Tirokafteri (Spicy Feta Dip)
Servings: - 8 people
Tirokafteri is a bold and creamy Greek spicy feta dip made with feta cheese, roasted peppers, olive oil, and a little chili heat. It’s rich, tangy, and comes together in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
- 3 roasted bell peppers jarred or home-roasted
- 11 ounces feta cheese + 2 oz (50 g) for mashing
- ⅔ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 clove garlic grated
- 1½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes add more or less to taste
Instructions
- Blend: In a food processor, blend 3 roasted bell peppers, 11 ounces feta cheese, ⅔ cup Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons vinegar, 1 clove garlic, 1½ teaspoon dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, until creamy (it won't be perfectly smooth).
- Fold in Extra Feta: Transfer to a bowl. Crumble the remaining feta with a fork and fold it in for a rich, chunky texture.
- Serve: Top with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of oregano, and extra chili flakes if you like the heat. Serve with warm pita, crispy pita chips, grilled meats, or crunchy veggies.
Notes
SUBSTITUTIONS
- Feta cheese – Use a Greek block in brine if possible. It’s the star.
- Greek yogurt – For extra creaminess. Full-fat or fat-free both work.
- Roasted bell peppers – Jarred or homemade. Sweet and smoky either way.
- Garlic – Fresh only. Brings the spicy kick.
- Vinegar – Apple cider, white wine, or red wine. Brightens everything up.
- Chili flakes – Add to taste. Mild or fiery—your call.
- Dried oregano – Just a pinch for that Greek flavor.
- Extra virgin olive oil – Use your best. Rich and essential.
- Use Greek feta – Block in brine = creamier + more flavor. Skip the pre-crumbled stuff.
- Control the heat – Start small with chili flakes, then taste and tweak.
- Yogurt = creaminess – Just a spoon or two softens the feta without overpowering it.
- Blend + fold – Blend most of the feta, then stir in some crumbled for texture.
- Don’t skip the vinegar – It cuts through the richness and brightens the dip.
- Let it chill – Rest in the fridge for 30 mins to deepen the flavor.
