Tirokafteri – Greek Spicy Feta Cheese Dip Recipe
Tirokafteri is a classic Greek spicy feta cheese dip that combines creamy feta, tangy Greek yogurt, and a punch of heat from a fresh hot green pepper. This quick and easy dip is perfect as an appetizer or snack, served chilled with a drizzle of olive oil and aromatic spices. It pairs wonderfully with warm, grilled pita bread for an authentic Mediterranean experience.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dip Ingredients
- 250 grams (8.8 ounces) feta cheese, at room temperature
- 100 grams (3.5 ounces) Greek yogurt
- 1 hot green pepper (about 40 grams / 1.4 ounce)
- 1 garlic clove
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
For Serving
- Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
- Paprika
- Dried oregano
- Pita bread
- Extra virgin olive oil (for brushing pita)
- Dried oregano (for pita seasoning)
- Salt and pepper (for pita seasoning)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dip: Add the feta cheese, Greek yogurt, hot green pepper, garlic clove, extra virgin olive oil, and vinegar into a food processor. Pulse the mixture until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides occasionally to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
- Chill and Garnish: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Drizzle a little olive oil on top, then sprinkle with dried oregano and paprika. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours if desired to allow the flavors to meld and the dip to thicken.
- Grill the Pita Bread (Optional): Heat a grill pan over high heat until it is smoky hot. Brush pita bread slices with olive oil and season with oregano, salt, and pepper. Grill each side for 1-2 minutes until char marks develop and the bread is warmed through. Cut into triangles.
- Serve: Arrange the grilled pita alongside the tirokafteri for dipping. Enjoy as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Allow the feta cheese to come to room temperature before blending for a smoother texture.
- Select a fresh hot green pepper to adjust the spiciness to your preference; remove seeds to reduce heat.
- The dip can be made ahead of time and keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- For a milder version, substitute the hot pepper with a milder variety or reduce the amount used.
- This dip pairs excellently with raw vegetable sticks as well as pita bread.
