Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Roast the Garlic: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the top off the head of garlic. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Wrap and Bake: Wrap the garlic in foil and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until soft and fragrant.
- Cool and Squeeze: Let the garlic cool slightly, then squeeze the roasted cloves out of their skins.
- Combine Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the crumbled feta, olive oil, lemon juice, and 2 roasted garlic cloves.
- Whip Until Smooth: Process until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Add Herbs and Season: Stir in the chopped fresh herbs and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve immediately or chill for later. Enjoy!
Notes
For the creamiest whipped feta, use a high-quality block of feta cheese stored in brine rather than pre-crumbled feta, which tends to be drier. Don't skip the roasting step for the garlic! Roasting mellows the garlic's sharpness and gives it a sweet, nutty flavor essential to this recipe. Pulse the ingredients in the food processor until just combined to avoid over-processing, which can result in a grainy texture. If your mixture is too thick, add a teaspoon of olive oil or water at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference – a pinch of extra red pepper flakes can add a lovely kick, while a squeeze of lemon will brighten the flavors. Finally, allow the whipped feta to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and develop fully.
