Feta and Cream Cheese Dip

Today we’re elevating our snack game with a savory indulgence that’s super simple to prepare – Feta and Cream Cheese Dip. This dip is a velvety blend of crumbled feta and rich cream cheese, whipped with grilled garlic, fresh lemon, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Despite taking just minutes to prepare, this dip can transform everyday snacking into a gourmet experience.

We start by putting a quick char on the garlic, which helps mellow the garlic and gives it a nice smoky touch. From there, we combine the garlic in a food processor with the cream cheese and feta, blend until smooth, and we’ve got a creamy masterpiece on our hands. A drizzle of olive and some fresh lemon brightens the flavor profile, adding contrast and depth. From there, pair with pita triangles, tortilla chips, or crostini, and you’re good to go.

However, what really sets this recipe apart, for me, isn’t its luxurious texture or its depth of flavor, but rather how it achieves those qualities with the simplest possible preparation process, and equally simple ingredients. All of today’s ingredients are available right at your local grocery store, and you won’t need anything to prepare this recipe except a frying pan and a food processor. It doesn’t get much easier than this.

So, if you’re looking for a quick and simple Game Day dip or an easy way to add some flare to your next appetizer spread, look no further. Read on for an ingredient checklist, a printable recipe card, and of course pairing suggestions.

Now, without further delay, let’s dive right in.

Recipe Overview – What to Expect:

• What to Expect: This recipe creates a luscious and flavorful dip, with bright zesty notes contrasting beautifully with the savory and salty feta. The combination of creamy textures from the cream cheese and the crumbled feta results in a dip that's both rich and tangy.
• Taste and Texture: The dip boasts a savory blend of flavors—creamy, salty, and a hint of smokiness from the grilled garlic. Its texture is smooth and velvety, making it a delightful spread.
• Pairing Ideas: This versatile dip pairs exceptionally well with an array of options. Consider serving it alongside an assortment of fresh veggies such as crisp cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and colorful bell pepper strips. It also pairs great with pita triangles, crusty bread, and your favorite crackers.
• Ease of Preparation: Ideal for both seasoned cooks and beginners, this dip couldn’t be simpler to make. We’re of course using a food processor to streamline the mixing process, ensuring a smooth and creamy consistency. Grilling the garlic adds a nuanced smokiness, elevating the dip's overall flavor profile.
• Storage and Shelf Life: While best enjoyed fresh, this dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The olive oil drizzle helps maintain its moisture and prevents drying. Before serving any leftovers, give the dip a gentle stir to restore its creamy texture, adding a few teaspoons of olive oil if needed.

Ingredient Checklist: Everything You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to prepare this recipe. No worries, only super simple ingredients are needed, all readily available at your local grocery store.

1. 1/2 cup of cream cheese
   • Note: I do recommend full-fat cream cheese, as this gives the dip extra creaminess.
2. 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese
   • Note: I recommend using block feta, rather than crumbled feta, as crumbled feta tends to be dryer and less flavorful due to the crumbling process adding a lot of air to the cheese.
3. 4 medium to large cloves of garlic
   • Note: Not a whole lot to say here. Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference.
4. 1/2 tsp. coarse black pepper
   • Note: I strongly recommend using freshly ground black pepper.
   • Tip: Feel free to add in cayenne or red pepper for a spicier dip.
5. 1/4 tsp. salt
   • Note: Adjust salt according to taste; consider the saltiness of the feta when adding.
6. 3 tbs. of olive oil
   • Note: Choose extra-virgin olive oil for a robust flavor; reserve a little for garnish.
   • Tip: Feel free to experiment with your favorite infused olive oils.
7. 4 tsp. of fresh lemon juice
   • Note: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for brightness; adjust quantity based on personal preference.

Pairing Suggestions: What to Dip

With the dip prepared, it’s time to get the party started.

Here are some of my favorite pairings for this dip.

1. Vegetables:
   • Crisp Crudites: Crunchy vegetables like cucumber slices, carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, and cherry tomatoes provide a crunchy contrast.
   • Radish Roses: Radishes, thinly sliced into rose shapes, add a peppery kick and an elegant presentation.
   • Fun with Fennel: Sliced fennel is another great pairing, with its licorice flavor contrasting deliciously with the savory notes of the dip.
2. Crackers and Breads:
   • Pita Chips: Toasted pita chips or triangles bring a satisfying crunch and a sturdy base for scooping up the thick dip.
   • Crostini: Lightly toasted baguette slices or crostini offer a subtle crunch and a neutral canvas for the rich flavors.
   • Crusty Bread: Italian bread and toasted baguette are easy go-to pairings, and provide a sturdy base for sandwiching other sides with the dip.
3. Dippers with a Twist:
   • Stuffed Grape Leaves: Dolma or stuffed grape leaves bring a unique texture and a hint of earthiness that complements the dip.
   • Breadsticks: Grissini or breadsticks add a playful element and can be dipped or used for spreading.
4. Fruits:
   • Apple Slices: The natural sweetness and crispness of apple slices provide a delightful contrast to the savory dip.
   • Figs or Grapes: Fresh figs or grapes contribute a touch of sweetness and juicy burst with each bite.
5. Nuts:
   • Walnuts or Almonds: Toasted nuts add a satisfying crunch and a nutty undertone, elevating the overall texture.
6. Wine Pairing:
   • White Wine: A crisp and dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, would pair beautifully. The bright acidity and herbal characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc can cut through the richness of the dip, providing a clean contrast. On the other hand, a pinot grigio would work to complement the dip, but without overpowering it.
   • Prosecco or Champagne: Conversely, the effervescence of a sparkling wine would refresh the palate between bites, while also playing nicely with the flavors of the cream cheese and feta.

Variations on Feta & Cream Cheese Dip:

• Herb Infusion: You can add a touch of color, while enhancing the dip's aromatic profile, by incorporating fresh herbs. Add a tablespoon of finely chopped dill, parsley, or chives for a quick burst of herbal freshness. Of course, feel free to experiment with different herbs to tailor the dip to your preference.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: I know, this one might be a bit cliché, but I can’t help loving sun-dried tomatoes. In today’s recipe, sun-dried tomatoes would add a touch of sweetness and tanginess, but be sure that they’re finely chopped before adding them to the food processor.
• Nuts for Crunch: For added texture, mix in a handful of chopped nuts such as toasted pine nuts, almonds, or walnuts.
• Spicy Kick: If you want a bit of a kick, consider adding in a pinch of red pepper flakes, a touch of cayenne, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
• Roasted Red Peppers: This one would play deliciously with the roasted garlic. Add in finely diced roasted red peppers for a touch of sweetness and smokiness. You might also consider adding a spicy chili if you prefer a bit of heat.
• Caramelized Onions: Cream cheese and caramelized onions are considered a match made in heavy for a reason – they’re delicious together. That means an easy way to elevate today’s dip is by caramelizing some onions, and then adding them into the food process with the cheese. Simply sauté thinly sliced onions until golden brown and mix them into the dip for a deep, savory flavor.

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And that’s our Cream Cheese and Feta Dip. If you enjoyed today’s recipe, or have any questions or suggestions, be sure to let us know in the comments below. We always love hearing from you.

Happy Cooking!