Lemony Whipped Feta With Charred Scallions

Lemony Whipped Feta With Charred Scallions is the perfect dip for any occasion. Its creamy, tangy flavor combined with the smoky richness of charred scallions makes it a standout appetizer. This dish is simple to prepare and pairs beautifully with pita chips or crackers, making it an ideal choice for gatherings, game days, or casual snacking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, this recipe is quick and straightforward.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of whipped feta and charred scallions creates a rich taste that will impress your guests.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a dip, spread, or even as a topping on grilled meats or vegetables.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party or a casual get-together, this dip fits right in.
• Fresh and Healthy Ingredients: Made with wholesome components, you can feel good about serving this dish to friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

To make Lemony Whipped Feta With Charred Scallions, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: This tool is crucial for achieving the smooth texture of the whipped feta.
• Baking sheet: A must-have for broiling the scallions and lemon slices evenly.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for tossing ingredients before cooking to ensure they are evenly coated.

Ingredients

For the Whipped Feta

• 1 1/2 lemons, plus more to taste
• 10 ounces feta cheese, broken into large pieces (about 2 1/2 to 3 cups)
• 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature, or heavy cream

For the Charred Scallions

• 1 bunch scallions, trimmed and halved crosswise
• 1/3 cup plus 3 tablespoons olive oil

Seasoning

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more for garnish
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, plus more for garnish
• 1 tablespoon hot water

How to Make Lemony Whipped Feta With Charred Scallions

Step 1: Preheat the Broiler

First, heat your broiler. Line a sheet pan with foil to catch any drips from the scallions and lemon slices while they cook.

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon and Scallions

In a medium bowl:
* Juice 1 whole lemon until you have about 3 tablespoons of juice; set this aside.
* Cut the remaining 1/2 lemon into thin slices (about 3 to 4).

Then:
* Toss together the lemon slices, scallions, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the bowl until well coated.

Step 3: Broil the Scallions and Lemon Slices

Place the scallion mixture on your prepared sheet pan:
* Broil for about 7 to 9 minutes, turning occasionally until blackened.
* After about 5 additional minutes, check the lemon slices; they should also be slightly charred.

Once done:
Transfer everything to a cutting board to cool slightly.

Step 4: Blend the Ingredients Together

In your food processor:
* Add the whipped feta ingredients—feta cheese, cream cheese (or heavy cream), remaining olive oil (1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons), reserved lemon juice, black pepper, cayenne, and hot water.

Blend until very smooth. Then:
* Add most of the charred scallions (save one or two pieces for garnish) and pulse briefly to combine. Aim to leave some chunks of scallion for texture. Taste and adjust with extra lemon juice if needed.

Step 5: Serve Your Dip

Transfer your whipped feta mixture into a serving bowl. Garnish with:
* Charred lemon slices,
* Reserved chopped scallion pieces,
* Additional black pepper,
* A pinch of cayenne.

Enjoy this delightful dip with pita chips or crackers!

How to Serve Lemony Whipped Feta With Charred Scallions

Lemony Whipped Feta With Charred Scallions is a versatile dip that delights the palate with its creamy texture and smoky flavor. Here are some creative ways to serve this delicious appetizer.

With Pita Chips

• Pita chips provide a crispy contrast to the creamy whipped feta. They are perfect for dipping and can be easily made at home or purchased.

On Toasted Bread

• Spread the whipped feta on toasted baguette slices for a delightful bruschetta-style appetizer. Top with extra charred scallions for added flavor.

As a Veggie Dip

• Serve with an assortment of fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers for a healthy snack option. The dip enhances the veggies’ natural flavors.

Topped with Cherry Tomatoes

• For an extra burst of sweetness, add charred cherry tomatoes on top of the whipped feta. The combination of flavors creates an irresistible treat.

Accompanied by Crackers

• Buttery crackers complement the richness of the whipped feta. Choose your favorite brand or make your own for a personal touch.

As Part of a Cheese Board

• Include this dip on a cheese board alongside other cheeses, olives, and nuts. It adds variety and richness to your spread, making it ideal for gatherings.

How to Perfect Lemony Whipped Feta With Charred Scallions

Perfecting Lemony Whipped Feta With Charred Scallions is simple with these tips. Use them to elevate your dish and impress your guests.

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality feta and fresh scallions will significantly enhance the flavor of your dip.
• Adjust Lemon Juice: Taste as you go when adding lemon juice to ensure the right balance of acidity without overpowering other flavors.
• Experiment with Heat: Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper based on your heat preference. Start small and add more if desired.
• Chill Before Serving: Letting the dip chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes allows flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
• Garnish Creatively: Use additional garnishes like fresh herbs or even pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and flavor.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days for best quality.

Best Side Dishes for Lemony Whipped Feta With Charred Scallions

Pairing side dishes with Lemony Whipped Feta With Charred Scallions can create a well-rounded meal or snack spread. Here are some excellent suggestions.

1. Crispy Roasted Potatoes: These golden potatoes provide a crunchy texture that complements the creaminess of the dip while being easy to prepare.
2. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables such as zucchini and bell peppers enhance your platter’s colors and flavors while being healthy.
3. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette offers freshness that pairs nicely with the rich feta dip.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Mini bell peppers stuffed with rice or grains add a fun bite-sized option that balances flavors beautifully.
5. Mediterranean Couscous: Fluffy couscous tossed with herbs and lemon adds a lovely grain side that works well with this creamy dip.
6. Hummus Trio: Offering various hummus flavors alongside provides additional options that guests will love, creating an exciting spread.
7. Marinated Olives: A bowl of marinated olives introduces briny notes, enhancing the overall tasting experience when enjoyed together.
8. Caprese Skewers: Fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls make these skewers colorful additions that pair excellently with whipped feta.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Lemony Whipped Feta With Charred Scallions, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Skipping the broiling step: Broiling the scallions and lemon slices adds essential smoky flavor. Don’t skip this step for best results.
• Not adjusting the lemon juice: The acidity of the lemon can vary. Always taste your mixture before serving and adjust the lemon juice to suit your preference.
• Over-processing the feta: For a perfect texture, blend just until smooth, leaving some chunky pieces of scallions for added flavor and texture.
• Using cold cream cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a creamy consistency. Cold cream cheese can lead to lumps in your dip.
• Forgetting garnishes: Garnishing with reserved scallions, charred lemon slices, and spices enhances presentation and flavor. Don’t skip this final touch!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover whipped feta in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Lemony Whipped Feta With Charred Scallions

• For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Lemony Whipped Feta With Charred Scallions

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm in an oven-safe dish until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring between intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Gently warm over low heat in a non-stick pan while stirring frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Lemony Whipped Feta With Charred Scallions vegan?

You can replace feta cheese with a plant-based feta alternative and use cashew cream instead of cream cheese.

Can I use other herbs in my Lemony Whipped Feta With Charred Scallions?

Absolutely! Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can add extra depth of flavor.

How long does it take to prepare Lemony Whipped Feta With Charred Scallions?

The total time is about 20 minutes, including preparation and cooking time.

What should I serve with Lemony Whipped Feta With Charred Scallions?

This dip pairs beautifully with pita chips, fresh vegetables, or buttery crackers.

Final Thoughts

Lemony Whipped Feta With Charred Scallions is a delightful appetizer that combines creamy feta with smoky scallions for an irresistible dip. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different herbs or toppings based on your preferences. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a casual snack, this recipe is sure to impress!