If you’re looking for a fresh, crowd-pleasing appetizer or a bold-flavored spread that’s both simple and sophisticated, Whipped Feta with Roasted Garlic & Lemon is the perfect recipe. This luscious dip combines the creamy saltiness of feta cheese with the mellow sweetness of roasted garlic and the bright zing of fresh lemon.
Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering, need an easy weekday snack, or want to elevate a mezze board, this whipped feta recipe checks all the boxes:
- Quick to make (under 15 minutes of active prep)
- Packed with flavor and protein
- Easy to customize with herbs, nuts, or spicy toppings
- Works as a dip, spread, or sauce
Let’s dive deep into how to make this restaurant-quality appetizer at home—no fancy equipment required!
What is Whipped Feta?
Whipped feta is a creamy, smooth dip made by blending feta cheese with a liquid base like Greek yogurt, cream cheese, or olive oil. It transforms the typically crumbly feta into a luscious spreadable consistency while preserving its bold, salty flavor.
In this variation, we blend in roasted garlic for savory depth and lemon juice and zest for brightness. The result is a rich and tangy dip that feels indulgent yet refreshing.
Ingredients Overview
Here’s what you’ll need to make Whipped Feta with Roasted Garlic & Lemon. Each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture.
For the Dip
- Feta Cheese (200g): Use high-quality block feta packed in brine. Crumbled feta tends to be drier and won’t blend as smoothly.
- Greek Yogurt (120g): Full-fat plain Greek yogurt adds creaminess and balances the saltiness of feta. You can substitute with sour cream or labneh.
- Roasted Garlic (1 bulb): Roasting garlic caramelizes its natural sugars, creating a mellow, nutty flavor. This softens the sharpness of raw garlic and pairs beautifully with feta.
- Lemon Juice (1 tbsp) + Zest (1 tsp): Lemon cuts through the richness, adding brightness and tang.
- Olive Oil (3 tbsp): A good-quality extra virgin olive oil helps the ingredients emulsify and adds a fruity richness.
- Black Pepper (¼ tsp): A gentle kick of spice to round out the flavors.
- Salt (optional): Taste first! Feta is already salty, and extra salt may not be necessary.
For Roasting Garlic
- 1 whole garlic bulb
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings
- Crushed red chili flakes or Aleppo pepper
- Fresh thyme, oregano, or dill
- Crushed pistachios or walnuts
- Drizzle of honey or hot honey for a sweet contrast
How to Roast Garlic (Step-by-Step)
Roasted garlic is the star of this recipe—it adds a deep, rich flavor that transforms the whipped feta into something truly special.
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Slice the top off a whole bulb of garlic to expose the tops of the cloves.
- Place the bulb on a square of foil, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
- Wrap the garlic in the foil and roast for 35–40 minutes until the cloves are golden, soft, and caramelized.
- Let cool for 5 minutes. Squeeze the cloves out of their skins—they should slide out easily.
Making Whipped Feta with Roasted Garlic & Lemon
Step 1: Blend the Base
Add the feta cheese, Greek yogurt, roasted garlic cloves, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and black pepper to a food processor or high-powered blender.
Step 2: Whip It Smooth
Blend for 1–2 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed, until the mixture is ultra-smooth and creamy. It should have a light, mousse-like consistency. If it’s too thick, add 1 tbsp of cold water or olive oil and blend again.
Step 3: Taste & Adjust
Give your whipped feta a taste test. Adjust the lemon, pepper, or salt to your liking. If you want a tangier dip, add more lemon juice. For a richer finish, a little more olive oil goes a long way.
Step 4: Serve & Garnish
Spoon the whipped feta into a shallow bowl. Use the back of a spoon to create swoops or ridges (great for catching olive oil). Drizzle with olive oil and finish with your choice of herbs, chili flakes, nuts, or honey.
Tips for Perfect Whipped Feta
- Use block feta: It’s creamier than pre-crumbled and blends better. Avoid low-fat versions if possible.
- Room temperature ingredients: Allow your feta and yogurt to come to room temperature before blending for a smoother consistency.
- Use a food processor: A regular blender can work, but a food processor allows for easier scraping and more even whipping.
- Don’t overdo the garlic: One roasted bulb is just right. Adding raw garlic can make it too sharp.
Variations to Try
1. Herbed Whipped Feta
Blend in 1–2 tbsp of fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or basil. This adds a vibrant green tint and garden-fresh flavor.
2. Spicy Whipped Feta
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or blend in a roasted jalapeño for a gentle heat.
3. Honeyed Whipped Feta
For a sweet-savory twist, top with a drizzle of honey and crushed nuts like walnuts or pistachios.
4. Vegan Whipped Feta
Use plant-based feta and coconut yogurt or cashew cream. Adjust salt and lemon to taste.
Serving Suggestions
Whipped Feta with Roasted Garlic & Lemon is incredibly versatile. Here are some of our favorite ways to serve it:
As a Dip:
- Warm pita bread
- Crudités like cucumber, carrots, radishes, bell peppers
- Seeded crackers or crostini
As a Spread:
- On sourdough or toast, topped with avocado, tomatoes, or eggs
- In wraps or sandwiches with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables
- On flatbreads or naan for a Mediterranean twist
As a Sauce:
- Dollop onto roasted vegetables like carrots, beets, or zucchini
- Serve with grilled meats—especially lamb, chicken, or salmon
- Swirl into soups for a creamy, tangy contrast
How to Store Whipped Feta
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Stir before serving again.
Freezer:
Not recommended. Freezing alters the texture and breaks the emulsion.
Make-Ahead Tip:
You can prepare this dip a day ahead. In fact, the flavors deepen and improve overnight.
Final Thoughts
This Whipped Feta with Roasted Garlic & Lemon is more than just a dip—it’s a flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing centerpiece that feels elevated but is incredibly simple to make. Whether you’re entertaining guests or elevating your weekday lunch, it’s a recipe worth bookmarking.
It’s bold, creamy, and beautifully balanced, with endless room for customization. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again.
Whipped Feta with Roasted Garlic & Lemon Recipe
Description
This Whipped Feta with Roasted Garlic & Lemon is a creamy, tangy, and deeply savory dip or spread that's perfect for entertaining or everyday snacking. Blended until ultra-smooth and topped with olive oil and herbs, it’s a Mediterranean-inspired favorite that pairs beautifully with warm pita, crunchy veggies, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
For the Whipped Feta Base:
For Roasting the Garlic:
Optional Toppings:
Instructions
Roast the Garlic
- Preheat the oven to 200°C. Slice the top off the garlic bulb to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Wrap in foil and roast for 35–40 minutes until cloves are golden and soft. Let it cool for 5 minutes.
Prepare the Whipped Feta
- In a food processor, combine feta, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, zest, black pepper, and all the roasted garlic cloves. Blend on high until very smooth and creamy (1–2 minutes). Scrape down the sides halfway through blending.
Adjust & Chill (Optional)
- Taste and adjust for salt and acidity. If you prefer a looser consistency, add a splash of cold water or more olive oil. You can refrigerate for 20 minutes to let flavors meld, but it’s also delicious served right away.
Plate & Serve
- Spread the whipped feta into a shallow serving bowl. Use the back of a spoon to create swoops. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle chili flakes or herbs, and add any other toppings you like.
Note
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir before serving again.
Feta Tips: Use block feta stored in brine for the best texture and flavor. Pre-crumbled feta is often too dry.
Make It Vegan: Substitute plant-based feta and a coconut yogurt or cashew cream alternative.
Serving Ideas: Serve as a dip, sandwich spread, or even dolloped on roasted veggies or grilled chicken.
