Spice up your next meal with this spicy feta dip, otherwise known as Tirokafteri!
One of my absolute favorite snacks in the world is a homemade feta dip served with pita chips or slices of pita bread. I don’t know where this obsession came from, but just a few years ago, I was inspired to make a feta dip out of some lingering ingredients in my fridge, and since then, it’s been one of my go-to snacks. If you know me, you know I also love a little spice, so when I discovered this spicy feta dip, it was game over.
This spicy feta dip, also known as tirokafteri, is a popular Greek dish that you’ll often find on mezze platters. Mezze platters are essentially a delicious Greek version of a charcuterie board, and honestly, I think I prefer them to the latter. Spicy feta dip was originally made with feta and hot peppers, which is how it earned its Greek name—tirokafteri translates to “spicy cheese.” These days, you can find all sorts of variations of this classic dip. I love that, because it means you can totally customize it to your liking!
Speaking of which, my version of spicy feta dip includes roasted red peppers, red chili flakes, garlic, and Greek yogurt! It’s creamy and decadent, with just enough heat to spice up any meal. Plus, I make my own pita at home alongside it, which serves as an incredible dippable companion for this flavorful spicy feta dip.
Is Tirokafteri Healthy?
This dip is high in saturated fat and best enjoyed in moderation. To balance out the indulgence, you can serve it with crunchy veggies like bell pepper, carrots, and broccoli instead of more carb-heavy alternatives.
Make Your Own Pita
You can, of course, buy pita at the store, but the fun is really in making it at home! There are many simple recipes out there. I make mine with just a little yeast, flour, water, salt, and sugar—ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. It’s so much fun to knead and shape the dough, and spending some time baking away in the kitchen can be like therapy! Once my pita bread is ready, I cut it into triangles, dip it in my spicy feta dip, and enjoy!
How to make ahead and store
Once you’ve made your spicy feta dip, it’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days in an airtight container. Serve it cold, or warm it up juuust a little bit for an added layer of decadence.
Serving Suggestions
Spicy feta dip, or tirokafteri, is a great dip for pita and other breads and chips, but really, it was made to be enjoyed with Greek foods of all kinds! Dip your Greek Fries in it, spread it on your gyro wrap, or enjoy it with kebabs, like these Kofta Kebabs. You can also think outside the Greek box and try it with less traditional foods. I like it paired with my Naan Pizza.
But really, you should enjoy this spicy feta dip however you’d like. It’s all Greek to me!
Ingredients
- 10 oz Greek feta cheese crumbled
- 2 medium roasted red peppers drained and chopped
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1 small garlic clove minced
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine feta cheese, roasted red peppers, olive oil, white wine vinegar, garlic, Greek yogurt, and red pepper flakes.
- Blend until smooth.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and refrigerate for a couple of hours.
- Garnish with additional red pepper flakes or a drizzle of olive oil. Serve with pita bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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