Spinach Pepperoncini Baked Feta (Print Version)
A creamy blend of feta, fresh spinach, and zesty pepperoncini baked until golden and bubbly.
# Recipe Ingredients:
→ Dairy & Cheese
01 - 7 oz feta cheese block
02 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
03 - 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
→ Vegetables & Greens
04 - 4 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
05 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
06 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
07 - 1/2 cup pepperoncini, drained and sliced
08 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Seasonings
09 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
10 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
11 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
→ Garnish
12 - Fresh dill or parsley, chopped
13 - Lemon zest
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease an 8-inch baking dish.
02 - In a medium bowl, mash together feta cheese, cream cheese, and Greek yogurt until mostly smooth. Some feta crumbles are fine.
03 - Stir in the chopped spinach, minced garlic, green onions, pepperoncini, olive oil, dried oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to combine.
04 - Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
05 - Bake for 20-25 minutes, until hot and bubbly with golden spots on top.
06 - Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley and lemon zest if desired. Serve warm with pita chips, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The way feta transforms in the oven from crumbly to irresistibly creamy and spreadable
- That perfect tangy punch from pepperoncini that cuts through all the rich cheese
- How something this fancy tasting comes together in literally ten minutes of prep
02 -
- Serve this straight from the oven because the texture changes completely as it cools and loses that incredible stretchy quality
- Every oven is different so start checking at 20 minutes because nobody wants burnt cheese on top
03 -
- Use a fork to mash your feta mixture because it grabs those stubborn crumbles better than a spoon
- Let the dip rest for exactly five minutes after baking so it sets up slightly for easier scooping