Tirokafteri (Spicy Feta Dip) Recipe

Introduction

Tirokafteri is a vibrant and spicy Greek feta dip that’s perfect as an appetizer or snack. Creamy with a kick of heat, this flavorful dip pairs wonderfully with pita chips, fresh veggies, or grilled dishes.

A white bowl with blue stripes on the edge holds a thick, creamy dip that is orange in color with a slightly chunky texture. The dip is swirled on the top, creating a small peak in the center, and sprinkled evenly with red chili flakes and dried green herbs. The dip fills the bowl close to the rim, sitting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 3 roasted bell peppers (jarred or home-roasted)
  • 11 ounces feta cheese
  • 2 ounces (50 g) feta cheese (for mashing)
  • ⅔ cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic (grated, or more to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a food processor, combine the 3 roasted bell peppers, 11 ounces of feta cheese, Greek yogurt, olive oil, vinegar, grated garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes.
  2. Step 2: Blend the mixture for about 2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
  3. Step 3: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Mash the reserved 2 ounces of feta cheese with a fork until chunky and stir it into the dip for added texture.
  4. Step 4: Garnish with a pinch of oregano, chili flakes, and a drizzle of good olive oil. Serve with crispy pita chips, vegetable sticks, or alongside grilled foods.
  5. Step 5 (Optional): To make pita chips, cut pita bread into triangles, lightly toss with olive oil, and toast in the oven or air fryer until golden and crispy.

Tips & Variations

  • Use jarred roasted peppers for convenience, or roast your own for a fresher flavor.
  • Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness according to your preference.
  • Try substituting Greek yogurt with sour cream for a slightly different tang.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness and acidity.
  • Serve chilled or at room temperature depending on your taste.

Storage

Store the Tirokafteri dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving again, stir well and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften. Avoid freezing as it may affect the texture.

How to Serve

A bowl with a white and blue striped edge holds a creamy orange dip with a slightly chunky texture. The dip is spread evenly inside the bowl with a swirl pattern on top, creating a small peak in the center. The surface of the dip is sprinkled generously with dried herbs and red chili flakes, adding dark green and red specks across the bright orange base. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bell peppers instead of roasted?

Roasting the bell peppers adds a smoky sweetness that’s essential to the dip’s flavor, so it’s best to roast them beforehand. Fresh peppers will make the dip less rich and flavorful.

Is this dip very spicy?

The dip has a moderate level of heat from the red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the spiciness by using more or less according to your taste.

Print
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Tirokafteri (Spicy Feta Dip) Recipe


  • Author: Lila
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Tirokafteri is a vibrant and spicy Greek feta dip made with roasted bell peppers, creamy feta cheese, Greek yogurt, and a kick of red pepper flakes. Perfect as a flavorful appetizer served with pita chips, veggie sticks, or alongside grilled dishes, this easy-to-make dip blends creamy and tangy flavors with a spicy punch in just 10 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 3 roasted bell peppers (jarred or home-roasted)
  • 11 ounces feta cheese
  • ⅔ cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, grated (or more to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

For Serving

  • 2 ounces (50 g) feta cheese, for mashing
  • Additional dried oregano and chili flakes, for garnish
  • Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
  • Crispy pita chips or veggie sticks, for serving

To Make Pita Chips (Optional)

  • Pita bread, cut into triangles
  • Olive oil, for tossing

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients including jarred or home-roasted bell peppers, feta cheese, Greek yogurt, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes.
  2. Blend Ingredients: Add the roasted bell peppers, 11 ounces of feta cheese, Greek yogurt, olive oil, vinegar, grated garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes into a food processor. Blend for about 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  3. Prepare Feta for Texture: In a serving bowl, mash approximately 2 ounces (50 g) of feta cheese with a fork to create a rich, chunky texture.
  4. Combine and Garnish: Stir the creamy blended dip into the mashed feta. Top the dip with a pinch of dried oregano, chili flakes, and a drizzle of good quality olive oil for added flavor and presentation.
  5. Serve: Serve the Tirokafteri dip with crispy pita chips, fresh veggie sticks, or alongside grilled foods. To make pita chips, cut pita bread into triangles, toss them lightly with olive oil, and toast in the oven or air fryer until crunchy and golden.

Notes

  • You can use either jarred roasted bell peppers or roast your own for a fresher taste.
  • Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
  • Greek yogurt adds creaminess and balances the heat; use full-fat for richer texture.
  • Leftover dip can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • For a smoky flavor, try roasting fresh peppers over an open flame if possible.
  • Use good-quality extra virgin olive oil for best flavor impact.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Greek

Keywords: Tirokafteri, Spicy Feta Dip, Greek Dip, Appetizer, Roasted Bell Pepper Dip, Vegetarian Snack, Mediterranean

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