Spinach and Pepperoncini Baked Feta Dip Recipe
This Spinach and Pepperoncini Baked Feta Dip combines creamy feta, zesty pepperoncini peppers, and fresh spinach in a warm, cheesy dip perfect for parties or cozy nights in. Creamy Greek yogurt and mayo add richness, while mozzarella cheese provides a bubbly, golden topping after baking. Serve it with pita chips, crostini, or raw veggies for a flavorful appetizer everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6-8 as an appetizer 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Dip Ingredients
- 1 (8-oz.) block feta cheese
- 1 (12-16 oz.) bag frozen spinach, thawed
- 1 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably avocado oil mayo)
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- A generous pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers, roughly chopped
- 1 1/2 cups grated fresh mozzarella cheese, divided
- Non-stick cooking spray or oil for greasing pan
For Serving
- Homemade or store-bought pita chips
- Crostini
- Seeded crackers
- Raw veggie sticks
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or a small cast iron skillet with non-stick cooking spray or a little oil to prevent sticking during baking.
- Prepare the Feta and Spinach Mixture: Place the block of feta cheese in a large bowl and use a fork to crush and crumble the cheese into small pieces. Take the thawed spinach and squeeze it tightly in a clean kitchen towel to remove as much excess water as possible. Add the dried spinach to the bowl with the crumbled feta.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, grated garlic cloves, crushed red pepper flakes, roughly chopped pepperoncini peppers, and 1 cup of the grated mozzarella cheese to the bowl with the feta and spinach. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 26 to 30 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the edges turn golden brown.
- Optional Broiling for Extra Color: For a nicely browned top, switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2 minutes at the end of baking. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and serve the baked feta dip warm with pita chips, crostini, seeded crackers, or a selection of fresh raw veggies for dipping.
Notes
- Be sure to thoroughly wring out the spinach to avoid a watery dip.
- Use whole-milk Greek yogurt for a creamier texture; low-fat versions may alter the taste and consistency.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to taste for mild or spicy heat.
- If pepperoncini peppers aren’t available, mild banana peppers can be a good substitute.
- This dip can be prepared a few hours ahead and baked just before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container and reheated gently in the oven.
Keywords: baked feta dip, spinach dip, pepperoncini dip, Mediterranean appetizer, cheesy dip, party dip, Greek yogurt dip
