Baked Feta Dip Recipe

Cook Time: 26 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 12 ounces feta cheese crumbles
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/3 cup chopped olives
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C).
2. Melt the butter in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Saut for about 3 minutes, or until the spinach is slightly wilted. Remove from heat.
3. In a large bowl, combine the feta cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Stir in the spinach and sun-dried tomato mixture until well combined.
4. Transfer the mixture into an oven-safe dish. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the dip is melted and hot in the center with lightly browned edges and top.
5. While the dip is baking, heat a cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to blister, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped olives.
6. Once the dip is done baking, spoon the tomato and olive topping over the dip. Sprinkle with dried oregano and serve hot with pita bread.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	356
Total Fat	32g
Saturated Fat	14g
Cholesterol	75mg
Sodium	737mg
Total Carbohydrate	8g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Total Sugars	5g
Protein	10g
Vitamin C	6mg
Calcium	364mg
Iron	2mg
Potassium	344mg

Servings per Recipe: 6

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Baked Feta Dip is a warm, creamy, and savory appetizer that has taken the culinary world by storm. Combining crumbled feta cheese, sauted spinach, and sundried tomatoes, this dip is baked to perfection and served with pita bread for an irresistible treat. While the dish has become popular in the U.S. in recent years, its roots and flavor profile offer a deeper story of Mediterranean influences.

History of Baked Feta Dip

Feta cheese, one of the key ingredients in this dip, has ancient origins in Greece, dating back to the Byzantine Empire. It is a staple in Greek cuisine, prized for its crumbly texture and tangy flavor. While Baked Feta Dip as a dish is relatively modern, its components are steeped in Mediterranean tradition. The dish likely originated as a creative way to enjoy the creamy, salty feta cheese combined with fresh vegetables like spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, which are commonly used in Greek cooking. In recent years, the dip gained widespread popularity through food blogs and social media, quickly becoming a favorite for gatherings and casual dining in the U.S.

Regional Variations of Baked Feta Dip

While Baked Feta Dip is now widely recognized in the U.S., its Mediterranean roots mean that variations of the dish are found throughout the region. For example, in Greece, it is common to pair feta with olives and tomatoes, which are both readily available in the region. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, as seen in the dip, is a nod to more modern adaptations. Similarly, in countries like Turkey, feta cheese is often used in baked dishes with vegetables, though the technique and seasoning might differ slightly.

In the U.S., some variations of the Baked Feta Dip may incorporate other cheeses, like cream cheese, or swap out the spinach for other leafy greens like kale. Additionally, some recipes might use different spices or include a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic vinegar to enhance the flavor profile.

What Makes It Different From Similar Dips?

Baked Feta Dip stands out from other cheese dips due to its use of feta cheese. Fetas crumbly texture and sharp flavor set it apart from the smooth, creamy nature of other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella, which are commonly found in dips like queso or spinach artichoke dip. Another key difference is the combination of ingredients. While many cheesy dips rely on a base of cream cheese or sour cream, Baked Feta Dip includes both sour cream and mayonnaise, giving it a unique tangy richness. Additionally, the dip is often baked, resulting in a slightly crispy and golden top, unlike other dips that are typically served in a creamy form without any baking.

Where Is It Typically Served?

Baked Feta Dip is a versatile appetizer that can be served in various settings. It's perfect for gatherings, whether its a casual get-together, a holiday party, or a potluck. The dip pairs wonderfully with pita bread, but it also goes well with crackers, fresh vegetables, or even grilled flatbread. Due to its rich and comforting nature, it is commonly served at dinner parties and festive events. In some Mediterranean restaurants, you might find a variation of this dish on the appetizer menu, where it's often paired with other Greek or Mediterranean mezes.

Fun Facts About Baked Feta Dip

• Did you know that feta cheese is one of the oldest cheeses in the world? It has been produced for over 2,000 years!
• Feta cheese is a protected designation of origin (PDO) product in the European Union, meaning that only cheese produced in specific regions of Greece can be labeled as "feta."
• Although the baked feta dip gained major popularity on social media, it was actually a variation of a classic Greek baked feta dish. The viral "baked feta pasta" recipe helped popularize the use of baked feta in more diverse dishes.
• The combination of feta and spinach isnt just deliciousits nutritious! Feta provides calcium and protein, while spinach is packed with iron and vitamins A and C.

FAQ about Baked Feta Dip Recipe