If you are searching for the perfect appetizer that combines creamy richness with a burst of savory brightness, this Whipped Feta Dip with Roasted Olives Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. It brings together the tangy creaminess of whipped feta, the rustic charm of roasted olives, and the aromatic notes of fresh herbs, creating a dip that is both simple and show-stopping. Whether you’re entertaining guests or craving a wholesome snack, this dish offers layers of flavor and a delightful texture that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These carefully chosen ingredients work harmoniously to provide the ultimate balance of taste, texture, and color. Each element plays a vital role in bringing this Whipped Feta Dip with Roasted Olives Recipe to life, from the briny olives to the velvety Greek yogurt and fragrant rosemary.
- 1 cup mixed olives, cut into quarters if large: Adds a bold, salty punch with varied textures and colors.
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped: Brings a sweet, tangy depth that complements the olives perfectly.
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Enhances richness and helps with roasting the olives.
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest or orange zest: Adds a fresh and citrusy brightness.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Provides a subtle but essential aromatic kick.
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (plus extra for topping): Infuses the dish with fragrant, herbal notes.
- 8 ounces feta cheese block packed in water, drained: The star ingredient, offering creamy tang and saltiness.
- ¾ cup plain whole milk Greek yogurt: Lightens the texture and adds a smooth creaminess.
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Blended into the feta for luscious smoothness.
- 1 tablespoon milk of choice (optional): Used to thin the mixture if needed for an ultra-silky dip.
- Minced fresh rosemary, cracked black pepper, additional citrus zest: For finishing touches that elevate the flavor profile.
- Fresh veggies and crackers: Perfect dipping companions for serving.
How to Make Whipped Feta Dip with Roasted Olives Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Olives and Tomatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400℉, which ensures it’s evenly heated for roasting. Combine the mixed olives, sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, lemon or orange zest, and minced garlic in a small oven-safe dish. Nestle two sprigs of fresh rosemary into the mixture to infuse herbal notes as everything roasts. Pop the dish into the oven for about 12 minutes until the olives are heated through and bursting with intensified flavor. This roast adds a warm, caramelized sweetness balanced by the briny olives, building the dip’s foundation.
Step 2: Whip the Feta and Yogurt
While the olives roast, it’s time to whip the creamy base. Place the feta cheese and Greek yogurt into a food processor and start blending. Slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil through the lid’s chute without stopping until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. If your mixture feels too thick to spread easily, add a splash of milk to reach the ideal silky consistency. This whipped feta base is what makes the dip irresistibly luscious and tangy.
Step 3: Broil the Feta Base
Transfer the whipped feta blend into a shallow, oven-safe dish like a pie plate or small casserole dish. Adjust your oven to broil and place your dish on the middle rack. Keep a close eye as it broils for 3 to 4 minutes—you’re looking for the edges to begin bubbling and the top to warm through, which adds a subtle toastiness and brings out the feta’s rich flavor. This step adds a delightful warm texture contrast that makes the dip feel extra special.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Remove the dish from the oven and generously spoon the hot roasted olive and tomato mixture over the creamy feta. Sprinkle minced fresh rosemary, cracked black pepper, and a little extra zest on top to brighten and deepen flavors. Garnish with a few whole rosemary sprigs for a beautiful presentation. Serve this Whipped Feta Dip with Roasted Olives Recipe immediately alongside an array of fresh veggies and crunchy crackers. Watching your guests dive in with delight will be one of the best parts of making this!
How to Serve Whipped Feta Dip with Roasted Olives Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like rosemary add an earthy aroma that complements the tangy feta and briny olives beautifully. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper and a touch of citrus zest not only brighten the visual appeal but also bring bursts of flavor with every bite. These simple garnishes elevate the dip’s presentation and make each serving feel thoughtfully crafted.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs wonderfully with crisp fresh vegetables such as cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, and cherry tomatoes. For elevator-level crunch, serve it alongside artisan crackers, pita crisps, or toasted baguette slices. Whether at casual gatherings or fancy soirees, these sides balance the creamy, savory dip with refreshing textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning party centerpiece, serve the dip in a rustic wooden bowl with the roasted olives artfully arranged on top. Alternatively, create mini individual dip cups by spooning portions into small ramekins, perfect for plated appetizers. You can even spread the whipped feta on crostini before adding the roasted olive mixture for a delicious finger-food twist that’s sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Whipped Feta Dip with Roasted Olives Recipe, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. Give it a quick stir before serving again to reincorporate the flavors and smooth out the texture.
Freezing
Freezing this dip is not recommended because the texture of the feta and yogurt can change once thawed, becoming crumbly or watery. For the best taste and consistency, enjoy this dip fresh or refrigerated within a few days.
Reheating
To gently reheat, place the dish in a low oven (around 300℉) for 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can cause uneven heat and change the texture. Add fresh herbs and a dash of olive oil after reheating to restore its vibrant flavor.
FAQs
Can I use different types of olives for this dip?
Absolutely! Mixed olives with varying flavors and textures offer the best experience, but feel free to customize with your favorites, such as Kalamata, Castelvetrano, or green olives, to suit your taste.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on feta and yogurt for its creamy texture, so a dairy-free version would require alternative ingredients like plant-based cheeses and yogurts. Keep in mind, the flavor and texture will differ significantly from the original.
How long does this dip last once prepared?
Stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container, the dip should remain fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. Beyond that, its texture and flavor may start to diminish.
Can I prepare parts of this dip in advance?
You can roast the olives and prepare the whipped feta base a few hours ahead of time, keeping them separate until ready to assemble and broil. This helps keep textures fresh and flavors vibrant at serving.
What can I serve instead of crackers or veggies?
Try serving the dip with toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or even spread inside wraps and sandwiches for a flavorful boost. The versatility makes it a winner at any table.
Final Thoughts
Delighting in the creamy tang of this Whipped Feta Dip with Roasted Olives Recipe is truly a joy, whether for a casual snack or a party spread. Its vibrant flavors, easy preparation, and irresistible texture make it a dish you’ll want in your regular rotation. So grab those ingredients, warm your oven, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a dip experience that’s as comforting as it is impressive.
PrintWhipped Feta Dip with Roasted Olives Recipe
This Whipped Feta Dip with Roasted Olives is a luscious, creamy appetizer that combines tangy feta cheese whipped to perfection with the rich, savory flavors of roasted mixed olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh rosemary. Perfect for entertaining, it pairs beautifully with fresh veggies, crackers, and crisps, offering a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dip that is easy to prepare and sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Oven Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Roasted Olive Mixture
- 1 cup mixed olives, cut into quarters if large
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and roughly chopped
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest or orange zest
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (plus more for topping)
Whipped Feta Dip
- 8 ounces feta cheese block packed in water, drained
- ¾ cup plain whole milk Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon milk of choice (optional, to thin mixture)
To Serve
- Minced fresh rosemary
- Cracked black pepper
- Additional lemon zest or orange zest
- Fresh veggies (for dipping)
- Crackers and crisps
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare olives: Preheat your oven to 400℉. In a small oven-safe glass dish, combine the mixed olives, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 3 tablespoons olive oil, lemon or orange zest, and minced garlic. Stir everything to mix well.
- Add rosemary and roast: Nestle 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary into the olive mixture. Place the dish in the preheated oven and roast for 12 minutes, or until the mixture is hot and fragrant.
- Process feta and yogurt: While the olives are roasting, add the drained feta cheese and Greek yogurt to the bowl of a food processor. Secure the lid and begin processing.
- Incorporate olive oil: With the processor running, slowly stream in 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil through the lid chute. Pause occasionally to scrape down the sides to ensure a smooth mixture.
- Adjust creaminess: Continue to process until the mixture is creamy and smooth. If it feels too thick, add up to 1 tablespoon of milk to thin it to desired consistency.
- Broil the feta mixture: Spread the whipped feta mixture evenly into the bottom of a shallow oven-safe dish such as a pie plate or small casserole dish. Switch the oven to broil and place the dish on the middle rack. Broil for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is warmed through and starts to bubble slightly at the edges.
- Assemble and serve: Remove the feta from the oven and spoon the hot olive and tomato mixture over the top. Sprinkle with minced fresh rosemary, cracked black pepper, and garnish with a few sprigs of rosemary. Serve immediately with fresh veggies, crackers, or crisps for dipping.
Notes
- Use mixed olives you enjoy—kalamata, green, or black all work well.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil add richness; drain well before using.
- The milk added to the feta mixture is optional; only add if you want a thinner, smoother texture.
- For a zestier flavor, try using orange zest instead of lemon zest.
- This dip is best served warm to enjoy the contrast of creamy feta and roasted olives.
- Make sure to monitor the broiling process carefully to avoid burning.
