Tirokafteri Recipe (Greek Spicy Feta Cheese Dip)

This easy Tirokafteri recipe, a creamy and tangy Greek spicy feta cheese dip, is the perfect appetizer for any occasion! Made with roasted capsicum/pepper, roasted chilli, and creamy feta, it has a spicy kick and bold flavours. It’s one of my favourite dips, and trust me, everyone who tries it falls in love!

If you’re looking for Greek recipes to pair with this dip, especially when creating a meze platter, check out my other side dishes.

Jump to:

• Why you will love this recipe
• Ingredients
• Preparation
• Step-By-Step Instructions
• Top tips
• Serving Suggestions
• Storage
• FAQs
• 📖 Recipe

Why you will love this recipe

• Creamy texture with a Chunky Twist: This dip combines smooth creaminess with a chunky texture. The way the feta is added not only enhances the look but also makes every bite extra special.
• A Guaranteed Crowd Favourite: Whenever this dip is served, it’s always the first to disappear. Trust me, everyone loves it!
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you need a quick snack with warm pita bread or a star addition to a mezze platter, this dip fits perfectly alongside other classic Greek dips.
• Easy Roasting Method: I’ll show you how to roast your own vegetables for maximum flavour, keeping it fresh and delicious without relying on store-bought or canned alternatives.
• Adjustable heat: Whether you like it mild or with a spicy kick, you can customise the spice level to your liking.

Ingredients

Let’s take a closer look at the handful of ingredients that make this traditional Tirokafteri recipe so irresistible! Each ingredient brings its own unique flavour to this spicy dip. For precise quantities, see the recipe card below.

• Red Capsicum/ Pepper: Roasted red peppers add a beautiful natural sweetness and a subtle smoky flavour. This ingredient is essential for the base of this traditional Greek dip, providing a beautiful depth of flavour. For an authentic touch, try roasting it over a charcoal BBQ.
• Spicy Red Chili Pepper: The source of the heat! Adjust the amount depending on your spice tolerance. Leaving the seeds in will give the dip an extra kick, while removing them keeps it milder.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic enhances the dip’s savoury richness, adding depth to every bite. Feel free to add a little more if you’re a garlic lover!
• Greek Yogurt: The secret to achieving that creamy, tangy base! Be sure to use good quality, strained Greek yogurt for the best consistency and flavour.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps bring all the flavours together seamlessly. For the best taste, use extra virgin olive oil.
• Greek Feta Cheese: Without a doubt, the best part of this creamy dip! Use high-quality feta cheese for its signature salty, tangy flavour. Its unique taste truly sets this dip apart, making it irresistible.

Preparation

This spicy Greek feta dip comes together really quickly, generally in under 25 minutes. To make the process even smoother, here’s everything you want to have ready:

• Have Your Bowls Ready: Firstly, keep a large bowl handy for mixing and a smaller, nice serving bowl for transferring the dip. After all, presentation matters!
• Food Processor or Alternative: Next, make sure you have your food processor handy to blend everything for the perfect creamy consistency. If you don’t have one, a blender or even a hand mixer can work as an alternative.
• Strain Your Yogurt: Finally, make sure your yogurt is well-strained, as we want as little water as possible to achieve that thick, tangy Greek yogurt base.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make this delicious dip. Use the photos to guide you and make the process even easier!

Roasting the vegetables

1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 225°C (fan-forced). Prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier. Then place the capsicum and chilli on the tray.
2. Roast to Perfection: Roast the vegetables for about 15 minutes, or until their skins are charred, soft, and bubbling. This step enhances their sweetness and adds depth to the dip.
3. Cool and Sweat: Transfer the roasted vegetables to a bowl and cover tightly with cling wrap. Let them cool for 10 minutes. This helps loosen the skins, making them easier to peel.
4. Peel and Prep: Gently peel the skin from both the capsicum and chilli. Remove the stem and seeds from the capsicum. For the chilli, leave the seeds for extra heat or remove them for a milder dip.
5. Optional Roasting Method: For an extra smoky flavour, roast the vegetables over a BBQ or directly over a gas stovetop flame until charred.

Assembling the dip

1. Blend the Base: Add the peeled capsicum, chilli, garlic, yogurt, olive oil, and half of the feta cheese to a food processor. Blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the Texture: Crumble the remaining feta cheese into a medium-sized bowl. This step ensures a chunky texture that adds a delightful contrast to the creamy base.
3. Combine and Mix: Pour the blended mixture into the bowl with the crumbled feta. Gently mix with a spoon to maintain the texture while evenly combining the ingredients.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the dip to a serving dish. Serve immediately for the freshest flavour, or cover and refrigerate until ready to enjoy. This is a perfect dip as is, but feel free to garnish with olive oil, parsley, or chilli flakes if desired. Kali orexi!

Top tips

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Since these are the main ingredients of the recipe, good quality is key! Use fresh capsicum, chilli, and garlic for the best flavour. Avoid jarred or canned vegetables unless it’s absolutely necessary.
• Strain Your Yogurt: Well-strained Greek yogurt is essential for keeping the dip thick and creamy. Any excess water will thin the texture, so take the extra time to strain it well.
• Roasting for Maximum Flavour: If you have access to a BBQ, roasting the vegetables over charcoal adds a smokey depth that’s unmatched. If not, the oven method is quick, easy, and delivers fantastic results.
• Control the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of hot chilli pepper and decide whether to keep the seeds based on your heat preference. For extra spice, add a pinch of chilli flakes or use additional hot peppers.
• Garnish Like a Pro: A drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chilli flakes, and a few Kalamata olives can elevate both the presentation and flavour of this delicious dip.

Serving Suggestions

This spicy feta dip recipe is one of the most versatile Greek appetizers, and it can truly elevate any spread.  Here are some of my favourite ways to enjoy it:

• Pita Bread: Firstly, pair this creamy dip with warm homemade pita bread or Cypriot pita pockets for a delicious and authentic experience.
• Part of a Meze Spread: Create a showstopping platter by including this dip alongside other meze recipes like tzatziki, taramosalata, skordalia, and melitzanosalata. Add olives, dolmades, Cypriot meatballs, and fresh veggies. 
• Perfect with Greek Pastries: For a true taste of Greece, serve Pair it with my tiropitakia (Greek cheese triangles) or my spanakopita spiral recipe for a true taste of Greece.
• Light and Healthy Option: Alternatively, fresh carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or capsicum strips make for a lighter, crunchy pairing.
• Spread on Crusty Bread: Finally, enjoy it on crusty bread for a bold, flavour-packed snack that feels like a trip to a Greek village.

With a spread of mezedakia like this, your guests will feel as though they’re dining at one of the best Greek restaurants!

Storage

• Refrigeration: To keep your tirokafteri fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Serving Tip: For the best taste and texture, take the dip out of the fridge about 5 minutes before serving. This brief rest time allows its creaminess to return and the flavours to shine without compromising it's freshness.
• Avoid Freezing: I don't recommend freezing this dip, as the yogurt and feta may separate, leading to a grainy texture.

FAQs

📖 Recipe