Beetroot Whipped Feta

Beetroot Whipped Feta is a glorious combination of simple ingredients that creates a deep pink dip with a delicious sweet and salty flavour. It’s easy to make and perfect to serve with all your favourite dipping vegetables and crackers.

What is Whipped Feta?

Whipped feta is a dish that has its roots in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, where feta cheese is a staple ingredient. The technique of blending feta into a creamy spread is a modern adaptation, making the cheese easier to use as a dip or topping.

Whipped feta draws inspiration from classic mezze spreads and appetisers commonly found in Greek and Turkish food cultures. Its popularity has grown in recent years as popular cooks, like Yotam Ottolenghi, have experimented with new ways to enjoy feta.

Whipped feta is perfect for combining with a variety of herbs, vegetables, and seasonings to delicious flavoured versions like Beetroot Whipped Feta.

Why should I make Beetroot Whipped Feta?

The earthy sweetness of roasted beetroot pairs beautifully with the salty, tangy taste of feta cheese. Blending them together creates delicious balanced dip and offers an alternative to hummus or tzatziki.

The striking magenta colour of Beetroot Whipped Feta adds a burst of colour to your table, and makes an eye-catching addition to grazing boards, appetisers, and party platters.

What ingredients do I need to make Beetroot Whipped Feta?

The ingredients for this recipe are easily available at supermarkets and food stores. Here is what you need:

• Cooked beetroot (beets)
• Feta cheese
• Honey
• Olive oil
• Greek yogurt
• Dill

Scroll to the end of this article to find the full recipe and all quantities of ingredients and step-by-step instructions.

Can I cook my own beetroot (beets)?

You need cooked beetroot for this recipe. You can either buy it already cooked, usually vacuum packed, or your can cook your own fresh beetroot.

If you’d like to cook your own beetroot I have instructions for roasting beetroot in the oven and also using your slow cooker to cook the beetroot. You’ll find these instructions in my recipe for Roast Beetroot with Honey and Thyme.

Can I use beetroot in vinegar?

I don’t recommend that you use beetroot that has been pickled in vinegar. The flavour of the vinegar is likely to overwhelm the other ingredients.

What kind of feta should I use?

I recommend that you get the best feta that you can afford. It should be in a block that you crumble yourself rather than the small pre-cut cubes.

Can I use vegan feta?

Although I have not tested this recipe with vegan feta this dish can be easily adapted for different dietary needs. You can try lactose-free feta or vegan feta alternatives to make it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

What kind of honey should I use in Beetroot Whipped Feta?

You can use any honey but I prefer one which has a light floral flavour. A runny honey will also blend more easily with the other ingredients.

What could I substitute for honey?

If you don’t eat honey then you could use agave syrup or maple syrup.

I don’t have Greek yogurt can I use other yogurt?

Greek yogurt is a strained yogurt so you need to be careful with alternatives. They will contain more liquid and may affect the thickness of the whipped feta and make it more inclined to separate.

If you don’t have Greek yogurt then I recommend that you strain natural yogurt by putting a muslin or kitchen paper in a sieve over a bowl and putting two tablespoons of yogurt into it. Leave it for 4-6 hours for the liquid to run off then use as per the recipe.

Can I use non-dairy yogurt alternatives?

If you have a Greek-style alternative then it should be okay. However, I have only tested this recipe with dairy Greek yogurt so cannot guarantee results.

Can I use dried dill?

I recommend that you use fresh dill for this recipe. It is a herb that freezes very well, so I usually buy it chop it and freeze it in a small lidded container. I can then take out only what I need for a specific recipe.

If you don’t have fresh dill then use only 1/4 teaspoon of dried dill. Dill seeds are not suitable for this recipe.

I’m not a fan of dill, can I use another herb?

There are many different herbs that you can use here are some ideas:

• Oregano is a classic Mediterranean herb which pairs well with feta.
• Fresh parsley is a good all rounder and will add a subtle herb flavour.
• Chives add a mild onion flavour to the whipped feta and look pretty finely chopped on top of the dip.

Can I make Beetroot Whipped Feta ahead of time?

You can make whipped feta up to 3 days ahead of the time you want to use it. Spoon it from the food processor into a lidded container and store in the refrigerator.

For best results bring it out of the fridge 30 minutes before you want to use it, give it a stir then decant into a serving dish and garnish with dill or other herbs.

Can I freeze Beetroot Whipped Feta?

I don’t recommend freezing Beetroot Whipped Feta as it will lose its silky texture and is likely to separate when it defrosts.

Vegetarian

This recipe is suitable for vegetarians.

Gluten Free

This recipe should be gluten free but please check individual packaged items to ensure that they meet your dietary requirements.

For more information regarding any dietary information provided on this website, please refer to my Nutritional Disclaimer.

How should I serve Beetroot Whipped Feta?

Beetroot whipped feta can be served in a variety of ways to suit different occasions. For a casual gathering, spoon it into a serving bowl and drizzle with a little extra olive oil, then garnish with fresh dill. Serve alongside an assortment of crisp crudités, toasted pita wedges, breadsticks or tortilla chips for dipping.

If you’re hosting a more formal meal, spread the beetroot whipped feta onto crostini or use it as a vibrant base for canapés, topped with roasted vegetables or a sprinkle of dukkah.

You can also dollop it onto salads, grain bowls, or roasted vegetables to add a pop of colour and creamy tang. Its versatility means it lends itself beautifully to both sharing platters and individual plates, making it a true crowd-pleaser.