Tirokafteri (Spicy Greek Feta Dip)

Tirokafteri is a spicy Greek cheese dip that takes all of 5 minutes to prepare, making it the easiest party appetizer that is sure to have your guests talking. A must-try recipe for all feta lovers, it's sure to become a go-to for entertaining or anytime snacking.

What Is Tirokafteri?

Tirokafteri, also spelled Tyrokafteri, is a traditional Greek spread or dip made of feta cheese with red pepper and olive oil. The word tirokafteri is a combination of the Greek words for cheese (tyri) and heat or spice (kaftero). Spicy cheese — these words sum up tirokafteri perfectly!

What Does Tirokafteri Taste Like?

Tirokafteri can be described as tasting spicy, salty, creamy, and tangy thanks to its combination of Greek feta cheese and red pepper flakes. The addition of olive oil blends the flavors together, but be sure to use a good extra virgin olive oil, which lends its own unique flavor to tirokafteri.

What Is Tirokafteri Made Of?

There are three main ingredients in tirokafteri: feta cheese, red peppers, and olive oil.

Feta cheese
The main ingredient of tirokafteri is always feta cheese. Be sure to use Greek feta cheese made from sheep's milk for a creamy result. Greek sheep's milk feta cheese is also typically less salty and tangy than domestic cow milk versions.

Red peppers
The type of red peppers used in tirokafteri can vary. This recipe calls for jarred roasted red peppers, which are common but not always used. You can skip the roasted peppers and instead use just red pepper flakes for heat. Likewise, you can use a small spicy red chile for the heat component instead of dried flakes. The amount of heat that you add is totally up to you!

Olive oil
A good extra virgin olive oil is the third must-have ingredient for tirokafteri.

In addition to feta, red peppers, and olive oil, the following are common additions to tirokafteri: Greek yogurt, garlic, red wine vinegar, and dried Greek oregano. You can choose to keep it simple, using just three main ingredients, or doctor it according to your personal taste.

How to Eat Tirokafteri

In Greece, tirokafteri is a popular meze, or appetizer, and served spread on a small plate. Most often, tirokafteri is served with bread or pita bread for dipping, or as an accompaniment to french fries.

You can also use tirokafteri as a dip for crudités or crackers, or as a spread in sandwiches.

Editorial contributions by Diana Moutsopoulos