For a little fire and beautiful color flecks, if you like heat.
Variations
One of my favorite things about Roasted Garlic Whipped Feta Dip is how endlessly customizable it is. Switch things up to suit your tastes or whatever you’ve got on hand—there’s truly no wrong way to make it your own!
- Herbed Whipped Garlic Dip: Add 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs (think dill, parsley, cilantro, or basil) into the blender for a garden-fresh twist.
- Tahini Whipped Garlic Dip: Blend in 2 tablespoons tahini for a nutty, earthy undertone—amazing with a drizzle of toasted sesame seeds.
- Lemon Zest Upgrade: Grate some lemon zest in with the juice for extra citrusy brightness.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of smoked paprika or crushed red pepper for heat lovers.
How to Make Roasted Garlic Whipped Feta Dip
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
Preheat your oven to 400°F. To prep the garlic, remove just the loose, outer papery layers from the head but keep the inner skins on the individual cloves—these protect the garlic while roasting. Slice about ¼ inch off the top so you can see each clove peeking out. Set the garlic on a piece of foil, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap it loosely. Pop it on a small baking sheet and roast for about 40 minutes until golden, wonderfully soft, and sweet-smelling. Give it a few minutes to cool before handling.
Step 2: Whip the Feta Base
Once your garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze those mellow, caramelized cloves right out of their skins and into the bowl of a food processor or high-speed blender. Add in the Greek yogurt, crumbled feta, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice. Blend everything together until the mixture is super creamy and fully combined, scraping down the sides as needed for a silky-smooth texture.
Step 3: Season and Finish
Taste your Roasted Garlic Whipped Feta Dip and add salt and pepper to your liking—feta can be salty, so start small! Whirl it one last time in the blender to mix. Scoop the dip into a shallow serving bowl, creating swirls on top for all those delicious garnishes.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Drizzle with a generous splash of olive oil, scatter over the fresh herbs and, if you like, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little color and subtle heat. Now, you’re ready to dive in with your favorite dippers!
Pro Tips for Making Roasted Garlic Whipped Feta Dip
- Creamiest Yogurt Choice: Use whole milk Greek yogurt for the most luscious, luxurious dip—you’ll notice the difference!
- Blender Power: For the silkiest Roasted Garlic Whipped Feta Dip, let your food processor or blender run a little longer than you think; scraping down often ensures no feta chunks remain.
- Roasted Garlic Safety: After roasting, let the garlic cool just enough to handle but squeeze while still a bit warm for the easiest extraction (and maximum flavor release).
- Season with Caution: Because feta is naturally salty, always taste before adding salt—pepper, however, is always welcome!
How to Serve Roasted Garlic Whipped Feta Dip
Garnishes
Garnishing your Roasted Garlic Whipped Feta Dip is all about adding contrast and freshness. I love a swirl of extra-virgin olive oil, a scatter of vibrant herbs like dill or parsley, and a hint of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat and eye-catching color. It turns a simple dip into a party-worthy showstopper!
Side Dishes
This dip plays so well with others! Serve it with warm pita, crunchy crudités, crostini, crackers, or even crispy roasted potatoes for a hearty snack. It also makes a delicious spread on fresh baguette or tucked inside sandwiches and wraps alongside grilled chicken or veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning appetizer platter, spread your Roasted Garlic Whipped Feta Dip onto a tray and top with overlapping rows of roasted veggies, olives, or sliced radishes. Or, serve individual portions in small jars or glasses for a festive, mess-free party treat. You can even dollop it under a stack of grilled skewers or as a bold bed for roasted carrots—so many playful ways to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Roasted Garlic Whipped Feta Dip (if you’re that lucky!) keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days. In fact, the flavors deepen and meld, making it even more delicious the next day—perfect for prepping ahead.
Freezing
While you technically can freeze this dip, the texture of Greek yogurt and feta can change after thawing and may become slightly grainy. For best taste and creaminess, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
Reheating isn’t usually necessary—Roasted Garlic Whipped Feta Dip is at its best chilled or at room temperature. If you want to take the chill off, let it sit out for 20-30 minutes before serving, or give it a quick, gentle stir after resting.
FAQs
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Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Yes, but note that regular yogurt is thinner and will yield a softer, less structured dip. Greek yogurt’s thicker texture really helps the Roasted Garlic Whipped Feta Dip hold up on crudités or bread—if substituting, try straining your yogurt to remove excess liquid for better results.
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What type of feta works best?
Look for a block of feta in brine for the freshest, milkiest, and most flavorful results. Pre-crumbled feta will work in a pinch, but it’s often a bit drier and saltier, so if possible, reach for the real deal and crumble it yourself—it makes this Roasted Garlic Whipped Feta Dip extra creamy!
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Can I make Roasted Garlic Whipped Feta Dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making the dip a few hours ahead gives the garlic, lemon, and feta flavors time to mingle and deepen. Just cover and refrigerate, then let it sit at room temperature for a bit before serving for the best texture and flavor.
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Is Roasted Garlic Whipped Feta Dip gluten-free?
Yes—this dip is naturally gluten-free! Just pair with gluten-free crackers, veggies, or chips if you’re serving those with it. As always, check your feta and yogurt packaging to be certain.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Roasted Garlic Whipped Feta Dip finds its way to your next table—whether it’s for friends, a cozy night in, or simply to elevate your snack game. Every creamy, garlicky scoop is a celebration of flavor and gathering. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised when you’re tempted to lick the bowl clean!
Print
Roasted Garlic Whipped Feta Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Roasting, Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy decadence of this Roasted Garlic Whipped Feta Dip that combines the rich flavors of roasted garlic, tangy feta, and Greek yogurt. Perfect for dipping with veggies, chips, or spreading on sandwiches!
Ingredients
For the roasted garlic:
- 1 head of garlic
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
For the whipped feta yogurt:
- 3/4–1 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or whole milk preferred!)
- 4 ounces feta, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste
To garnish:
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh chopped leafy herbs, such as parsley, chives or dill
- Red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Peel and discard the outer layers of the garlic head. Cut off the top of the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 40 minutes. Allow to cool.
- Make the whipped feta yogurt dip: Squeeze out the roasted garlic cloves and place in a blender. Add yogurt, feta, olive oil, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer to a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and garnish with herbs. Serve with chips, veggies, or as a spread.
Notes
- Herbed Whipped Garlic Dip: Add 2 tablespoons of a mix of chopped fresh leafy herbs (such as dill, parsley, cilantro or basil) before blending.
- Tahini Whipped Garlic Dip: Add 2 tablespoons tahini to the blender and process until smooth. Top with toasted sesame seeds on top.
- See the full post for tips, tricks, and more ways to customize this dip!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 158 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 293mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 33mg
