Herbed Feta and Basil Spread
Inspired by a beloved Greek restaurant dish, this Herbed Feta and Basil Spread brings together the creamy tang of feta cheese and the bright, fragrant notes of fresh basil and chives. Perfect as a flavorful dip or spread, it elevates your lunch or snack game with its versatility. Ideal for slathering on crusty bread, topping crostini, or enhancing pasta and roasted vegetables, this simple recipe is packed with Mediterranean flair. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet evening, this spread is sure to impress.
1
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Feta cheese
1 lb (crumbled)
Basil leaves
1 cup (loosely packed)
Chives
1/4 cup (chopped)
Garlic cloves
2-3 (peeled)
Olive oil
as needed (for blending)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the basil leaves under cold water and drying them gently with a kitchen towel.
2
In a food processor, combine the basil leaves and chopped chives. Pulse until the herbs are finely chopped and well blended.
3
Add the crumbled feta cheese and peeled garlic cloves to the food processor. Pulse again until the mixture is creamy and thoroughly combined.
4
With the food processor running, gradually drizzle in olive oil until the spread reaches your desired consistency. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides to ensure everything is well mixed.
5
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more garlic or herbs as per your preference.
6
Transfer the spread to a serving bowl and serve immediately, or refrigerate for flavors to meld.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herbed Feta and Basil Spread?
It is a creamy and tangy Greek-inspired dip made with feta cheese, fresh basil, and chives, perfect for snacks or as a versatile spread.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include 1 lb of crumbled feta cheese, 1 cup of basil leaves, 1/4 cup of chopped chives, 2-3 garlic cloves, and olive oil.
How should I prepare the basil leaves?
You should rinse the basil leaves under cold water and dry them gently with a kitchen towel before using them.
Do I need a food processor for this recipe?
Yes, a food processor is recommended to pulse the herbs and blend the feta and garlic into a creamy consistency.
When should I add the olive oil?
Gradually drizzle in the olive oil while the food processor is running until the spread reaches your desired consistency.
What can I serve with this feta spread?
It is excellent served on crusty bread, topping crostini, or used to enhance pasta and roasted vegetables.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and involves simple steps like pulsing and blending ingredients.
Can I adjust the amount of garlic?
Yes, you can use 2 to 3 garlic cloves depending on your preference for a stronger or milder flavor.
What is the recommended serving size?
The recipe lists 1 serving, though it is intended as a spread or dip that can be shared.
Should I serve this immediately?
You can serve it immediately or refrigerate it to allow the Mediterranean flavors to meld together.
How much feta cheese is required?
You will need 1 lb of feta cheese, which should be crumbled before being added to the processor.
What herbs are used in this spread?
Fresh basil leaves and chopped chives provide the aromatic herb profile for this recipe.
How much chives should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of chopped chives.
What is the category of this dish?
This dish is categorized under Lunch/Snacks.
Can I use this as a dip?
Yes, it is perfectly suited as a flavorful dip for hosting friends or for personal snacking.
What is the texture of the finished spread?
The texture should be creamy and thoroughly combined after being processed with olive oil.
How much basil is needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of loosely packed basil leaves.
What type of cuisine is this inspired by?
This recipe is inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, specifically Greek restaurant dishes.
Can I add more herbs?
Yes, the instructions suggest you can taste and adjust seasoning by adding more herbs as per your preference.
Does this recipe include sugar?
No, there is no sugar included in the ingredients list for this savory spread.
Is there any preparation needed for the garlic?
The garlic cloves should be peeled before being added to the food processor.
What should I do if the mixture is too thick?
You should gradually drizzle in more olive oil until the desired consistency is achieved.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 total ingredients: feta, basil, chives, garlic, and olive oil.
Can I use this on roasted vegetables?
Yes, it is a great way to enhance the flavor of roasted vegetables.
Is olive oil used for flavoring or blending?
It is used for both, specifically to help blend the ingredients and reach a creamy consistency.
Should I scrape down the sides of the processor?
Yes, it is recommended to stop and scrape down the sides to ensure everything is well mixed.
Is this a good snack for hosting?
Absolutely, its flavorful and Mediterranean flair makes it a spread that is sure to impress guests.
Is there nutritional information available?
No, the specific calorie, fat, and protein counts are not provided in the current recipe data.
Can this be used as a pasta topping?
Yes, the spread can be used to add a creamy feta and herb flavor to pasta dishes.
What tags define this recipe?
Key tags include feta cheese, basil, spread, dip, Mediterranean, snack, herbed, and easy recipe.