Creamy Whipped Feta Dip with Hot Honey and Pistachios
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An easy, elegant whipped feta dip with hot honey and pistachios. Ready in 10 minutes!
I first saw a dip like this on a friend’s feed. It was just a snapshot, but it looked so elegant and effortless. It reminded me of a little cafe I once visited, where the food was simple but made with so much care. I went straight to my kitchen, pulled out the feta I had, and just started playing. The result felt like a little victory. A small, beautiful thing I could make in my own space, just for the joy of it.
Why This Dip Feels So Special
- •It’s effortlessly elegant. Looks like it took ages, but it’s ready in minutes.
- •The perfect balance of salty feta, sweet honey, and that little kick of spice.
- •So versatile. Serve it for a quiet night in or a big family gathering.
- •The texture is just wonderful—so light and creamy.
- •It’s a beautiful canvas for different toppings. Get creative!
Wow. My sister made this when I came over, and I couldn't stop eating it. It looks so fancy, but she told me it took her ten minutes. I'm definitely making this for my next get-together. It’s just incredible.
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Block Feta: Please use a block of feta packed in brine. It has a much creamier texture and better flavor than the pre-crumbled kind, which can be dry. It makes all the difference.
- Softened Cream Cheese: Letting the cream cheese sit out on the counter for 30 minutes before you start helps it blend into a perfectly smooth dip. No lumps, just creamy goodness.
- Hot Honey: You can find this in most stores now, but it’s so easy to make. Just warm up some honey in a small saucepan with a pinch of red pepper flakes for a minute. Let it cool before drizzling.
Complete Cooking Process
- Let your cream cheese soften on the counter. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference.
- Crumble your block of feta. I find this part so satisfying.
- Chop your pistachios. You want some fine bits and some larger pieces for texture.
- Add the feta and cream cheese to your food processor. Then the olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.
- Blend it until it’s perfectly smooth. You’ll see it transform from crumbly to wonderfully creamy. It takes a couple of minutes.
- Scrape down the sides once or twice to make sure everything is incorporated.
- Scoop the dip into your favorite shallow bowl.
- Use your spoon to make a pretty swirl on top. This is where your inner designer can come out to play.
- Drizzle the honey, sprinkle the nuts, add a little fresh herb if you have it. Look at that. So simple, so lovely.
Your Questions, Answered
→Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely. You can make the whipped feta base up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just wait to add the toppings until right before you serve it. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to soften up a bit.
→What should I serve with whipped feta dip?
Oh, so many things! Warm, soft pita bread is classic. But I also love it with crunchy crostini, seedy crackers, or fresh veggies like cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, and carrot sticks.
→My dip isn't getting smooth. What went wrong?
It's usually one of two things. Your cream cheese might have been too cold, or you might be using pre-crumbled feta, which is drier. Try letting the mixture blend a little longer, and if needed, add a tiny splash of water or milk (a teaspoon at a time) to help it along.
→Can I use something other than pistachios?
Of course. Toasted walnuts or almonds would be lovely. Even some toasted sesame seeds or a sprinkle of za'atar would be a wonderful variation.
Creamy Whipped Feta Dip with Hot Honey and Pistachios
A stunningly simple, creamy whipped feta dip drizzled with spicy hot honey and topped with crunchy pistachios. This appetizer is perfect for sharing and looks beautiful on any table.
Timing
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes
Total Time
10 minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
For the Whipped Feta
- 018 oz block of good quality feta cheese, crumbled
- 024 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 032 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 041 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 051 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- 06A pinch of black pepper
For the Topping
- 012-3 tablespoons hot honey (or regular honey with a pinch of red pepper flakes)
- 021/4 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
- 03Fresh dill or mint for garnish (optional)
- 04A final drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
Place the crumbled feta cheese and softened cream cheese into the bowl of a food processor or a high-speed blender.
Add the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and minced garlic (if using). Season with a small pinch of black pepper.
Blend on high for 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed, until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, you can add another teaspoon of olive oil or a splash of water to help it blend.
Spoon the whipped feta into a shallow serving bowl. Use the back of a spoon to create a nice swirl on top.
Drizzle generously with the hot honey, letting it pool in the center.
Sprinkle the chopped pistachios over the top.
Add a final, light drizzle of good extra virgin olive oil and garnish with fresh dill or mint if you like.
Serve immediately with warm pita, crackers, or fresh veggies. It’s as simple as that.
Notes & Tips
- 1If you don’t have hot honey, regular honey with a pinch of red pepper flakes works perfectly.
- 2For a tangier version, you can substitute the cream cheese with full-fat Greek yogurt.
- 3This dip is also amazing spread on a sandwich or as a base for a flatbread.
Tools You'll Need
- •Use room temperature cream cheese for the smoothest possible texture.
- •A good quality block feta in brine will give you the best flavor and creaminess.
- •Don't be shy with the toppings—the contrast is what makes this dip so special.
- •Taste the dip before plating. Feta can vary in saltiness, so you might want to adjust.
- •A food processor works best, but a powerful blender can also work well.