This Warm Whipped Feta with Pan Fried Olives is the effortlessly elegant appetizer your holiday table has been missing. Incredibly creamy, rich, and full of Mediterranean flavor, this baked feta dip comes together in under 30 minutes and tastes amazing!
A blend of feta, cream cheese, olive oil, honey, herbs, and a touch of garlic gets whipped until silky smooth, then baked until warm and lightly golden. The real magic is the topping— pan fried olives infused with lemon zest and thyme that add briny brightness and irresistible texture.
Drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and a kiss of hot honey, this crowd pleasing dip is perfect for entertaining, snacking, or creating a stunning appetizer display. Serve it with warm bread, crisp crackers, or fresh veggies for a cozy, flavor packed dish everyone will request again and again.
Why you’ll love this recipe!
What ingredients do I need?
- Feta cheese: The creamy, tangy base that gives the dip its signature flavor.
- Cream cheese: Softens and smooths the feta for a lighter, whipped texture.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps the dip bake up silky and warm.
- Honey: Balances the saltiness and enhances the Mediterranean flavor.
- Garlic powder: Adds savory depth without overpowering.
- Thyme (dried or fresh): Earthy, aromatic flavor that complements feta perfectly.
- Salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes: Boost both warmth and seasoning.
- Fresh parsley: Adds color, freshness, and herbiness.
- Olives: Briny, bold, and perfect for frying to create a flavorful topping.
- Lemon zest: Brightens the dish and cuts through the richness.
- Hot honey: Adds a sweet-spicy finish that ties the whole dish together.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Whipped Feta: Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili crisp.
- Roasted Tomato Version: Top baked feta with blistered cherry tomatoes and basil.
- Lemon Garlic Version: Increase lemon zest and add fresh garlic for a sharper flavor.
- Fig and Honey: Add chopped dried figs and an extra drizzle of honey for a sweet-savory twist.
- Olive Bar Mix: Use a combination of Kalamata, Castelvetrano, and marinated olives.
Pro Tips
- Use high-quality feta and olive oil for the best flavor. My favorite is from Evie Olive Oil.
- Whip the feta mixture twice to achieve extra smooth, creamy results.
- Bake until just warm—overbaking can dry out the cheese.
- Pan-fry the olives until slightly blistered for maximum flavor.
- Serve warm; the dip thickens as it cools.
- If the dip looks too thick, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of extra olive oil.
Can I Substitute?
Yes! Like always though, any substitutions made to the recipe can result in a change in texture and/or flavor.
- Gluten Free: Serve with gluten-free crackers or veggies.
- Vegan: Use vegan feta, vegan cream cheese, and maple syrup instead of honey.
- Lower Salt: Choose low-sodium feta and reduce added salt.
Leftovers and Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days in the refrigerator.
- Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F until warm, or microwave in short intervals.
- Stir in extra olive oil if the texture thickens after cooling.
- Not recommended to freeze, the dairy separation will affect texture.
But, I Still Have A Few Questions…
How do I make the whipped feta smooth?
Use a food processor and puree two to three times, adding olive oil as needed.
Can whipped feta be made ahead?
Prepare the mixture up to 24 hours in advance, bake and then top with olives just before serving.
What olives work best?
Castelvetrano, Kalamata, or a mixed olive bar blend offer great flavor.
How do I serve whipped feta?
Serve with warm bread, toasted baguette slices, crackers, pita chips, or veggie sticks.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes, bake in a larger dish and increase the olive topping as needed.
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Let’s engage!
Make sure to tag @thehomechefmomma on Instagram or Facebook, and leave a review or comment if you make these. I always get so excited to see your creations, variations of the recipe, and feedback! Just remember to be kind in your comments, there is still a person behind this screen! 🙂
Warm Whipped Feta with Pan Fried Olives
Ingredients
Whipped Feta Base—
- 16 oz feta cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil plus more if needed
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or 1 tsp fresh
- Pinch salt
- Pinch black pepper
- Pinch red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
Pan Fried Olive Topping—
- 1/2-2/3 cup olives pitted, roughly chopped (mixed or your favorite)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp Lemon zest
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme or 1/2 tsp Fresh thyme
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Hot or regular honey, for drizzling
Instructions
- Add feta, cream cheese, olive oil, honey, fresh thyme, parsley, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and dried thyme to a food processor.
- Puree until smooth. Scrape down the sides and puree twice for extra creaminess.
- Add a little fresh parsley and puree briefly to combine.
- Spread the whipped feta into a shallow baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 15–18 minutes, until warmed through and lightly golden at the edges.
- While baking, add chopped olives, olive oil, thyme, and lemon zest to a small skillet over medium heat. Sauté until they blister slightly. Stirring often.
- Spoon the warm olives over the baked feta. Drizzle with a little olive oil and hot honey. Serve immediately with warm bread, crackers, or vegetables.
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Nutritional Content Disclaimer
I choose not to include nutritional information with my recipes, as these values can be calculated from the ingredients provided. With my background as a pediatric nurse practitioner and my own family experience with disordered eating, I understand how focusing on numbers can affect our relationship with food. My philosophy is that all foods have a place—sweet, savory, nourishing, or indulgent. I aim to share recipes that support a healthy, joyful approach to eating. My hope is that this space also encourages a balanced, healthy relationship with food for you and your family too.