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Effortless appetizers are the unsung heroes of any gathering. This Whipped Feta Dip recipe is a perfect example—it’s creamy, tangy, and just garlicky enough to make an impression. Whether you’re spreading it on crostini, dunking crisp veggies, or pairing it with toasted walnuts, this dip is destined to be the centerpiece of your snack table.
If you’re in a pinch and need a quick appetizer that still impresses, this whipped feta cheese dip is your go-to. It takes mere minutes to whip up and always earns rave reviews. Pair it with crispy pita chips or take inspiration from the Whipped Ricotta Dip and drizzle it with hot honey for garnish with resh lemon zest. And y’all know me well enough to know I like to hit everything I’m pairing with cocktails with a pinch of smoked salt! Either way, it’s the perfect blend of creamy and tangy flavors to wow your guests.
This dip isn’t just for dipping! We recently slathered it on a flatbread for an upcoming recipe, and let’s just say, it totally hit all the “OMG” meters. You could also serve it alongside the Nashville Hot Chicken Dip if you’re feeding a crowd and want to offer a mix of mild and bold flavors. Trust us, it’ll steal the show whether it’s the main act or part of a duo.
For feta fans, this is only the beginning! This recipe shines as a centerpiece, but don’t miss a chance to try the Spinach Feta Cheese Bread for a hearty, savory treat or the creamy Garlic Dip for something equally spreadable and snack-worthy. With just a little prep, your appetizer game will go from “meh” to magnificent!
Table of Contents
- Creamy, Garlicky, and Perfectly Toasted—Why This Dip Wins
- Here’s What You’ll Taste in This Dip
- Ingredients for Whipped Feta Dip
- A Buying Guide for Feta Cheese
- Recipe Shortcuts
- Ingredient Notes
- How to Make Whipped Feta Dip
- Beer, Wine and Cocktail Pairings
- How to Serve
- Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
- Cheesy Appetizers and Party Snacks
- Whipped Feta Dip With Toasted Walnuts And Garlic Recipe
- Frequently Asked Questions
Creamy, Garlicky, and Perfectly Toasted—Why This Dip Wins
- Velvety Texture – Blending feta cheese and Greek yogurt makes it irresistibly smooth.
- Big, Bold Flavor – The combination of tangy feta, fresh garlic, and toasted walnuts is unforgettable.
- Quick to Make – Minimal prep and just one food processor required—ready in under 10 minutes.
Here’s What You’ll Taste in This Dip
- Tanginess: From the feta cheese and Greek yogurt, with a subtle salty kick.
- Depth: Fresh garlic infuses a warm, savory note.
- Nutty Crunch: Toasted walnuts add a rich, roasted flavor and a bit of texture.
- Herbaceous Brightness: Fresh parsley lightens and balances the dip’s overall profile.
Ingredients for Whipped Feta Dip
A Buying Guide for Feta Cheese
When shopping for feta, look for a block packed in brine. This version retains its moisture and tanginess better than pre-crumbled varieties. The brine also acts as a natural preservative, ensuring freshness for longer. Avoid dry or overly crumbly blocks, as they can result in a gritty dip.
Danish feta works in this recipe but offers a creamier texture and milder, less tangy flavor as compared to Greek feta since it’s made from cow’s milk. To balance the dip, add a touch more garlic and lean into the lemon zest. Toasted walnuts and parsley will still pair perfectly!
Recipe Shortcuts
- Toasting Walnuts – to release their oils doesn’t necessarily need to be done in your oven. Try shaking them over high heat in a skillet to achieve the same goal.
Ingredient Notes
Feta Cheese – Use a block of feta packed in brine for the creamiest texture and boldest flavor.
- Swap: French feta for a milder taste or goat cheese for a tangy taste.
- Find It: Specialty cheeses.
Walnuts
- Swap: Pecans.
- Find It: Bulk section.
Fresh Parsley
- Swap: Use half the amount of fresh basil, or fresh oregano sparingly (taste as you go), or fresh tarragon, which alters flavor profile but works.
- Find It: Produce.
How to Make Whipped Feta Dip
Scroll down for the full printable recipe or stick around for the step-by-step breakdown with photos to walk you through every delicious detail.
Before beginning, gather all ingredients. Rinse parsley thoroughly under cold water to remove any grit. Pat dry with a paper towel or use a salad spinner to ensure it’s clean, mostly dry, and ready to go. Hold a branch or two back to use as garnish at the end.
Pop your oven to 350°F and toast 1 cup of walnuts on the middle rack until they’re golden and fragrant—about 8 to 12 minutes depending on your oven. Don’t forget to give them a toss every so often to keep them from getting ‘toasty in the wrong way.’ You know, burned! Not feeling the oven? A quick spin in a dry, non-stick skillet on the stovetop works too.
Hold a few walnuts out after they’ve toasted and chop them. These we’ll use to garnish along with the reserved parsley.
Next, grab your food processor and toss in the walnuts, 12 ounces of feta (break it up into smaller pieces), 1/2 cup of heavy cream (or whole milk), 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, 1/2 cup of parsley (leaves and stems trimmed), a liberal pinch of black pepper and Kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, and 4 large garlic cloves. Let the machine do its magic until everything is mostly smooth. Some texture is palette-pleasing.
Use a rubber spatula to scrape that creamy goodness into your serving dish. Finish with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, the reserved chopped walnuts and reserved parsley, also chopped. You could also hit the top with additional crushed red pepper flakes, a pinch of Aleppo pepper, honey, or smoked salt. Call it done—pour the wine, and snacks are served!
Beer, Wine and Cocktail Pairings
A light, citrusy wheat beer or Belgian witbier complements the creamy tang of the feta and the herbaceous notes of parsley. Think Blue Moon, Allagash White, or any local wheat beer with bright flavors.
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a dry rosé enhances the dip’s brightness without overpowering its creamy and garlicky profile. For something with more bubbles, Prosecco or a sparkling Brut works wonderfully, too.
A classic gin and tonic with a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary ties in nicely with the herbaceous elements. Alternatively, a vodka lemon spritz or a cucumber mojito keeps things light and refreshing.
How to Serve
For the ultimate pairing, serve this whipped feta dip with multigrain or sesame seed crackers for a nutty crunch, or go classic with warm pita or toasted baguette slices. Add fresh fruit like sliced apples, pears, or seedless grapes for a sweet contrast. This mix creates a balanced spread that perfectly complements the dip’s creamy, tangy flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. While it’s possible to freeze feta, the texture will change, so it’s best to enjoy this dip fresh. Make this dip ahead for maximum flavor, allowing it to rest in the fridge for an hour so the flavors meld.
Cheesy Appetizers and Party Snacks
Whipped Feta Dip With Toasted Walnuts And Garlic
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup walnut halves, toasted
- 12 ounces feta cheese, block feta in brine, not crumbled feta
- ½ cup heavy cream, may substitute whole milk
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, more for serving
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- ½ cup flat-leaf parsley, Fresh; leaves and stems
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 4 large cloves garlic
- liberal pinch black pepper
- liberal pinch Kosher salt
- Crudités, optional for serving
- whole grain crackers or toasted pita wedges, optional for serving
Instructions
- Before beginning, gather all ingredients. Wash parsley thoroughly to remove grit and run through a salad spinner to dry. Reserve 1 or 2 stems, chopping for garnish later.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and add walnuts to a baking dish. Place on the middle rack to toast until fragrant, 8 to 12 minutes. Toss every few minutes with a wooden spoon to keep from burning. Alternatively, add to a dry, non-stick skillet over medium-high heat for 5 to 6 minutes until fragrant. Chop 2-3 of the toasted walnuts and set aside to reserve for garnish later.1 cup walnut halves
- To a food processor, add the walnuts, feta, heavy cream, oregano, parsley, black pepper and Kosher salt, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, olive oil, and garlic cloves. Process 30 to 45 seconds or until everything is almost smooth.1 cup walnut halves, 12 ounces feta cheese, ½ cup heavy cream, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, ½ cup flat-leaf parsley, ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 4 large cloves garlic, liberal pinch black pepper, liberal pinch Kosher salt
- Use a rubber spatula to scrape into a serving dish. Finish with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, the reserved chopped walnuts and reserved chopped parsley. Optional additions for garnish include crushed red pepper flakes, a pinch of Aleppo pepper, honey, hot honey, or smoked sea salt. Serve with assorted Crudités and a mixed board of toasted pita wedges and whole grain crackers.Crudités, whole grain crackers or toasted pita wedges
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store in the fridge. Stir before serving.
A blender works, but you might need to add a little more olive oil for smooth blending.
Absolutely. The dip will still taste great with just the feta, fresh parsley, and walnuts.
Made this easy and delicious dip for a New Year’s party, and it was a hit! Paired it with a variety of roasted veggies. Definitely will make again.
Cathy, aren’t you nice to drop back around and leave this sweet comment! This and the Tasty Roasted Garlic Dip are my two fave dips on this website. I am soooo glad you enjoyed it! x – Jenny