Whipped Roasted Tomatoes and Feta Dip is a harmonious blend of bold Mediterranean flavors. This vibrant, tangy, and creamy dip is perfect for any occasion. It's easy to make, packed with healthy ingredients, and incredibly delicious.
The star ingredients of this recipe are Feta cheese and cherry tomatoes. Feta cheese is a brined curd cheese from Greece, and its tangy and salty flavor pairs incredibly well with sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes. You can generally find feta cheese in the specialty cheese section of your supermarket. If not, a good substitute could be goat cheese or ricotta. Cherry tomatoes are a miniature version of traditional tomatoes, but with a sweeter taste. If cherry tomatoes are not available, any small, sweet tomato like grape tomatoes or sun gold tomatoes would work.
Ingredients for Whipped Roasted Tomatoes and Feta Dip
Feta cheese: A tangy, brined cheese from Greece that gives this dip its robust flavor and creamy texture.
Cream cheese: Adds richness and makes the dip extra creamy.
Greek yogurt: Balances out the salty feta and adds a tangy note.
Cherry tomatoes: These sweet, juicy tomatoes complement the tangy feta cheese.
Olive oil: Used for roasting the tomatoes and enhancing their flavor.
Garlic: Adds a touch of aromatic, savory flavor.
Salt and pepper: Seasoning to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
Dill: A herb that adds a fresh, zesty flavor.
Pita bread: Perfect for scooping up this delicious dip.
One reader, Briano Dao says:
This whipped roasted tomatoes and feta dip is a game-changer! The creamy feta combined with the burst of flavor from the roasted tomatoes is simply divine. It's the perfect appetizer for any gathering. The flavors are so rich and satisfying, I can't get enough of it!
Mastering the Techniques for Whipped Roasted Tomatoes and Feta Dip
How to whip feta dip: This technique involves blending feta, cream cheese, and Greek yogurt in a food processor until creamy, requiring about 3 minutes of processing and occasional scraping of the sides.
How to roast tomatoes: This involves tossing cherry tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, then baking them at 400 degrees F for about 20 minutes until they are soft and splitting.
How To Make Whipped Roasted Tomatoes Feta Dip
Topped with warm and vibrantly roasted tomatoes, our whipped feta dip is surely a staple that everyone will unmistakably love at first bite.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Dip:
- 8ozfeta cheese,block
- 2ozcream cheese,softened
- 3tbspGreek yogurt,or sour cream, more if desired
For Tomatoes:
- 1cupcherry tomatoes,or grape tomatoes
- 2tspolive oil
- 1clovegarlic,minced
- salt and pepper
For Serving:
- fresh dill,
- pita bread
Instructions
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Remove the feta from the brine and rinse very well in cold water. Dab dry with a paper towel.
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Break up the block of feta and place it in a food processor.
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Add the cream cheese and sour cream. Process for about 3 minutes, until creamy, scraping sides as needed.
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Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
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Toss all the tomato ingredients in a small dish. Bake for 20 minutes or until soft and splitting. Cool slightly.
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Place the whipped feta in a small bowl or dish. Top with roasted tomatoes and juices.
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Add a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
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Top with chopped fresh dill and serve with warm pita wedges.
Recipe Notes
- The Whipped Feta Dip can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Feta can vary greatly both in texture and in salt content. Try different brands until you find a favorite.
- Greek yogurt (or sour cream) and cream cheese round out the salt in the feta. The amounts may be adjusted to your liking.
- The Whipped Feta Dip may also be topped with honey and fresh thyme.
Nutrition
- Calories: 79.93kcal
- Fat: 6.66g
- Saturated Fat: 3.99g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.83g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.27g
- Carbohydrates: 1.85g
- Fiber: 0.21g
- Sugar: 1.46g
- Protein: 3.45g
- Cholesterol: 22.62mg
- Sodium: 193.47mg
- Calcium: 103.31mg
- Potassium: 55.55mg
- Iron: 0.20mg
- Vitamin A: 47.08µg
- Vitamin C: 2.08mg
Crucial Technique for Achieving the Perfect Consistency
To ensure your feta cheese is as creamy as possible, make sure to thoroughly rinse it in cold water to remove the brine. This will help to soften the cheese and make it easier to whip. Additionally, using a food processor to blend the feta, cream cheese, and Greek yogurt will result in a smoother, creamier dip. For the roasted tomatoes, try to use ripe tomatoes as they will be sweeter and juicier. Lastly, don't forget to season your tomatoes with salt and pepper before roasting to enhance their flavor.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Dips at Home
Prep ahead: Prepare the whipped feta dip a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day of serving.
Multitask: While the tomatoes are roasting in the oven, use that time to prepare other components of the meal or clean up the kitchen.
Efficient chopping: Use a food processor to quickly chop the ingredients for the dip, saving time and effort compared to hand chopping.
Organized workspace: Before starting the recipe, ensure that all the ingredients and kitchen tools are organized and easily accessible to streamline the cooking process.
Quick cleanup: Clean as you go to avoid a big mess at the end. This will make the cooking process more efficient and enjoyable.
Substitute Ingredients For Whipped Roasted Tomatoes Feta Dip
feta cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a similar tangy and creamy texture that can work as a great substitute for feta in this dip.
cream cheese - Substitute with ricotta cheese: Ricotta cheese can provide a similar creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the other ingredients in the dip.
cherry tomatoes - Substitute with sun-dried tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes offer a concentrated and intense flavor that can add depth to the dip, especially when pureed.
greek yogurt - Substitute with sour cream: Sour cream can provide a similar tanginess and creaminess to the dip, while also adding a rich flavor.
Elevate Your Dip Game with These Presentation Ideas
Elevate the whipped feta: Place a quenelle of the whipped feta in the center of the plate using two spoons. Ensure it is smooth and perfectly shaped.
Arrange the roasted tomatoes: Artfully place the roasted tomatoes around the whipped feta, ensuring they are evenly distributed and visually appealing.
Garnish with fresh dill: Sprinkle freshly chopped dill over the whipped feta and roasted tomatoes, adding a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the dish.
Serve with warm pita wedges: Place the warm pita wedges in a separate basket or on the side of the plate, ensuring they are neatly stacked and easily accessible for dipping.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Dips
- Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing various ingredients. It can be used to blend the feta, cream cheese, and Greek yogurt for the dip.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining and blending the whipped feta, cream cheese, and Greek yogurt to create a creamy dip.
- Baking dish: A baking dish is used to roast the cherry tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper in the oven.
- Small dish: A small dish is used to toss the cherry tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper before roasting them in the oven.
- Oven: The oven is used to roast the cherry tomatoes until they are soft and splitting.
- Knife: A knife is used to chop fresh dill for garnishing the whipped roasted tomatoes and feta dip.
- Food processor: A food processor is used to whip the feta, cream cheese, and Greek yogurt together to create a creamy dip.
Storing and Freezing Tips for Whipped Roasted Tomatoes and Feta Dip
To store the whipped feta dip, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. The flavors will continue to develop and intensify over time, making it even more delicious.
If you have leftover roasted tomatoes, store them separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can be added to the whipped feta dip when ready to serve, or used as a topping for salads, sandwiches, or pasta dishes.
To freeze the whipped feta dip, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some room at the top for expansion. Cover the surface of the dip with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent ice crystals from forming. Seal the container tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
When ready to use the frozen whipped feta dip, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Give it a good stir before serving to restore its creamy texture.
Note: The roasted tomatoes do not freeze well, as they tend to become mushy and lose their flavor when thawed. It's best to make a fresh batch of roasted tomatoes when serving the thawed whipped feta dip.
How To Reheat Leftover Dip
To reheat leftover whipped roasted tomatoes and feta dip, start by removing it from the refrigerator and letting it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This will help the dip soften and become easier to stir.
Once the dip has softened, give it a good stir to redistribute the roasted tomatoes and their juices throughout the whipped feta. If the dip seems too thick, you can add a small amount of Greek yogurt or cream cheese to help loosen it up.
To reheat the dip, you have a couple of options:
- Microwave: Transfer the dip to a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat the dip, as it can cause the feta to become grainy.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the dip to an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat the dip in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until it's warmed through. Remove the foil for the last few minutes of heating to allow the top to brown slightly.
Once the dip is heated, give it another stir to ensure that the roasted tomatoes and whipped feta are well combined. If desired, you can add a fresh drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of chopped fresh dill on top.
Serve the reheated dip with warm pita bread or your favorite crackers. The dip should be just as delicious as when it was first made, with the flavors of the roasted tomatoes and whipped feta melding together beautifully.
Surprising Fact About Roasted Tomatoes and Feta
Feta cheese is a staple in Greek cuisine and is believed to have been made for over 8,000 years. It is traditionally made with sheep's milk or a combination of sheep and goat's milk. This tangy and creamy cheese adds a unique flavor to dishes and is a great source of calcium and protein.
Is Making This Dip at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this whipped roasted tomatoes and feta dip recipe largely depends on the quality of ingredients. Feta cheese and cherry tomatoes can be affordable, while Greek yogurt and fresh dill may be pricier. The dip's rich flavor and versatility make it a worthwhile investment, earning a solid 8/10 rating. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $15, factoring in pantry staples like olive oil and garlic. This dip is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for gatherings or casual snacking, making it a cost-effective addition to any menu.
Is This Dip Healthy or Unhealthy?
This whipped roasted tomatoes and feta dip recipe has both healthy and indulgent elements. Let's break it down:
Healthy aspects:
- Cherry tomatoes are a great source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants
- Greek yogurt provides protein and probiotics
- Olive oil is a healthy fat that can help reduce inflammation
- Garlic has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties
- Fresh dill adds flavor and nutrients without extra calories
Less healthy aspects:
- Feta and cream cheese are high in saturated fat and sodium
- Pita bread, depending on the type, can be high in refined carbohydrates
While this dip does contain some nutritious ingredients, the overall recipe is relatively high in fat and sodium. However, enjoying it in moderation as part of a balanced diet can still be part of a healthy lifestyle.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of feta and cream cheese, or replace some of it with additional Greek yogurt
- Use whole wheat pita bread or vegetable sticks for dipping instead of regular pita
- Increase the amount of roasted tomatoes to boost the vegetable content
- Add other roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, for extra nutrients and fiber
- Use a low-fat feta cheese to reduce the saturated fat content
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to enhance flavor without relying on salt
Editor's Take: My Honest Opinion on This Dip Recipe
The whipped roasted tomatoes and feta dip is a delightful combination of creamy and tangy flavors. The whipped feta, cream cheese, and Greek yogurt create a lusciously smooth base, while the roasted cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweet and savory notes. The dish is elevated with the aromatic touch of garlic and fresh dill, making it a perfect appetizer or snack. The warm pita bread complements the dip beautifully, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish. Overall, this recipe is a winner, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Enhance Your Whipped Roasted Tomatoes Feta Dip with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Ideal Main Courses and Desserts to Serve with the Dip
Why trust this Whipped Roasted Tomatoes Feta Dip:
This recipe guarantees a delightful experience with its creamy feta cheese base, enriched with the tangy flavor of roasted tomatoes and the subtle creaminess of Greek yogurt. The use of fresh dill adds a refreshing herbal note, while the warm pita bread provides the perfect vessel for savoring this delectable dip. Trust in the quality of the ingredients, from the briny feta cheese to the ripe cherry tomatoes, to elevate your culinary journey.
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