Spicy Feta Dip Recipe (Tirokafteri) (2024)

If you’re a fan of the flavors of Greek cuisine, you’re going to fall head over heels for our tantalizing spicy feta dip, also known as tirokafteri! This popular Greek dip can be a condiment, but it also doubles as a snack or appetizer.

This Mediterranean masterpiece features creamy feta cheese blended with fiery spices, creating a dip that’s bold and absolutely irresistible. Each scoop delivers a perfect balance of creamy texture and spicy kick, making it a show-stopper at any meal or gathering!

Spicy Feta Dip Recipe (Tirokafteri) (1)

Table of Contents

  • What is Tirokafteri?
  • What is Spicy Feta Dip Made Of?
  • The Simple Steps to Make the Best Tirokafteri Dip
  • Tips and Tricks
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Can I Store Leftovers?
  • Common Questions About This Spicy Feta Dip Recipe
  • More Flavor-Loaded Dip Recipes
  • Spicy Feta Dip Recipe (Tirokafteri) Recipe

What is Tirokafteri?

Tirokafteri is a traditional Greek dip made with peppers, feta, and seasonings. Think of it like a lighter, Mediterranean spin on pimento dip!

With minimal prep time and a total time of just a few minutes, it’s quick to prepare and full of spicy flavor. Use it as a dip, or serve it as a spread for sandwiches, wraps, and burgers. One bite, and you’ll be putting it on everything!

What is Spicy Feta Dip Made Of?

Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the complete ingredient list, instructions, and nutrition information!

  • Feta Cheese – For the best taste and texture use full-fat blocks of feta, not pre-crumbled varieties. Also, make sure it’s white in color and not yellow!
  • Yogurt – Use plain, full-fat yogurt or Greek yogurt to make the dip extra rich and creamy.
  • Jalapeño – This is what makes the feta spicy!
  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Adjust to taste.
  • Roasted Red Pepper – You can find these at your local grocery store, or make homemade roasted red peppers instead!
  • Garlic – Use whole garlic cloves, and mince them finely.
  • Olive Oil – This helps combine the ingredients, creating a smooth consistency.
  • Toppings – We finish our dip with diced tomatoes, sliced kalamata olives, diced cucumbers, and additional crushed red pepper flakes. Feel free to mix and match your favorite toppings.
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The Simple Steps to Make the Best Tirokafteri Dip

Before you begin, remove the seeds from the jalapeño, and mince the garlic.

  1. Blend. Add the feta, yogurt, jalapeño, roasted red pepper, red pepper flakes, garlic, and olive oil to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until smooth.
  2. Layer. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl, and add your favorite toppings.
  3. Serve. Give the dip an extra drizzle of olive oil, and enjoy!

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03/20/2024 06:01 pm GMT

Tips and Tricks

  • Scrape the Sides of the Bowl. Stop blending periodically to scrape down the sides of the food processor. This ensures all the ingredients combine evenly.
  • Use High-Quality Feta. Because there are so few ingredients, it’s crucial to use a high-quality feta. Look for a block of sheep’s milk feta packed in brine. Versions made in Greece will be best if you can find them!
  • Adjust the Spice. Be sure to remove the seeds and membrane from the jalapeño. Then, add more or less pepper and chili flakes to suit your spice preferences.
  • Chill Before Serving. Plan ahead of time, and transfer the dip (without the garnishes) to the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors mingle together for a cohesive dip!
  • Experiment with Flavors. Feel free to mix and match different seasonings and toppings to make this recipe your own. For example, capers, lemon zest, or chili oil all make great additions.
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Serving Suggestions

Pair this flavorful dip with a variety of dippers like crisp carrot sticks, crunchy celery, colorful bell peppers, fluffy pita bread, or your favorite crackers. Or, include it as a star player in a mezze platter for a Mediterranean feast that will impress your guests! You can also serve it alongside other delicious dishes like:

  • Greek Lemon Chicken
  • Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps
  • Tabbouleh
  • Quick Couscous Chicken Salad

Can I Store Leftovers?

Yes, you can store leftover dip without the toppings in an airtight container in the fridge for two to three days.

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Common Questions About This Spicy Feta Dip Recipe

What does tirokafteri mean in English?

Tirokafteri is loosely translated to mean spicy cheese.

Is feta Greek or Turkish?

Feta originates from Greece and was originally made with either sheep’s or goat’s milk.

More Flavor-Loaded Dip Recipes

We can’t get enough of delicious dips! If you’re like us, check out these other delectable dip recipes:

  • Easy Baked Chicken Queso Dip
  • 7 Layer Greek Dip
  • Marinated Tomatoes and Feta Dip
  • Easy Bread Dipping Oil

Spicy Feta Dip Recipe (Tirokafteri) (7)

Spicy Feta Dip Recipe (Tirokafteri)

5 from 3 votes

Author: Food Dolls

Servings: 6 servings

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Total: 10 minutes mins

Save Pin Print

Make this spicy feta dip recipe (tirokafteri) in 10 minutes for a classic Greek dip that’s creamy, spicy, salty, and oh-so-tasty!

Ingredients

  • 6 ounces feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup yogurt
  • 1 jalapeño pepper seeds removed for less heat, if desired
  • 1/2 cup roasted red peppers
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • Optional toppings: diced tomatoes sliced kalamata olives, diced cucumbers, additional crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  • Begin by preparing the ingredients. Remove the seeds from the jalapeño pepper to control the heat level. Then, mince the garlic clove.

  • In a food processor, combine the feta cheese, yogurt, jalapeño pepper, roasted red peppers, crushed red pepper flakes, minced garlic, and olive oil.

    6 ounces feta cheese, 1/2 cup yogurt, 1 jalapeño pepper, 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, 1 garlic clove, 2 Tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 cup roasted red peppers

    Spicy Feta Dip Recipe (Tirokafteri) (8)

  • Blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the food processor bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed.

    Spicy Feta Dip Recipe (Tirokafteri) (9)

  • Once the dip reaches your desired consistency, transfer it to a serving bowl.

  • If desired, top the dip with diced tomatoes, sliced olives, diced cucumbers, and additional crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor and presentation.

    Optional toppings: diced tomatoes

    Spicy Feta Dip Recipe (Tirokafteri) (10)

  • Serve the spicy feta dip immediately drizzle with olive oil and serve with chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks for dipping.

Equipment

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 133kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 495mg | Potassium: 77mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 275IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 171mg | Iron: 0.4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this recipe?Please leave a comment!

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MeetAlia & Radwa

Welcome to Food Dolls! We’re so glad you found us. We are Alia and Radwa, sisters who want to share simple and easy recipes with you. We hope you find recipes here that you enjoy making as much as we do!Learn moreabout us!

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Spicy Feta Dip Recipe (Tirokafteri) (2024)

FAQs

What is tirokafteri made of? ›

The preparation of the dish varies, but the most common ingredients are feta cheese (sometimes combined with one or more other types of soft, white cheeses), hot peppers (such as red cherry pepper), roasted peppers, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, yogurt, or oregano.

Is tirokafteri the same as Htipiti? ›

Some regions in Greecerefer to tirokafteri as “htipiti.” Though htipiti traditionally refers to a roasted red pepper and feta dip, it's not uncommon for the terms to be used interchangeably, as regional variations of these dips often blend.

What to eat with spicy feta? ›

Serve the spicy feta dip immediately drizzle with olive oil and serve with chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks for dipping.

How long does tirokafteri last? ›

Spicy Feta Dip (Tirokafteri)

Transfer to a low plate or bowl and garnish with parsley, olives, leftover crumbled feta cheese, 2 tbsp chopped roasted red pepper and drizzle with olive oil. Serve with fresh or toasted pita bread. Store in the fridge for a maximum of 3 days.

What is Tirokafteri in English? ›

"This is a classic Greek appetizer using of course feta.My mum used to make this often!"

What does Tirokafteri mean? ›

We like to think of this as Greek-style pimiento cheese, with feta standing in for cheddar (tirokafteri literally means “spicy cheese”).

What is the Italian version of feta cheese? ›

What's it like? It has a crumbly, slightly dry texture that is very reminiscient to feta - which is why Ricotta Salata is often called the Italian feta.

Is Greek style cheese the same as feta? ›

Today, feta cheese goes under many names. For instance, it can be called salad cheese, Greek-style cheese or feta-style cheese. These designations refer to a brined curd white cheese made from sheep milk or a mixture of sheep and goat milk.

What's the difference between queso and feta cheese? ›

The difference between the two comes down to origin: Queso Fresco comes out of Spain and Mexico, while feta comes from Greece. Both kinds of cheese are mild, crumbly, and soft. That said, feta can sometimes be a bit saltier than its Mexican counterpart.

What to put tirokafteri on? ›

Serve it on its own with crusty bread, warm pita bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks for dipping. Enjoy it as a tirokafteri sauce rather than a dip on grilled meats, like roast chicken, lamb chops, or steak.

What does tirokafteri taste like? ›

Tirokafteri can be described as tasting spicy, salty, creamy, and tangy thanks to its combination of Greek feta cheese and red pepper flakes. The addition of olive oil blends the flavors together, but be sure to use a good extra virgin olive oil, which lends its own unique flavor to tirokafteri.

What meat goes best with feta cheese? ›

Feta is a great addition to steak, chicken and tofu, but especially fish. Fish have a natural saltiness to them that, when combined with Feta's flavor profile, brings the fresh and briney fish flavor to the next level. While cooked, fish can be milder in taste on its own, Feta brings a tangy boldness to the dish.

Does Trader Joe's still have Tirokafteri? ›

Trader Joes Tirokafteri Discontinued | TikTok.

Is Kopanisti the same as Tirokafteri? ›

Htipiti comes in many different varieties with different regions throughout Greece having their own recipes. It can also be called Kopanisti or Tirokafteri, depending on the ingredients. However, there are three main ingredients that are consistent through all versions: red pepper, feta and olive oil.

What does Tirokafteri taste like? ›

Tirokafteri, sometimes called htipiti, is a spicy, creamy, tangy, and super bold mezze from northern Greece. This spicy feta dip takes only 10 minutes and is made to share. Heap this easy appetizer on grilled bread, pita chips, or lettuce cups for a gluten-free delight.

What kind of cheese is saganaki made from? ›

The cheese used in saganaki is usually graviera, kefalograviera, halloumi, kasseri, kefalotyri, or sheep's milk feta cheese. Regional variations include the use of formaela cheese in Arachova, halloumi in Cyprus, and vlahotiri in Metsovo.

Where did Tirokafteri come from? ›

Tirokafteri is a dish made with feta cheese, chili peppers, and other spices. It is traditionally served as a meze, or appetizer, in Greece and Cyprus. The dish originated in the Cyclades islands, where it was initially made with sheep's milk cheese.

Is Greek cheese the same as feta cheese? ›

Feta is a Greek variety of white brine cheese. One notable difference is that all the other cheeses are made by mixing sheep, goat and cow milk in varying amounts. Feta on the other hand is made by sheep's milk with a maximum 30% of goat's milk.

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