Feta Cauliflower Dip Recipe

Zesty Feta Cauliflower Dip Recipe: A Flavorful Party Favorite

Creamy and Mediterranean-inspired, this feta cauliflower dip promises a delightful twist on traditional appetizers.

Cauliflower brings unexpected richness to the classic cheese spread.

Roasted florets blend seamlessly with tangy cheese, creating a velvety texture that surprises.

Herbs and garlic add depth to each spoonful.

Packed with nutrients, you’ll love how simple ingredients can become something extraordinary.

Minimal effort yields maximum flavor in this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Scoop it up with warm pita or crisp vegetables for an instant party favorite.

Feta Cauliflower Dip That’s Bold And Creamy

  • Elevate Your Snack Game: Discover the Magic of Feta Cauliflower Dip
  • Quick and Easy Preparation: Minimal cooking skills required, with straightforward roasting and blending steps that transform simple ingredients into a gourmet appetizer.
  • Healthy Flavor Explosion: Packed with nutrient-rich cauliflower, protein-filled feta, and antioxidant-loaded roasted tomatoes, this dip delivers bold Mediterranean-inspired taste without guilt.
  • Versatile Party Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, game nights, or casual entertaining, this dip works as an impressive appetizer that impresses guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor complexity.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare components in advance, store separately, and assemble just before serving, making it an ideal option for busy hosts who want delicious results without last-minute stress.

Feta Cauliflower Dip Ingredient List

Main Ingredients:
  • Cauliflower: Creamy base for the dip, provides smooth texture and nutritious foundation.
  • Feta Cheese: Tangy and salty cheese that adds rich flavor and creamy consistency.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Bright, sweet roasted component that adds color and fresh taste.
  • Olives: Provides salty, briny flavor and Mediterranean character to the dip.
Roasting Ingredients:
  • Garlic: Intensely flavored ingredient that becomes mellow and sweet when roasted.
  • Olive Oil: Essential for roasting and adding smooth, rich undertone to the dish.
Seasoning and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Lemon Juice: Adds bright, citrusy acidity to balance the creamy dip.
  • Salt and Pepper: Classic seasonings for enhancing overall flavor profile.
  • Parsley: Fresh herb for garnish and adding a light, green accent.
  • Water or Broth: Used to adjust dip's consistency and add subtle depth.

Feta Cauliflower Dip Mixing Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Preheat your oven to 400 °F.

Slice the top off a head of garlic to expose the cloves, drizzle generously with olive oil, then wrap tightly in foil.

Roast until the cloves are soft and aromatic (about 40 minutes), let cool briefly, and squeeze the tender garlic out of its skins.

Step 2: Roast Tomatoes and Olives

Meanwhile, toss cherry tomatoes and your choice of olives with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Spread them on a baking sheet and slide into the oven for the final 20 minutes of the garlic’s cooking time, until the tomatoes soften and begin to blister.

Step 3: Cook the Cauliflower

Steam or simmer cauliflower florets until just tender.

Drain thoroughly so your dip stays thick and creamy.

Step 4: Blend the Creamy Dip

In a food processor, combine the cooked cauliflower with crumbled feta, a splash of lemon juice, olive oil, the roasted garlic, and a little water or broth.

Pulse until silky smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.

Taste and season with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Assemble and Garnish

Spread the warm dip on a shallow platter.

Scatter the roasted tomatoes and olives over the top, press a few extra roasted garlic cloves into the surface, then finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or herbs.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Offer the dip alongside pita wedges, crisp crackers, veggie sticks, or toasted baguette slices.

Dig in while it’s warm for best flavor and texture!

Cauliflower Dip Tips With Feta Edge

  • Use whole roasted garlic heads for a mellow, sweet, and rich taste that transforms the dip's overall complexity compared to raw garlic.
  • Control the thickness by gradually adding water or broth while processing, ensuring a smooth, creamy texture without becoming too runny.
  • Select authentic Greek feta for a tangy, authentic flavor that provides better texture and more robust taste to the cauliflower base.
  • Swap feta with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast or cashew cheese for vegan versions, maintaining the dip's creamy texture.
  • Garnish with extra virgin olive oil, fresh herbs, and roasted ingredients to create visual appeal and enhance the overall sensory experience.

Feta Dip Stored for Smooth Scooping Later

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent discoloration and minimize air exposure.
  • Not recommended due to cauliflower's high water content, which can significantly change texture and consistency when thawed.
  • Warm gently in the microwave using 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating. Alternatively, use a small saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to restore creamy texture.
  • Before serving reheated dip, taste and adjust seasonings if needed. If separation occurs, whisk briefly to restore smoothness.

Snack Matches For Feta Dip

  • Pair Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Combine the feta cauliflower dip with a vibrant array of Mediterranean appetizers like dolmas, hummus, and marinated artichokes for an authentic shared dining experience.
  • Recommend Crisp White Wine Companion: Select a zesty Greek assyrtiko or a refreshing New Zealand sauvignon blanc to complement the tangy feta and roasted garlic notes, cutting through the creamy dip's richness.
  • Suggest Rustic Bread Selection: Offer a variety of warm, crusty breads like sourdough, whole wheat pita, or olive ciabatta to provide perfect textural contrast and absorb the dip's complex flavors.
  • Match Greek-Inspired Mezze Beverage: Pour a chilled glass of ouzo or an herbal Greek aperitif to enhance the Mediterranean profile and create an authentic flavor experience that transports diners to a sunny Greek taverna.

Cauliflower Dip Flavors

  • Vegan Cauliflower Cheese Dip: Replace feta with cashew cheese or nutritional yeast for a plant-based creamy alternative. Use dairy-free yogurt to maintain smooth texture.
  • Low-Carb Mediterranean Spread: Substitute cherry tomatoes with roasted bell peppers. Use fewer olives and add za'atar spice blend for extra flavor complexity.
  • Dairy-Free Herb Dip: Swap feta with silken tofu or white beans. Add fresh basil and mint for aromatic Mediterranean-style profile. Incorporate roasted garlic for depth.
  • Keto-Friendly Cauliflower Cream: Use full-fat cream cheese instead of feta. Add extra virgin olive oil and reduce liquid content. Garnish with crispy pancetta or bacon bits for protein boost.

FAQs

  • Is this dip healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with nutrients. Cauliflower provides fiber and vitamins, feta offers protein, and roasted tomatoes and olives contribute healthy antioxidants and good fats.

  • Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dip and roasted vegetables a day in advance. Store separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator and assemble just before serving.

  • Do I need special equipment to make this dip?

Not really. A food processor helps create a smooth texture, but you can also use a blender or even mash ingredients with a fork for a chunkier consistency.

  • What if I don't like feta cheese?

No problem. You can substitute with cream cheese, goat cheese, or ricotta for a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor profile.

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Feta Cauliflower Dip Recipe

Feta Cauliflower Dip Recipe


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4.7 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy feta cauliflower dip brings Mediterranean charm to your appetizer spread, blending roasted cauliflower’s nutty warmth with tangy feta’s bold character. Smooth and irresistible, this recipe invites you to savor each spoonful of Mediterranean-inspired deliciousness.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 head garlic

Roasted Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • 1 pint (473 milliliters) cherry or grape tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup (75 grams) kalamata olives, pitted
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for roasted tomatoes)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cauliflower)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Components:

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) water or broth
  • Fresh parsley or herbs of your choice
  • Olive oil, for drizzling
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (or use some of the roasted garlic)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the roasted garlic by slicing off the garlic head’s top, exposing the cloves. Generously drizzle with olive oil and encase in aluminum foil, creating a sealed packet.
  2. Roast the garlic in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for approximately 40 minutes until the cloves become soft, golden, and emit a rich, aromatic fragrance.
  3. Allow the roasted garlic to cool slightly, then gently squeeze the tender, caramelized cloves from their papery skins.
  4. Simultaneously toss cherry tomatoes and olives with olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet to roast during the last 20 minutes of the garlic’s cooking time.
  5. Cook cauliflower florets by steaming or boiling until they reach a tender, soft consistency. Thoroughly drain excess moisture.
  6. Transfer the cooked cauliflower to a food processor, combining it with crumbled feta cheese, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, roasted garlic cloves, and a splash of water or broth.
  7. Blend the mixture until achieving a smooth, creamy texture. Periodically scrape down the processor’s sides to ensure even consistency.
  8. Adjust the dip’s thickness by adding more liquid if needed, and season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
  9. Artfully spread the cauliflower and feta dip onto a serving platter, creating an inviting base.
  10. Decoratively arrange the roasted tomatoes and olives atop the dip, creating a visually appealing presentation.
  11. Drizzle additional olive oil over the dish and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or herbs for a vibrant finish.
  12. Serve immediately alongside warm pita bread, crisp crackers, fresh vegetable crudités, or toasted baguette slices for dipping.

Notes

  • Customize the roasting time for garlic and tomatoes based on their size and desired caramelization level to prevent burning.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like goat cheese or ricotta for unique flavor profiles and dietary adaptations.
  • Use a high-powered blender for an extra silky smooth texture, ensuring no lumps remain in the dip.
  • Control the consistency by gradually adding liquid during blending, creating a dip that ranges from thick spread to lighter sauce.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 155
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 390 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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