Description
For the Whipped Feta:
8 oz feta cheese, crumbled
¼ cup cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Pita and Topping:
4 small pita breads
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup walnuts, chopped and toasted
Fresh thyme leaves (for garnish)
Extra honey (for drizzling)
Directions:
In a food processor, combine crumbled feta, cream cheese, honey, olive oil, lemon juice, dried thyme, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Brush both sides of the pita bread with olive oil and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and slightly crispy.
Cut the grilled pita into wedges and arrange on a serving platter.
Spoon the whipped feta into a bowl and top with toasted walnuts.
Drizzle with extra honey and garnish with fresh thyme leaves. Serve immediately with pita wedges.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal per serving
Servings: 4Honey Whipped Feta with Walnuts & Grilled Pita
For the Whipped Feta:
8 oz feta cheese, crumbled
¼ cup cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Pita and Topping:
4 small pita breads
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup walnuts, chopped and toasted
Fresh thyme leaves (for garnish)
Extra honey (for drizzling)
Directions:
In a food processor, combine crumbled feta, cream cheese, honey, olive oil, lemon juice, dried thyme, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Brush both sides of the pita bread with olive oil and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and slightly crispy.
Cut the grilled pita into wedges and arrange on a serving platter.
Spoon the whipped feta into a bowl and top with toasted walnuts.
Drizzle with extra honey and garnish with fresh thyme leaves. Serve immediately with pita wedges.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal per serving
Servings: 4
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results every time. First, ensure your feta is well-crumbled and your cream cheese is at room temperature for the smoothest blend. Add all whipped feta ingredients to your food processor. Pulse a few times to combine, then process on high for 60-90 seconds, stopping to scrape down the sides once, until completely smooth and airy. For the pita, preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Brush each pita liberally with olive oil on both sides. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, pressing down gently, until distinct grill marks appear and the bread is crisp. Immediately cut into wedges.
Serving Suggestions
While perfect with grilled pita, this versatile whipped feta shines in many settings. Serve it as a luxurious dip for fresh vegetable crudités like cucumber, bell pepper, and carrot sticks. Use it as a stunning spread on crostini topped with prosciutto or fig jam. It also makes an exceptional sandwich condiment, elevating grilled chicken or turkey burgers. For a cheeseboard, present the whipped feta in a bowl surrounded by grapes, sliced apples, and crackers.
How-to Summary
In summary, this dish comes together in two simple parts: whip and grill. Blend feta, cream cheese, honey, oil, lemon juice, thyme, and pepper until creamy. Separately, oil and grill pita bread until crispy, then slice. Serve the dip topped with toasted walnuts, a honey drizzle, and fresh thyme alongside the warm pita wedges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the whipped feta ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare it up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving to soften.
What can I use if I don’t have a food processor? A high-powered blender will work. Alternatively, use a hand mixer on high speed, though the texture may be slightly less smooth.
Is there a substitute for walnuts? Absolutely. Toasted pecans, pistachios, or almonds would be delicious. For a nut-free version, use toasted sunflower seeds or pepitas.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried? Yes. Use triple the amount (1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves) in the whipped feta for a brighter herbal note.
My whipped feta seems too thick. How can I fix it? Add an extra teaspoon of olive oil or lemon juice and blend again. The consistency should be spreadable but hold its shape.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold cream cheese straight from the fridge, which can lead to a lumpy, uneven blend.
- Over-toasting the walnuts, which makes them bitter. Toast only until fragrant.
- Skipping the grilling step for the pita. The crispy texture is essential to contrast the creamy dip.
- Blending the feta mixture insufficiently. Process for a full minute to achieve a light, whipped texture.
- Adding the honey garnish in advance, as it can soak into the dip. Always drizzle honey just before serving.
Conclusion
This Honey Whipped Feta with Walnuts & Grilled Pita is the ultimate combination of savory, sweet, and creamy textures, ready in just minutes. It’s a foolproof appetizer that is guaranteed to impress guests with its elegant presentation and complex flavors. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create a restaurant-quality dish right at home. Experiment with the serving suggestions to make it your own, and enjoy this deliciously versatile dip.
