There are dips, and then there are show-stopping, can’t-stop-eating, need-to-get-the-recipe dips—and Whipped Feta Dip with Honey and Blistered Tomatoes belongs firmly in the second category! It’s creamy, tangy, sweet, and savory, all in one unforgettable bite. Whether you’re entertaining or indulging yourself, you’ll want this Mediterranean-inspired crowd-pleaser in your appetizer rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet & Savory Harmony: The drizzle of honey over tangy feta and roasted tomatoes creates an unforgettable flavor combo you’ll crave every time.
- Ultra Creamy Texture: Blending feta with cream cheese and lemon zest makes the dip incredibly smooth and airy, perfect for swooping up with anything crunchy.
- Easy, Elegant Entertaining: This Whipped Feta Dip with Honey and Blistered Tomatoes looks stunning as a centerpiece but comes together with minimal effort—just a quick roast and a blitz!
- Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s served for brunch, on a party platter, or as a snack, this dip suits every occasion and dietary preference.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Whipped Feta Dip with Honey and Blistered Tomatoes lies in its fresh, vibrant ingredients. Every item has a role—whether it’s building creaminess, adding tang, or layering in bursts of sweetness. Let’s dive into what you’ll need and why!
- Cherry Tomatoes: These roast beautifully, becoming sweet and juicy when blistered, and look so tempting piled atop the dip.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic roasts alongside the tomatoes for mellow, savory depth in every spoonful.
- Olive Oil: High-quality oil helps the tomatoes caramelize and infuses the dip with Mediterranean character.
- Honey: A vital ingredient! It balances the salty feta and brightens everything with natural sweetness.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning both the tomatoes and the whipped feta base.
- Cumin: Just a pinch brings an earthy hint that ties everything together.
- Fresh Thyme: Adds a whisper of herbal freshness as the tomatoes roast.
- Light Cream Cheese (or full fat): Lends unbeatable silkiness—choose your preferred richness!
- Feta Cheese: The star of the show, bringing tang and salty, briny flavor.
- Water: Helps the dip blend into an irresistibly smooth, airy consistency.
- Lemon Zest: Fresh lemon zest brightens and lifts every creamy bite.
Variations
Feel free to let your imagination (and your pantry!) run wild—Whipped Feta Dip with Honey and Blistered Tomatoes is endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re catering to dietary needs or just craving a twist, these variations have you covered.
- Add Roasted Peppers: Fold in finely chopped roasted red peppers to bring another burst of color and subtle sweetness.
- Try Vegan: Use plant-based feta and vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free version that still tastes incredible.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey for some gentle, crave-worthy heat.
- Use Different Herbs: Mint, basil, or oregano all add a new Mediterranean twist to your dip.
How to Make Whipped Feta Dip with Honey and Blistered Tomatoes
Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes and Garlic
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). In an oven-proof dish, toss together cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, honey, salt, pepper, cumin, and fresh thyme. Pop them in the oven for 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through. The tomatoes should burst and become caramelized with sticky golden edges, filling your kitchen with the most tempting aroma.
Step 2: Whip the Feta Base
While the tomatoes roast, grab your food processor, blender, or even a hand mixer. Add in the cream cheese, feta, water, honey, pepper, salt, and lemon zest. Blend until everything is totally smooth, fluffy, and light—this should only take a minute or two. Scrape down the bowl as needed to make sure there are no lumps hiding anywhere.
Step 3: Assemble and Serve
Spread your whipped feta mixture onto a wide serving plate or shallow bowl, making lovely swoops with the back of your spoon. Generously spoon the warm, blistered tomatoes and all their garlicky roasting juices over the top. Finish with an extra drizzle of honey if you’d like, and serve immediately with crostini, crackers, or slices of fresh baguette!
Pro Tips for Making Whipped Feta Dip with Honey and Blistered Tomatoes
- Use Block Feta for Best Texture: Skip the pre-crumbled feta and use a block—it’s less dry and produces a luscious, creamy dip.
- Don’t Skimp on Roasting Time: Wait for those tomatoes to really blister and burst, as this unlocks the sweetest, most concentrated flavor.
- Room Temperature Cheese Blends Best: Let your feta and cream cheese sit out for a bit; they’ll whip together extra smooth and creamy.
- Serve Immediately for Maximum Contrast: The dreamy contrast of cold, creamy feta and warm, juicy tomatoes is what makes this dish truly special!
How to Serve Whipped Feta Dip with Honey and Blistered Tomatoes
Garnishes
Bring your Whipped Feta Dip with Honey and Blistered Tomatoes over the top with a flourish of garnishes. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil look gorgeous and echo the Mediterranean flavors, while an extra drizzle of honey over the top adds sparkle and a touch of sweetness. For a little crunch, you can scatter toasted pine nuts or chopped pistachios just before serving.
Side Dishes
This dip truly shines with sturdy, crusty bread—think crostini, toasted pita, or slices of baguette. Pair it alongside a mezze platter with olives, crudités, and cured meats, or even a crisp, green salad. It’s also sensational tucked into a wrap with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for a satisfying lunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try spreading the whipped feta in a dramatic swirl and nestling the blistered tomatoes in the center for a stunning centerpiece at your next gathering. For individual servings, spoon the dip into cute jars or glasses and top each with a couple roasted tomatoes. Or serve as part of a DIY crostini bar, letting everyone pile on their own tomato topping and extras!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers (it’s rare!), keep the whipped feta and the tomatoes separate in airtight containers in the fridge. The whipped feta stays creamy for up to 4 days, and the tomatoes keep well for about 2-3 days without losing their lovely flavor.
Freezing
Freezing is not ideal for this recipe—the texture of the whipped feta dip changes after thawing, and the tomatoes can become watery. It’s best to enjoy Whipped Feta Dip with Honey and Blistered Tomatoes freshly made or refrigerated for a few days.
Reheating
To serve leftovers, simply let the whipped feta come to room temperature and gently rewarm the blistered tomatoes in a skillet over low heat until just heated through. Then assemble as usual for that fresh, creamy-meets-juicy combo.
FAQs
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Can I make Whipped Feta Dip with Honey and Blistered Tomatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! The whipped feta can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored covered in the fridge. The tomatoes are best roasted just before serving, but you can prepare them a few hours ahead, let them cool, and gently reheat.
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What’s the best way to get a super smooth whipped feta?
Start with block feta (not pre-crumbled), and let both cheeses come to room temperature before blending. A good food processor or high-powered blender will yield the creamiest dip, but a hand mixer with patience works in a pinch.
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Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?
Feta is the hero here, but you can swap it for creamy goat cheese for a milder flavor. Even ricotta will work, though the texture will be softer and less tangy. Adjust seasoning as needed!
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
The Whipped Feta Dip with Honey and Blistered Tomatoes itself is gluten-free—just select gluten-free dippers like veggies, gluten-free crackers, or toasted gluten-free bread for serving.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience just how magical Whipped Feta Dip with Honey and Blistered Tomatoes is! It’s equal parts easy, elegant, and outrageously tasty. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it for every occasion… and for absolutely no occasion at all.
Print
Whipped Feta Dip with Honey and Blistered Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Roasting, Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Whipped Feta Dip with Honey and Blistered Tomatoes is a delightful appetizer that perfectly balances savory feta with sweet honey and tangy tomatoes. The creamy whipped feta combined with the burst of flavor from the roasted cherry tomatoes makes this dip a crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
Ingredients
FOR THE BLISTERED TOMATOES
- 2 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- pinch of cumin
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
FOR THE WHIPPED FETA
- 8 oz light cream cheese (full-fat cream cheese works too)
- 200 grams light feta
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 1/2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 lemon, zested
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Prepare the tomatoes: In an oven-safe dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, honey, salt, pepper, cumin, and fresh thyme. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes until blistered.
- Make the whipped feta: In a food processor, blend cream cheese, feta, water, honey, pepper, salt, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Assemble: Spread the whipped feta on a serving plate, top with blistered tomatoes and their juices. Serve with crostini or crackers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
