Best Tirokafteri Recipe – Spicy Greek Feta Dip
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A delicious combination of feta cheese, chili peppers, and roasted red peppers make this tirokafteri recipe irresistible. We first enjoyed this Greek feta cheese dip in Greece many years ago as part of a mezze, it really stood out to us, and since then we’ve been making our own recipe inspired by this traditional Greek dip.
Why you’ll love this Greek feta cheese dip
- This feta dip is so easy to make, it’ll be ready in just 5 minutes!
- If you like spicy sauces, then you’ll love this dip!
- Tirokafteri, or spicy feta dip, is perfect for a party, summer BBQ, or family gathering.
- All of the ingredients are 100% vegetarian.
Ingredients you’ll need
This whipped feta dip tastes as good as it looks. Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor.
How to make tirokafteri with step-by-step instructions
Making our tirokafteri recipe is easy if you follow our simple instructions.
A full printable recipe along with the measurements in both US customary and metric is available in the recipe card below.
Place feta cheese, red chili pepper, roasted red peppers, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and garlic in your food processor, secure the lid, and blitz until smooth.
Once blitzed, place in a serving bowl, and garnish with freshly chopped red chili peppers or crushed red pepper flakes, and extra crumbled feta cheese.
Enjoy your spicy Greek feta dip!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups Feta cheese
- 1 red chili pepper plus extra for garnish
- 2 small roasted red peppers
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 garlic clove
Instructions
- Place feta cheese, red chili pepper, roasted red peppers, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and garlic in your food processor, secure the lid, and blitz until smooth2 cups Feta cheese, 1 red chili pepper, 2 small roasted red peppers, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 garlic clove
- Once blitzed, place in a serving bowl, garnish with freshly chopped red chili peppers or crushed red pepper flakes, and extra crumbled feta cheese. Enjoy your spicy Greek feta dip!
Notes
- Out of fresh red chili peppers?
You can substitute with crushed red pepper flakes - Like it thinner?
If you like a thinner dip, then add Greek yogurt, adding a spoonful at a time until you get your preferred consistency - Spice it up
If you really like your food spicy, then add extra chili pepper, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes, we advise adding a little at a time and tasting often! - Make ahead
Store your feta cheese dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
Nutrition
Recipe notes and expert tips
- Out of fresh red chili peppers?
You can substitute with crushed red pepper flakes. - Like it thinner?
If you like a thinner dip, then add Greek yogurt, adding a spoonful at a time until you get your preferred consistency. - Spice it up
If you really like your food spicy, then add extra chili pepper, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes, we advise adding a little at a time and tasting often!
What do I serve tirokafteri with?
Spicy cheese tirokafteri is perfect when served as part of a mezze platter.
Tzatziki, hummus, salad, vegetarian grilled meats, cheese platter, kalamata olives, carrot sticks, celery, warm pita bread, and crusty bread all are great to serve tirokafteri with.
Even though tirokafteri is excellent with other dishes, we quite often just eat it with freshly made pita bread – it’s one of those Greek recipes that is so good!
What is Tirokafteri?
Tirokafteri, or tyrokafteri, is a Greek cheese dip, ‘hot cheese’, and as with many traditional recipes, each region of Greece has its own version of this Greek feta cheese dip.
Tirokafteri sauce is commonly made with variants that include feta cheese, roasted peppers, hot peppers, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Greek yogurt, and garlic.
Do I need to roast my own peppers?
No, not at all; when we make our tirokafteri dip we use store-bought roasted red peppers.
Roasting your own peppers is great; they taste delicious and if you’ve got the time, then sure, why not?
But not everyone has the time, so cut yourself some slack and use store-bought on this occasion; no one will notice the difference, and this spicy feta cheese dip will still taste sensational!
What is feta cheese?
Feta cheese is a Greek cheese; it’s made from either entirely sheep’s milk or a combination of goat and sheep’s milk.
It’s a little salty and tangy and has a crumbly texture.
Make it vegan
The only ingredient in our spicy Greek feta dip that’s not suitable for vegans is the feta cheese, so simply replace it with a vegan-friendly feta cheese alternative.
Want to turn tirokafteri into a dressing?
This Greek spicy cheese dip is so good that it’s very possible that you’ll want to use it as a dressing.
This recipe is too thick for a dressing as is, but if you use a little water or natural yogurt, a little bit at a time until you get your preferred consistency, then it’ll work great drizzled over salads.
Greek spicy cheese dip is great for a picnic
Our spicy Greek feta dip is perfect for a summer picnic, keep it chilled in a sealed container and then eat it with cooked pita bread, bruschetta, or vegetable sticks.
How do I store it?
Our tirokafteri Greek feta dip stores well; just put it in a sealed container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Do I need any special equipment to make this?
You’ll need a food processor to blend the ingredients together for this Greek feta cheese dip.
More easy dip recipes for you to enjoy
If you enjoy our irresistibly delicious tirokafteri Greek feta dip, then you should give these easy recipes a try!
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