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
- 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.
- 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.
- Allow the roasted garlic to cool slightly, then gently squeeze the tender, caramelized cloves from their papery skins.
- 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.
- Cook cauliflower florets by steaming or boiling until they reach a tender, soft consistency. Thoroughly drain excess moisture.
- 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.
- Blend the mixture until achieving a smooth, creamy texture. Periodically scrape down the processor’s sides to ensure even consistency.
- Adjust the dip’s thickness by adding more liquid if needed, and season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Artfully spread the cauliflower and feta dip onto a serving platter, creating an inviting base.
- Decoratively arrange the roasted tomatoes and olives atop the dip, creating a visually appealing presentation.
- Drizzle additional olive oil over the dish and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or herbs for a vibrant finish.
- 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