Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or healthy snack? This Whipped Feta Dip with Chickpeas delivers bold Mediterranean flavors and contrasting textures in every bite. It features a creamy, tangy base of whipped feta cheese topped with spiced chickpeas for a delightful crunch. Served with pita bread or veggies, it’s the perfect appetizer to impress guests or a satisfying snack to enjoy anytime.
Why You’ll Love This Dip
- Bold Mediterranean Flavors: Made with Greek feta cheese, garlic, lemon, and olive oil, this dip packs a tangy, savory punch. Feta is a Greek brined cheese known for its salty, tangy flavor, and it’s traditionally served with olive oil and herbs – exactly how we finish this dip!
- Creamy & Crunchy Contrast: The whipped feta base is ultra-smooth and creamy, while the chickpeas are roasted (or sautéed) with smoked paprika and cumin until lightly crispy. Every scoop gives you a satisfying mix of creamy dip and crunchy, spiced chickpeas.
- Quick and Easy: You can have this dip ready in about 30 minutes. The recipe uses simple steps – just blend the feta mixture and roast the chickpeas. It’s an easy appetizer that feels gourmet with minimal effort.
- Nutritious and Satisfying: Chickpeas add protein and fiber, making the dip more filling and nutritious. Feta cheese contributes calcium and a rich dose of flavor. This snack is not only delicious but also offers some health benefits from its core ingredients.
- Versatile Serving: Whipped feta dip is quite versatile. Serve it as a party dip with pita chips, crusty bread, or veggie sticks, or use it as a spread in wraps and sandwiches. You can even thin it out slightly and drizzle over roasted vegetables or salads for a tangy twist.
Ingredients
This recipe uses simple ingredients readily available in most kitchens. Be sure to use a block of feta cheese for the creamiest results – block feta has more moisture and whips more smoothly than pre-crumbled feta. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Whipped Feta Dip
- 8 oz block feta cheese, crumbled (full-fat feta recommended)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (helps make the feta extra creamy)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (plus more to taste)
For the Spiced Chickpeas
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for a pop of color and freshness)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (adds nutty flavor and crunch)
- Extra olive oil, for drizzling on top
- Additional fresh herbs for garnish (parsley or mint/dill, as desired)
Instructions
- Roast the Chickpeas: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the drained chickpeas dry with paper towels – removing excess moisture helps them crisp up. In a bowl, toss the chickpeas with 1 tablespoon olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using) until evenly coated. Spread the chickpeas out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for about 20–25 minutes, stirring once halfway, until the chickpeas are golden and slightly crispy on the outside (they will still be a bit soft inside).
- Make the Whipped Feta: While the chickpeas are roasting, prepare the feta dip. In a food processor (or high-powered blender), combine the crumbled feta cheese, softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. This may take a minute or two of processing to get a fluffy, whipped texture. Tip: If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a teaspoon of water or olive oil and blend again until desired consistency is reached.
- Taste and Adjust: Once the feta mixture is whipped, taste it and adjust the seasoning. You likely won’t need extra salt – feta is naturally very salty, so it’s best to add salt only after tasting to avoid over-salting. If you want more zing, you can add a bit more lemon juice. For extra garlic kick, you could blend in another half clove of garlic. Blend again briefly to mix any additions.
- Assemble the Dip: Spoon or spread the whipped feta dip into a wide, shallow serving bowl or plate. Use the back of the spoon to create a slight well in the center of the dip. When the chickpeas are done, let them cool for 5 minutes (they will crisp a bit more as they cool). Spoon the warm spiced chickpeas over the center of the whipped feta.
- Garnish and Serve: Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil on top of the assembled dip. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley and toasted sesame seeds over the chickpeas and feta. Add any additional herbs you like as garnish – a few mint leaves or dill fronds can complement nicely. Serve immediately with pita bread, pita chips, crackers, or cut-up fresh vegetables for dipping. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations
- Using Block Feta: Always opt for a block of feta cheese rather than pre-crumbled feta for this recipe. Block feta tends to have better flavor and moisture. Crumbled feta (often packaged dry) can result in a grainier dip; if you only have crumbles, you may need to add a bit more olive oil to achieve smoothness.
- Herb Variations: This dip is flexible with herbs. We use parsley for freshness, but feel free to switch it up. Fresh dill, basil, or cilantro are all great alternatives or additions that pair well with feta and chickpeas. A sprinkle of fresh mint leaves can also add a lovely aroma and contrast. Dried herbs can work in a pinch (use about half the amount of fresh, since dried herbs are more potent).
- Adjusting Spice: The smoked paprika and cumin give the chickpeas a warm, smoky flavor, while a pinch of cayenne adds heat. Adjust the cayenne to your taste or omit it for a milder dip. You could also add other spices to the chickpeas – for example, a pinch of garlic powder or oregano. For a Middle Eastern twist, a dash of ground coriander or za’atar seasoning could be interesting.
- Creamier or Lighter Dip: The cream cheese in the feta mixture makes it extra creamy and smooth. If you prefer a tangier or lighter base, you can substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or even sour cream. Greek yogurt will add a bit more tang (and is a more traditional Mediterranean approach), while still balancing the saltiness of the feta. Just note the texture may be slightly looser with yogurt.
- Serving Temperature: This dip is best served slightly chilled or at room temperature for the feta base, with warm chickpeas on top. The contrast between cool, creamy feta and warm, spiced chickpeas is delightful. If the chickpeas have cooled completely by the time you’re serving, you can re-warm them in the oven for a few minutes to revive their crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Whipped feta dip with chickpeas can be enjoyed in various ways beyond just a dip bowl. Here are some serving ideas to make the most of it:
- Classic Dip Platter: Serve it as the centerpiece of an appetizer platter. Surround the whipped feta and chickpeas with pita bread (warm or toasted pita triangles work great), pita chips, breadsticks, or an assortment of crackers. Add fresh cut veggies like cucumber slices, carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, or cherry tomatoes on the side. The creamy, salty feta and the crunchy chickpeas pair well with crisp vegetables and bread.
- Part of a Mezze Spread: This dip fits perfectly in a Mediterranean mezze spread. Serve it alongside other favorites like hummus, baba ganoush, olives, and tzatziki. The chickpea-topped feta brings a different texture compared to hummus (which is smooth), so it offers nice variety on the table.
- Topping or Spread: Get creative and use the whipped feta dip as a spread in other dishes. For example, spread a layer of the whipped feta (without the chickpeas) in a sandwich or wrap, then sprinkle some of the spiced chickpeas on top for crunch. It’s fantastic in a veggie wrap or grilled chicken pita. You can also dollop the whipped feta onto grilled or roasted vegetables (like roasted eggplant, zucchini, or peppers) and scatter the chickpeas over for a hearty vegetarian main.
- Garnish Ideas: We’ve used parsley and sesame seeds, but you can elevate the presentation further. Try adding a pinch of chili flakes or Aleppo pepper on top for a pop of color and extra heat. A few crumbled feta bits or toasted pine nuts sprinkled over would complement the chickpeas well too, adding extra texture. For a sweet-savory contrast, a light drizzle of honey over the feta (before adding chickpeas) can be delicious – a nod to how feta is sometimes paired with honey.
Make-Ahead and Storage
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare components of this recipe ahead of time to save effort on the day of serving. The whipped feta mixture can be made up to 1-2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Likewise, the chickpeas can be roasted a day ahead. However, note that roasted chickpeas are crunchiest when fresh; they tend to soften a bit as they sit. For best texture, you might roast the chickpeas the same day you plan to serve, but you can certainly spice them ahead and just re-crisp in the oven for a few minutes before serving if needed.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store the whipped feta dip and the chickpeas separately for best results. Keep the whipped feta in a sealed container in the fridge; it will stay good for about 4-5 days. Store the roasted chickpeas in a dry, airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. (Refrigeration can make them soggy, so room temp is better to preserve some crunch.) Before eating leftovers, give the chickpeas a quick reheat in the oven or a dry skillet for a couple of minutes to crisp them back up.
- Re-mixing: After refrigeration, the whipped feta may firm up slightly due to the cheeses. Let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes and give it a stir before serving again. You can also refresh its texture by whipping it briefly with a spoon or in the processor. Drizzle a touch more olive oil if it looks dry.
- Not Freezer-Friendly: This dip is best enjoyed fresh or within a few days. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the cheese can become grainy once thawed.
With its creamy base and spicy chickpea topping, this whipped feta dip is sure to become a go-to appetizer or snack in your recipe collection. It combines the best of bold flavor, contrasting texture, and wholesome ingredients. Give it a try at your next gathering or family movie night – it’s guaranteed to be a hit! Enjoy this flavorful dip that celebrates the magic of feta cheese and chickpeas in one delicious bowl.
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Easy Whipped Feta Dip with Chickpeas Recipe
Description
Creamy, tangy whipped feta dip with spiced chickpeas, perfect for dipping pita or veggies. A crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s easy to make and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 400°F.
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In a bowl, toss chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and cayenne until evenly coated.
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Spread chickpeas on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes, until crispy.
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While chickpeas roast, combine feta, cream cheese, 2 tbsp olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and black pepper in a food processor.
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Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed.
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Transfer whipped feta to a serving bowl and smooth the top.
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Once chickpeas are done, let them cool slightly.
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Spoon chickpeas over the whipped feta.
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Garnish with parsley, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of olive oil.
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Serve immediately with pita, crackers, or fresh veggies.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 180kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12g19%
- Sodium 480mg20%
- Total Carbohydrate 10g4%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 8g16%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
For extra creaminess, let the feta and cream cheese come to room temperature before blending. Don’t skip toasting the spices on the chickpeas—it deepens the flavor dramatically!
whipped feta, chickpea dip, easy appetizer, Mediterranean, party food, vegetarian
