Athenian Cheese Spread Recipes

FETA CHEESE DIP (TIROKAFTERI)

Steps:

• To prepare this amazing feta cheese dip (tyrokafterh), remove the stem and seeds from the pepper, and chop it finely. (If you have some extra time, roast or slightly fry the pepper before chopping)
• Cut the feta cheese into cubes and place in a bowl, add the chopped pepper and begin mixing in a blender or stand mixer (food processor). Gradually add the vinegar and olive oil, whilst mixing at medium speed.
• Pour in the milk until the feta cheese dip has a silky smooth, creamy consistency. Pour in a little at a time and mix until the cheese dip is smooth.
• If you prefer the dip to be a bit more spicy you can add a couple of teaspoons of cayenne pepper to taste. The milk and cheese require quite a lot of chillies to turn spicy as the milk neutralises the spiciness in the chillies so don't be afraid to add more if you want to.
• Alternatively if you prefer your dip to be creamy and mild don't add any chillies. If you want the sauce to be even creamier try adding a few tablespoons of yoghurt. This will make it even smoother than the milk!
• Pour the feta cheese dip (tyrokafteri) in a medium bowl and garnish with some chopped chillies and a couple of olives.
• Store the feta cheese dip covered in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.

CREAMY WHIPPED FETA DIP

Steps:

• Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor or blender and process until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary. Transfer to a serving bowl and use a small spoon to create a swirl on the surface of the dip. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and crushed red pepper flakes, if using.
• MAKE AHEAD: This dip can be made up to 3 days ahead of time and stored in a covered container in the refrigerator. It will stiffen up in the fridge to a spread-like consistency, so be sure to let it sit at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
• To make the toasted pita wedges: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Brush the pita bread on both sides with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Cut into wedges, then arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes until lightly toasted.
• To make the toasted sesame seeds: In a small pan over medium heat, cook the sesame seeds, stirring frequently, until golden, a few minutes. Watch carefully as they are quick to burn.

GREEK FETA AND OLIVE SPREAD

Steps:

• In a food processor, place the feta cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes and oregano. Using the pulse setting, blend the mixture until smooth. Transfer to a medium bowl. Blend in the olives by hand or with a spoon. Refrigerate until serving.

GREEK STYLE YOGURT HERB CHEESE SPREAD

Steps:

• Combine all of the ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. Put 4 layers of cheesecloth in a fine mesh sieve set over a large bowl or plastic container. Add the yogurt and cover with the cheesecloth overhang. Put a small plate directly on the cheesecloth and top with a 16-ounce can. Refrigerate for 1 hour. The desired consistency is that of Greek yogurt or thick sour cream. Store in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for up to 10 days.

BASIL AND FETA CHEESE SPREAD

Steps:

• Process basil and and chives in food processor until fine. Add feta and garlic until well mixed. Add enough olive oil to make spreadable.
• Spread on bread, crostini, or little pizzas, dollop on pasta, or add to soups or vegetables.

BAKED KASSERI CHEESE SPREAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees; cut cheese into 1/2-inch-thick slices.
• Layer cheese in the bottom of a shallow 1-quart quiche dish or a 9-inch pie plate, overlapping if necessary.
• Toss together the olives, oregano, garlic, and red pepper.
• Sprinkle over the cheese.
• Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until cheese just begins to melt.
• Serve immediately on bread, apples, or crackers; rewarm cheese as needed.

ATHENIAN CHEESE SPREAD

Steps:

• Combine cream cheese and feta cheese.
• Add garlic and mix.
• Drain and chop the spinach and add to the cheese mix.
• Line a medium bowl with plastic wrap
• Layer half of the cream cheese mixture
• Add the chopped red pepper in the middle to give a layered effect.
• Finish with the rest of the cream cheese mixture.
• Cover with plastic wrap.
• Refrigerate at least 6 hours.
• To serve, invert onto plate and cover the top with the chopped almonds.
• Serve with crackers or toasted French bread.

SPICY GREEK FETA DIP (TIROKAFTERI)

Steps:

• Combine feta cheese, red peppers, oil, vinegar, garlic, and pepper flakes in a food processor; puree until smooth.
• Transfer to a serving bowl.

GREEK FETA CHEESE SPREAD (HTIPITI)

Steps:

• In food processor, combine cheese, oil, lemon juice, garlic, green onions, tomatoes and red peppers.
• Blend well to form a nice smooth paste.
• If too thick, thin with a little more oil.
• Serve with pita bread, crackers or crusty bread.

EASY HORSERADISH CHEESE SPREAD

Steps:

• Melt cheese in the top of a double boiler. Remove from the heat. Stir in mayonnaise and horseradish. Pour into a small crock or ceramic bowl. Chill. Serve with crackers.

ATHENIAN CHEESE APPETIZER SPREAD

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients.
• Refrigerate 30 min.