Warm Feta Dip

A great appetizer can elevate any gathering, and our simple warm feta dip will have your guests hovering around the grazing table, waiting to dig in. While we’re fans of classic crowd-pleasing dips, this recipe opens up a new world of deliciousness. The softened cream cheese and crumbled feta create a creamy, savory base that’s boosted by the smoky-sweet red peppers. Basil’s bright, sweet flavor adds vibrancy and freshens up the flavor profile of this warm feta dip.

Eating this dip is an indulgent experience, and you can add whatever flavors you want to it. Fresh mint would cut through the richness, a quality olive oil would add savoriness and a depth of flavor, and lemon juice would provide acidity. Use pita chips, crackers or a sliced French baguette to scoop up the dip. Alternatively, enhance its Greek profile by adding oregano, thyme and/or marjoram and serving it alongside Mediterranean recipes such as Greek lemon chicken or chicken souvlaki.

Warm Feta Dip Ingredients

• Softened cream cheese
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Roasted sweet red peppers
• Fresh or dried basil
• Sliced French bread baguette or tortilla chips

Directions

Step 1: Mix the dip

Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, feta cheese, red peppers and basil until they’re blended.

Editor’s Tip: If you like a dip with more texture, lightly beat the feta to retain some of its chunkiness.

Step 2: Bake the dip

Transfer the mixture to a greased 3-cup baking dish.

Bake the dip until it’s bubbly, 25 to 30 minutes. Serve the warm feta dip with baguette slices or chips.

Editor’s Tip: To prepare the dip in a slow cooker, mix the ingredients as directed. Then pour them into a greased 1-1/2-quart slow cooker, and cook, covered, on low until it’s heated through, two to three hours.

How to Store Warm Feta Dip

Keep this warm feta dip in a sealed, airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last up to four days. To reheat it, bake it at 350° until it’s heated through, 15 to 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 30-second increments until it’s heated through, stirring between intervals.

Warm Feta Dip Tips

What can I serve with this warm feta dip?

Serve the dip with any crusty homemade bread, crackers, crunchy vegetables or even pita bread. It’ll also be right at home on a grazing table next to other potluck appetizers when you entertain.

You can use this recipe in less conventional ways too. Spread it between two pieces of bread along with deli meat and your favorite burger toppings. Or have it as a hearty breakfast by slathering it on a piece of toast and placing poached eggs on top. Also consider tossing freshly cooked pasta into the warm feta dip to make an easy pasta sauce.

How can I fix a runny feta dip?

If your feta dip seems a little runny, add more feta or cream cheese, then whip the dip to thicken it up. Adjust the seasonings to taste once you’ve reached your desired consistency.

What other flavors or toppings can I add to feta dip?

Olives, fresh parsley, Aleppo pepper, sumac, zaatar and paprika are all good seasonings and toppings for feta dip to enhance those Mediterranean flavors. You might also add chopped walnuts and even roasted eggplant.