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Creamy, savory, and with a hint of sweetness, this Whipped Feta dip with Hot Honey is the ultimate crowd-pleasing dip! It's a perfect combination of salty feta cheese, smooth cottage cheese, and flavorful toppings that come together to make the perfect dip.
Why You'll Love This Whipped Feta Recipe
During the holiday season, I'm always on the lookout for simple, flavorful appetizers that can impress a crowd without a lot of fuss. My creamy spinach artichoke dip, pizza dip, and crab cakes are always a huge hit. But this year, I'm obsessed with hot honey, and just had to incorporate it into my holiday spread (see these chicken wings too!).
This Whipped Feta dip recipe has become one of my favorites-it's creamy, tangy, and has just the right touch of sweetness and spice from the hot honey. The festive toppings of pistachios and pomegranate arils add vibrant color and a delightful crunch, making it as beautiful to serve as it is to eat!
Whether you're hosting family, friends, or just want a tasty snack for yourself, this dip brings big flavor with minimal effort-perfect for any holiday spread!
Ingredient Notes
- Block of Feta Cheese: The feta provides a tangy, salty base with a creamy texture, especially when blended. You can use pre-crumbled feta, but keep in mind that it doesn't contain as much moisture as a block.
- Cottage Cheese: Cottage cheese adds a smooth, mild creaminess that balances feta's saltiness and helps the mixture blend to a spreadable consistency. You can substitute plain Greek yogurt if desired.
- Italian Seasoning: If you're out of Italian seasoning, dried oregano or basil alone works well, or you can try a mix of your favorite herbs.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and helps smooth out the texture, making it easier to blend. If needed, you can use avocado oil or a similar mild oil, though olive oil's distinct flavor is ideal here.
- Hot Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to contrast the savory, salty flavors with a subtle kick of spice. For a substitute, you can use regular honey, maple syrup, or agave, with a pinch of chili flakes for heat.
- Crushed Pistachios: These add a delightful crunch, a bit of saltiness, and a slight sweetness. If pistachios aren't available, try crushed almonds, walnuts, or pine nuts. For nut-free options, roasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds can work.
- Minced Chives: Chives bring a fresh, onion-like flavor and a pop of color. Sub for green onions if desired.
- Pomegranate Arils (Optional): These add bright color, juicy texture, and a sweet-tart flavor.
- Gluten-Free Crackers (for serving): You can also try gluten-free pita chips, vegetable slices, or toasted gluten-free bread if you prefer a different texture.
- Garnish with flaky sea salt and black pepper to taste.
See the recipe card below for the full ingredient list with exact amounts.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Combine feta cheese, cottage cheese, Italian seasoning, and olive oil in a food processor.
Step 2: Pulse for about a minute until smooth, scraping down the sides halfway through. Transfer to a rimmed plate and spread out using a knife or spatula. Add toppings and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
Dairy-Free Version: For a dairy-free variation, blend 2 containers of Kite Hill cream cheese instead of the cottage cheese and feta.
Presentation Tip: For a beautiful presentation, use a shallow bowl or plate so you can spread out the dip and showcase the colorful toppings.
Make it Ahead: The feta mixture can be blended a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just add the toppings right before serving.
Creative Pairing Suggestions: This creamy feta dip pairs well with crisp white wines or herbal mocktails like a mint and cucumber spritzer. You may even try my Fall margarita!
Make it Spicier: Add more hot honey or mix in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne into the dip if you want an extra kick.
Serving Tips
Serve this whipped feta dip as part of a holiday appetizer spread or a casual gathering. It pairs well with gluten-free crackers or warm pita bread, but fresh veggies like cucumbers, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and carrot sticks make great lower-carb options. You can even use it as a spread for sandwiches or wraps!
You can also add this perfect dip to your appetizer charcuterie board, or serve it with other fresh Mediterranean flavors like these Greek Chicken Bowls or this Greek Salmon.
Tip: This feta dip is best served slightly chilled but not cold for optimal flavor.
Storage Tips
Store leftover feta dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add fresh toppings just before serving, as the pistachios and pomegranate seeds may lose their crunch.
Leftovers are also delicious spread on toast, pita, gluten free biscuits, or mixed into pasta for a creamy sauce.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can try using goat cheese or Boursin for a different but delicious take on the dip.
You can mix by hand or use a blender, but it may not be as smooth. A hand mixer can also work if you soften the feta first.
Add more hot honey, or mix a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne into the dip for an extra kick.
Even More Festive Dips!
Easy Cranberry Jalapeno Dip (Dairy Free!)
Easy & Healthy Pomegranate Guacamole
Healthy Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dip
Instant Pot Keto Buffalo Chicken Dip (Dairy Free)
Creamy Whipped Feta Dip with Hot Honey
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 oz block of feta cheese
- ¾ cup cottage cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ⅓ cup hot honey, or regular honey
- 2 tbsp crushed pistachios
- 1 tbsp minced chives
- 2 tbsp pomegranate arils, optional
Instructions
- Combine feta cheese, cottage cheese, Italian seasoning, and olive oil in a food processor. Pulse for about a minute until smooth, scraping down the sides halfway through.
- Transfer to a rimmed plate and spread out using a knife or spatula.
- Drizzle with the honey and top with the pistachios, chives, and pomegranates (if using). Serve with your favorite gluten free crackers and enjoy!
Notes
- Dairy-Free Version: For a dairy-free variation, blend 2 containers of Kite Hill cream cheese instead of the cottage cheese and feta.
- Presentation Tip: For a beautiful presentation, use a shallow bowl or plate so you can spread out the dip and showcase the colorful toppings.
- Make it Ahead: The feta mixture can be blended a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just add the toppings right before serving.
- Creative Pairing Suggestions: This creamy feta dip pairs well with crisp white wines or herbal mocktails like a mint and cucumber spritzer. You may even try my Fall margarita!
- Make it Spicier: Add more hot honey or mix in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne into the dip if you want an extra kick.
Nutrition
All nutrition facts are an estimate and automatically calculated. While I fact check them using My Fitness Pal, please note that they may not always be 100% accurate and depend on ingredients used. Weigh your total and divide by the number of servings for the most accurate grams per serving size.
This recipe looks delicious! Could you substitute cream cheese for the cottage cheese?
I have made this many times and it is a crowd pleaser! Tastes amazing and is easy to make. I have never put the pomegranate seeds on it, it is perfect without if that is what you like!
Super yummy! Loved the salty/sweet combo.
Can you sub the cottage cheese for ricotta??
yes!
This was yummy and a hit at a holiday party. It’s so festive looking. If you make it ahead of time and refrigerate it, leave the honey off until right before you serve it. The honey got soaked into the cheese mixture. Next time I make this I will add the honey then.
This got compliments at book club and the coloring of the toppings is very festive for the holiday season!
Excellent dip! I served with warm pita triangles rather than the pita chips and everyone loved it!
So creamy and delicious! Thank you for sharing this recipe
So glad you enjoyed it!
This was amazing! And almost too pretty to eat!
This dip was delicious! Took us to a party last night and everyone asked for the recipe! Making it again tonight for friends coming to dinner. So easy and delicious! Thank you!
Thanks Nova! So glad you love it!