Whipped Feta And Balsamic Grapes Recipe

This creamy Whipped Feta with Balsamic Grapes is made with tangy block feta, smooth cream cheese, sweet roasted grapes, rich balsamic glaze, and bright lemon. This recipe creates a stunning appetizer that is the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and tangy flavors. Ideal for a cocktail party or as a light summer snack, this easy dip is perfect for serving a crowd and is always a showstopper.

Whipped Feta and Balsamic Grapes Ingredients

Balsamic Grapes:

• 2 heaping cups red grapes
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Whipped Feta:

• One 8-ounce block feta cheese
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1 lemon, zested plus 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Chopped fresh parsley, for sprinkling
• Crostini, for serving

How To Make Whipped Feta and Balsamic Grapes

1. Roast the grapes: First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, gently toss the red grapes with the balsamic glaze, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar until they are evenly coated.
2. Bake until tender: Place the baking dish in the oven and roast for 15 to 20 minutes. The grapes are ready when they have softened and just started to split. Remove them from the oven, give them another gentle toss in the pan, and set them aside to cool slightly.
3. Whip the feta: While the grapes are cooling, make the dip. Crumble the block of feta into the bowl of a food processor. Add the cream cheese, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Process the mixture until it is completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Assemble and serve: Spread the whipped feta in a decorative circle on a serving platter or in a shallow bowl. Spoon the warm balsamic grapes over the top. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and serve immediately with crostini on the side for dipping.

Recipe Tips

• Use Block Feta in Brine: For the creamiest, most flavorful dip, use a block of feta that is packed in brine. Pre-crumbled feta is often much drier and won’t result in the same smooth, luxurious texture.
• Bring Cheeses to Room Temperature: Let the feta and cream cheese sit on the counter for about 20-30 minutes before you begin. Room temperature ingredients whip together much more easily and create a silkier final product.
• Roast Grapes Until They Just Split: Keep an eye on the grapes as they roast. You want to cook them just until they soften and their skins begin to pop. This keeps them juicy and flavorful without turning them into mush.
• Serve Grapes Warm, Not Hot: Let the roasted grapes cool down for a few minutes before spooning them over the feta. If they are too hot, they can make the cool feta dip watery. The slight temperature contrast is part of what makes this dish so good.

What To Serve Whipped Feta

This appetizer is perfect when served with classic toasted crostini or baguette slices, which are sturdy enough for scooping up the creamy dip and grapes. For other delicious options, try serving it with crunchy pita chips, warm flatbread, or a variety of hearty crackers. For a lighter, gluten-free choice, it’s also wonderful with fresh vegetable sticks like cucumber, carrots, and bell peppers.

How To Store Whipped Feta Leftovers

It is best to store the components of this dish separately to maintain their texture. Refrigerate: The whipped feta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The balsamic grapes can be stored in a separate airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze: Freezing is not recommended. The texture of both the whipped feta and the roasted grapes will change significantly upon thawing.

Whipped Feta and Balsamic Grapes Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 110 kcal
• Total Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 240mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 6g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 3g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make this appetizer ahead of time? Yes, this is a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare the whipped feta up to two days in advance and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften before serving. Roast the grapes just before your guests arrive so they can be served warm.
• What if I don’t have a food processor? A high-powered blender is a great alternative for making the whipped feta. You can also use an electric hand mixer, though it may take a bit more time and scraping down the bowl to get the mixture perfectly smooth.
• What is balsamic glaze? Balsamic glaze, also known as balsamic reduction, is simply balsamic vinegar that has been cooked down until it becomes thick, sweet, and syrupy. You can find it in most grocery stores near the vinegars, or you can easily make your own.
• Can I use a different kind of cheese? While feta is key to the flavor of this dish, you could experiment by substituting the cream cheese with an equal amount of full-fat ricotta or mascarpone cheese for a slightly different texture and taste.