Description
This Creamy Roasted Pepper Feta Dip features smoky roasted red peppers blended with tangy feta and rich cream cheese, creating a luxurious appetizer with layers of flavor and a velvety smooth texture. Perfect for entertaining, potlucks, or enjoying as a special snack, this elegant dip comes together easily but tastes like restaurant-quality.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 red peppers, whole and unpeeled
- 1 whole head garlic, unpeeled
- 200 g feta cheese, crumbled or in chunks
- 150 g cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided between roasting and garnish
- 2 tablespoons honey, divided between dip and garnish
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes, or to taste
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil, for garnish
- 1 teaspoon honey, for garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- chili flakes, optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius (400 degrees Fahrenheit). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and arrange the whole red peppers and unpeeled head of garlic on the tray.
- Roast the Vegetables: Drizzle the peppers and garlic with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, turning the peppers halfway through roasting. Roast for 30 to 35 minutes, until the peppers are soft and lightly charred on the edges.
- Steam and Peel: Transfer the hot roasted peppers to a bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid for 10 minutes to allow the skins to loosen. Once cooled slightly, peel away the charred skins, remove the seeds and stems, and gently squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from their papery skins.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the peeled roasted peppers, roasted garlic cloves, crumbled feta cheese, softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons honey, sweet paprika, ground black pepper, and chili flakes to the bowl of a food processor.
- Blend Until Smooth: Process on high speed for 3 to 4 minutes, stopping halfway through to scrape down the sides of the bowl, until the mixture reaches a completely smooth and creamy consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the dip and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more honey for sweetness, paprika for depth, or chili flakes for heat.
- Transfer to Serving Bowl: Spoon the creamy dip into your serving bowl and smooth the top with the back of a spoon.
- Garnish Generously: Drizzle the surface with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of honey in a decorative pattern.
- Add Final Touches: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley and a pinch of chili flakes over the top for color, flavor, and visual appeal.
- Chill if Time Allows: For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the dip for 30 to 60 minutes before serving, though it can be served immediately if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes