Description
Pumpkin Whipped Feta Dip with creamy feta, savory pumpkin, and warming spices – a crowd-pleasing autumn delight!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (226g) feta cheese, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup (185g) pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons (18g) toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Feta Begin by thoroughly draining the feta cheese and patting it dry with paper towels. Break it into rough chunks and place in your food processor. Process for 2-3 minutes until the feta becomes completely smooth and fluffy, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides. This initial whipping stage is crucial for achieving that cloud-like texture that makes Pumpkin Whipped Feta Dip so special.
- Step 2: Add Base Flavors Add the pumpkin puree, olive oil, and honey to the whipped feta. Process for another minute until fully combined and even smoother. The mixture should now have taken on a beautiful light orange hue. Scrape down the sides of the processor bowl to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
- Step 3: Incorporate Aromatics and Spices Add the minced garlic, thyme leaves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the processor. Pulse several times to distribute the spices evenly throughout the mixture. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed, remembering that feta already contributes saltiness to the dip.
- Step 4: Adjust Consistency and Season If your Pumpkin Whipped Feta Dip is thicker than you’d like, add an additional drizzle of olive oil with the processor running until you reach your desired consistency. The perfect texture should be light and fluffy, but still substantial enough to hold its shape when spooned onto a plate. Make final adjustments to the seasoning, perhaps adding more honey for sweetness or cayenne for heat according to your preference.
- Step 5: Rest and Serve Transfer the finished dip to a serving bowl. For the best flavor development, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (though overnight is even better). Before serving, allow the Pumpkin Whipped Feta Dip to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, then drizzle with additional olive oil and garnish with fresh thyme leaves and toasted pepitas for a beautiful presentation and textural contrast.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120 calories per serving
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 8 grams
- Saturated Fat: 4 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 9 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 4 grams
- Cholesterol: 20 mg