Roasted Red Pepper and Feta Dip
This Roasted Red Pepper and Feta Dip is a delicious and vibrant addition to any appetizer spread. The sweet, smoky flavor of charred red peppers blends beautifully with creamy feta cheese, creating a dip that is both tangy and slightly sweet. Perfect for dipping with pita, crackers, or fresh vegetables, this dip is not only easy to make but is also a crowd-pleaser. Serve it at your next gathering or enjoy it as a simple snack at home. Plus, it keeps well in the refrigerator, so you can savor this Mediterranean delight all week long.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
sweet red peppers
2 large (grilled and peeled)
feta cheese
1 cup (crumbled)
red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons (none)
granulated sugar
1 pinch (none)
cayenne pepper
1 pinch (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly grease the grates to prevent sticking.
2
Place the whole sweet red peppers on the grill, closing the lid to encourage even cooking.
3
Grill the peppers, turning them occasionally, for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until their skins are nicely charred and blistered.
4
Once charred, remove the peppers from the grill and let them cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, peel off the charred skins, remove the seeds, and roughly chop the peppers.
5
In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted peppers, crumbled feta cheese, red wine vinegar, a pinch of granulated sugar, and cayenne pepper.
6
Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as necessary to ensure everything is well combined.
7
Transfer the dip to an airtight container and refrigerate. Allow the dip to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Roasted Red Pepper and Feta Dip?
It is a vibrant Mediterranean appetizer that combines charred red peppers with creamy feta cheese for a smoky and tangy flavor.
What are the main ingredients for this dip?
The dip is made from sweet red peppers, crumbled feta cheese, red wine vinegar, a pinch of sugar, and cayenne pepper.
How do I prepare the peppers for the dip?
The peppers should be grilled until the skins are charred and blistered, then peeled, seeded, and roughly chopped.
How long does it take to grill the peppers?
Grilling the peppers usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes at medium-high heat.
Should the grill be preheated?
Yes, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly grease the grates before starting.
How do I remove the skins from the peppers?
Once the charred peppers have cooled slightly, you can easily peel off the blistered skins by hand.
What equipment do I need to make the dip smooth?
You can use either a blender or a food processor to combine the ingredients into a creamy consistency.
Is this dip spicy?
It has a very subtle kick from a pinch of cayenne pepper, but it is generally mild and sweet.
How much feta cheese is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese.
Why is sugar added to the recipe?
A pinch of granulated sugar is used to balance the acidity of the vinegar and the saltiness of the feta.
What kind of vinegar is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically recommends using 2 teaspoons of red wine vinegar.
Can I serve the dip immediately after blending?
For the best flavor, let the dip sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
How should the dip be stored?
Store the dip in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated.
How long does the dip last in the fridge?
This dip keeps well in the refrigerator and can be enjoyed all week long.
What are the best items to serve with this dip?
It pairs perfectly with pita bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleaser and is an excellent addition to any appetizer spread.
How many peppers do I need?
You will need 2 large sweet red peppers for this recipe.
Do I need to remove the seeds?
Yes, you should remove the seeds after grilling and peeling the peppers but before blending.
Can this be considered a healthy snack?
Yes, it is categorized as a healthy snack featuring fresh vegetables and protein from feta.
What does 'charred and blistered' mean for the peppers?
It means the skin of the pepper should turn black and pull away from the flesh due to the high heat.
Should I close the grill lid while cooking?
Yes, closing the lid helps to encourage even cooking and proper charring of the peppers.
What is the texture of the finished dip?
The finished dip should be smooth and creamy.
Is this recipe Mediterranean?
Yes, the combination of roasted peppers, feta, and vinegar makes it a classic Mediterranean-style dish.
How many total ingredients are used?
There are 5 total ingredients in this recipe.
What should I do if the dip is too thick in the blender?
Scrape down the sides of the blender or food processor as necessary to ensure everything is well combined.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, because it stores well in the refrigerator, it is an ideal make-ahead appetizer.
What type of peppers should I use?
The recipe calls specifically for sweet red peppers.
Does the recipe require salt?
The recipe does not list extra salt, as feta cheese is naturally quite salty.
How much cayenne pepper is used?
Only a pinch of cayenne pepper is needed to provide a hint of warmth.
Is the dip served warm or cold?
It is typically served at room temperature after being chilled to allow flavors to meld.