Description
Crazy Feta is a vibrant and creamy roasted vegetable dip that combines spicy jalapenos, sweet roasted onions, and garlic with tangy feta cheese and bright lemon flavors. Perfect as a flavorful appetizer or party snack to serve with pita chips, crackers, or fresh veggies.
Ingredients
Roasted Vegetables
- 2 large jalapenos, cut in half and deseeded
- 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and cut into large chunks
- 1 bulb garlic, peeled and sliced in half (10-12 cloves)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Dip Base
- 16 ounces feta cheese (2 blocks of 8 ounces each), crumbled
- ¼ cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 4 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Vegetables for Roasting: Arrange the halved and deseeded jalapenos, onion chunks, and garlic cloves evenly on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, then sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper to season uniformly.
- Roast Vegetables: Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, tossing once halfway through to promote even cooking. The vegetables should become soft and tender, easily pierced with a knife. Remove from oven and allow to cool to room temperature.
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a food processor, add the crumbled feta cheese, ¼ cup olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest. Pulse several times until the mixture is well combined and slightly creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure all ingredients are incorporated.
- Add Roasted Vegetables: Add the cooled roasted jalapenos, onions, and garlic cloves to the food processor bowl. Pulse the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency—smooth or slightly chunky. Scrape the sides to incorporate all ingredients thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Transfer the creamy feta dip to a serving bowl and optionally drizzle extra olive oil on top for a glossy finish. Serve with pita chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Be sure to deseed the jalapenos to control the heat level; leave some seeds if you prefer more spice.
- Allow the roasted vegetables to cool before adding to the food processor to prevent melting the cheese too much.
- This dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a nuttier flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of toasted pine nuts before blending.
- If you don’t have a food processor, a high-powered blender can be used, though you may need to blend in batches.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
