Description
This Pumpkin Whipped Feta Dip is a creamy and flavorful appetizer perfect for fall gatherings. Combining tangy feta cheese, smooth Greek yogurt, and rich pumpkin puree, it’s lightly sweetened with honey and enhanced with thyme and cracked black pepper. Served chilled and garnished with walnuts and additional honey, it pairs wonderfully with crusty toasted bread or crackers for an easy and elegant starter.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz (220 grams) block of feta cheese, drained from brine
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup canned unsweetened pumpkin puree
- 1-2 tbsp honey, plus extra for serving
- 1 tsp dried thyme or 2 tsp fresh thyme
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh thyme leaves
- Chopped walnuts (raw or toasted)
- Extra honey drizzle
Serving Suggestions
- Crusty toasted bread (such as sourdough or baguette)
- Crackers
Instructions
- Make whipped feta: Add the drained feta cheese and Greek yogurt to a food processor. Blend for several minutes until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides with a spatula to ensure even blending.
- Incorporate pumpkin and seasonings: Add the pumpkin puree, 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey (depending on your desired sweetness), thyme, and a few grinds of freshly cracked black pepper to the food processor. Blend again until all ingredients are fully combined and the dip is smooth.
- Chill the dip: Transfer the whipped feta mixture into a container, cover it, and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes. Chilling helps the dip set and enhances the flavors.
- Prepare for serving: When ready to serve, transfer the chilled dip to a large serving bowl. Garnish with a handful of chopped walnuts for texture, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves, drizzle additional honey for sweetness, and add more black pepper to taste.
- Serve with accompaniments: Offer the dip alongside crusty toasted bread or your favorite crackers. Enjoy this creamy, seasonal treat as an appetizer or snack.
Notes
- To drain feta, press it gently between paper towels or use a sieve to remove excess brine for a less salty dip.
- If you prefer a tangier dip, reduce the honey or omit it entirely, adjusting sweetness to your taste.
- Fresh thyme provides a brighter flavor, but dried thyme is a convenient and effective alternative.
- Walnuts add a nice crunch, but you can substitute with pecans or leave them out for a smoother texture.
- This dip can be made a day ahead for convenience; just keep it well covered in the fridge to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
