Easy Tirokafteri Recipe (Greek Spicy Feta Dip) is a creamy spread made with feta, roasted red peppers, and Greek yogurt for the perfect balance of tangy and spicy flavors. This Greek dip recipe takes just 5 minutes to blend together, making it a quick and easy appetizer for parties, mezze platters, or a flavorful snack.
We like to make a dip platter and serve it alongside Skordalia Greek Potato Dip and our Authentic Greek Hummus.
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A staple in Greek tavernas, this dip is often found alongside warm pita bread and crisp vegetables. Its name, Tirokafteri, translates to "spicy cheese," and some regional variations include hot chili peppers or extra lemon juice for an added kick.
In the mood for similar Greek appetizers? Try our Spinach and Feta Rolls, Saganaki Cheese, or Marinated Olives with Feta Cheese
Why We Love This Recipe
- Tasty & Bold Flavors: The perfect balance of tangy feta, smoky roasted red peppers, and a hint of spice.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just minutes with simple ingredients—perfect for busy days.
- Versatile: Serve it as a dip, spread, or even a topping for grilled meats—just like this Easy Tzatziki Recipe, it’s a staple in Greek mezze platters.
- Great for Sharing: A crowd-pleaser for parties or casual snacking.
Easy Tirokafteri Ingredients
- Feta cheese: Creamy and tangy, crumbled feta adds richness to the dip. If you love feta cheese, our Mediterranean Salad and Village Salad is also a great crowd pleaser.
- Greek yogurt: Thick and creamy, Greek yogurt provides a smooth texture and a hint of tanginess.
- Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil lends richness and depth of flavor to the dip.
- Roasted red peppers: Sweet and smoky, roasted red peppers add a delicious depth of flavor.
- Garlic: Pungent and aromatic, minced garlic enhances the savory profile of the dip.
- Lemon juice: Fresh and zesty, lemon juice brightens the flavors of the dip.
- Paprika: Adds a warm, smoky flavor and a vibrant red color to the dip.
- Cayenne pepper (adjust to taste): Provides a spicy kick, adjust according to your preference for heat.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Roasted Red Peppers: Try sun-dried tomatoes or grilled eggplant.
- Greek Yogurt: Swap with sour cream or add a little cream cheese for a richer dip.
- Cayenne: Use red pepper flakes or red chili pepper as an alternative.
How to Make this Easy Tirokafteri Recipe: Greek Spicy Feta Dip
STEP 1: Blend Ingredients
Place crumbled feta cheese, Greek yogurt, roasted red peppers, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, and cayenne pepper in a food processor.
STEP 2: Process and Emulsify
Pulse the ingredients until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the food processor as needed for even mixing. Slowly drizzle the olive oil into the feed tube while the food processor is running.
STEP 3: Taste and Adjust
Taste the dip and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more paprika or cayenne pepper for extra flavor.
STEP 4: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the tirokafteri to a serving bowl, drizzle with a little extra olive oil, and garnish with crumbled feta, paprika, and Kalamata olives. Serve with warm pita bread or your favorite vegetables.
Storage
Store leftover tirokafteri in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Before serving, give it a good stir, as the ingredients may separate slightly. For best flavor, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before enjoying. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may become grainy when thawed.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Emulsify by drizzling the olive oil slowly into the mixture while the food processor is running, or while whisking vigorously by hand.
✔️ DO Let the dip rest for 15 to 20 minutes so the flavors blend together.
❌ DON'T Use pre-crumbled feta has anti-caking agents that affect creaminess.
❌ DON'T Overblend. The dip should be slightly textured.
Recipe FAQs
Tirokafteri is a traditional Greek mezze dip that originates from various regions of Greece, including Macedonia and Thrace. The name translates to “spicy cheese” in Greek, referring to its bold, tangy, and slightly fiery flavor.
Tirokafteri is pronounced as tee-roh-kah-FTEH-ree
The level of spiciness can be adjusted according to your preference by adding or reducing the amount of cayenne pepper used.
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📖 Recipe
Easy Tirokafteri Recipe (Greek Spicy Feta Dip)
Equipment
- Food processor or Mixing bowl and Potato Masher
- Serving Bowl
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
Ingredients
- 16 ounces feta cheese
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt whole milk, plain
- ⅓ cup olive oil reserve some to drizzle over the top of dip
- 8 ounce jar roasted red peppers drained
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
Garnish
- paprika
- Kalamata olives
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine crumbled feta, Greek yogurt, roasted red peppers, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Slowly drizzle the olive oil into the food processor through the feed tube while it is running, ensuring a steady and gradual stream for emulsification.
- Process until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed for even blending.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more cayenne pepper for extra heat if desired.
- Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl or plate, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Drizzle some olive oil over the top of the dip.
- Garnish with small crumbled feta, a sprinkle of paprika, and Kalamata olives.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
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Notes
- Roasted Red Peppers: Try sun-dried tomatoes or grilled eggplant.
- Greek Yogurt: Swap with sour cream or add a little cream cheese for a richer dip.
- Cayenne: Use red pepper flakes or red chili pepper as an alternative.
Shanna Cross says
Perfect for our love of Greek cuisine!!