Name: Tirokafteri – Greek Spicy Feta Cheese Dip Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 250 grams (8.8 ounces) feta cheese, at room temperature; 100 grams (3.5 ounces) Greek yogurt (strained or plain); 1 hot green pepper (about 40 grams / 1.4 ounce); 1 garlic clove; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon red wine or apple cider vinegar; Pita bread; Paprika; Dried oregano; Extra virgin olive oil

If you’re craving a dip that wakes up your taste buds and brings a true taste of Greece to your table, you absolutely need to try this Tirokafteri – Greek Spicy Feta Cheese Dip Recipe. It’s creamy, tangy, and packs just the right amount of fiery kick thanks to a fresh hot green pepper and garlic, all harmonizing with the rich, crumbly feta and silky Greek yogurt. Whether you’re serving it as a party starter or a cozy snack, this dip always steals the show with its vibrant flavors and irresistible texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two white blocks of cheese lie flat on a gray plate at the bottom center of the image. Above and to the right is a gray bowl filled with a dollop of thick white cream. To the left of the bowl is a small white dish with light beige liquid. A light green chili is placed diagonally along the upper left side. Two bulbs of garlic are on the right side near a clear glass bottle with dark liquid inside. The setup rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind this Tirokafteri – Greek Spicy Feta Cheese Dip Recipe is in its simplicity. Every ingredient is chosen for its unique flavor or texture contribution, blending seamlessly to create that perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory notes.

Feta cheese (250 grams): Use room temperature feta for easy blending and a rich, tangy base that defines the dip.
Greek yogurt (100 grams): Strained is best for thick creaminess, but plain works for a looser dip with a slightly tangier bite.
Hot green pepper (1, about 40 grams): Adds the essential spicy kick—adjust according to your heat preference!
Garlic clove (1): Fresh garlic offers that classic aromatic punch that complements the cheese perfectly.
Extra virgin olive oil (3 tablespoons): Elevates the richness and adds a luscious, smooth mouthfeel.
Red wine or apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Provides a subtle acidity that brightens and balances the dip.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Tirokafteri – Greek Spicy Feta Cheese Dip Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by making sure your feta cheese is at room temperature – this helps it whip up into a smooth cream rather than a crumbly mess. Chop your hot green pepper roughly, and peel your garlic clove, ready for blending.

Step 2: Blend It All Together

Pop the feta, Greek yogurt, chopped pepper, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar into your food processor. Pulse gently at first, then blend continuously until the dip is completely smooth and creamy. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides periodically to ensure everything combines perfectly.

Step 3: Taste and Adjust

Give it a taste! The heat should be lively but balanced with the tang of yogurt and the sharpness of the feta. If you want more bite, feel free to add a little extra pepper or garlic at this stage and pulse again.

Tirokafteri – Greek Spicy Feta Cheese Dip Recipe Step 4: Chill and Serve

For best flavors, refrigerate the dip for 1 to 2 hours before serving. It thickens wonderfully as it cools and all those flavors get to mingle and deepen. A drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of dried oregano, and some smoked paprika on top make it look as good as it tastes.

How to Serve Tirokafteri – Greek Spicy Feta Cheese Dip Recipe

A close-up image shows a woman's hand dipping two pieces of grilled flatbread with light brown char marks into a black bowl filled with creamy white dip. The dip has a smooth texture with visible swirls on the surface, topped with a drizzle of yellow oil and sprinkled with red and green spices. In the blurred background, more grilled flatbread pieces rest on a wooden surface. The photo is taken over a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple topping of extra virgin olive oil with a pinch of dried oregano and paprika elevates the dip instantly. For a fresh twist, add a few chopped fresh herbs like parsley or mint to brighten the flavors even more.

Side Dishes

Warm, grilled pita bread is the classic choice here—its smokiness and tender softness pair perfectly with the creamy, spicy dip. You can also serve it alongside crunchy vegetable sticks like cucumber, carrots, or bell peppers for a lighter option.

Creative Ways to Present

For a Mediterranean mezze spread, arrange the Tirokafteri in a shallow bowl surrounded by olives, roasted nuts, and cubes of fresh bread. Or, try using it as a zesty spread on sandwiches and wraps for an unexpected burst of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Tirokafteri in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because it’s dairy-based, it stays fresh for up to 3 days and tastes even better after the flavors have had time to develop overnight.

Freezing

This dip doesn’t freeze well due to the yogurt and feta texture changes. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making.

Reheating

Tirokafteri is best served chilled or at room temperature, so skip reheating altogether. If you want it less firm after refrigeration, just let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes or so before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Tirokafteri without a food processor?

Yes, you can use a sturdy fork or a potato masher to crumble and mix the ingredients, but it will take longer and won’t be as silky smooth as when blended. For the classic whipped texture, a food processor is best.

How spicy is this dip? Can I adjust it?

The heat mainly comes from the hot green pepper, so you’re in full control. Use a milder pepper or remove the seeds if you prefer less spice, or add extra for more heat.

What if I don’t have strained Greek yogurt?

Plain Greek yogurt works too, but the dip will be looser in texture, more like a sauce. If using regular yogurt, consider draining it through cheesecloth for a few hours to thicken it up.

Can I use other cheeses instead of feta?

Feta is key for that authentic salty and tangy flavor. However, for experimenters, ricotta salata or a tangy goat cheese can work but will change the flavor profile significantly.

Is Tirokafteri gluten free?

Absolutely! This dip itself contains no gluten, but be sure the pita or other accompaniments you serve with it are gluten free if needed.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve tasted this Tirokafteri – Greek Spicy Feta Cheese Dip Recipe, it’s hard not to keep coming back for more. Its vibrant flavors, creamy texture, and quick prep make it a winner for any occasion. Give it a go, and you’ll find it’s the kind of dip that sparks conversations and brings friends together around the table. Trust me, your snack game just got a whole lot better!

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Tirokafteri – Greek Spicy Feta Cheese Dip Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need