Tirokafteri: The Fiery, Creamy Greek Dip You’ll Keep Coming Back For
If you’ve ever enjoyed Greek cuisine, chances are you’ve come across Tirokafteri—a creamy, spicy, and utterly addictive dip that perfectly balances heat with richness. Whether served as part of a meze spread, with warm pita, or as a topping for grilled meats and vegetables, tirokafteri (literally "spicy cheese") is a classic Greek dish that’s as versatile as it is flavourful.
But what makes this dip so special? It’s the bold combination of tangy feta cheese and red peppers, blended into a smooth and velvety texture, with a spicy kick that makes it stand out from other Mediterranean dips.
What is Tirokafteri?
Tirokafteri is a traditional Greek dip made primarily from feta cheese, red peppers, olive oil, and chili peppers. The word "tirokafteri" comes from the Greek words tiro (cheese) and kafteri (spicy or hot), which gives you a hint of what to expect: a cheese-based dip with a fiery, flavourful punch.
The magic of tirokafteri lies in the balance. Feta cheese, with its tangy, salty profile, creates the creamy base, while the red peppers bring a natural sweetness that balances the heat from the chili peppers. When combined, they create a dip that’s incredibly satisfying, with layers of flavour that keep you coming back for more.
TIROKAFTERI | Spicy Greek Feta Dip
Mary PolitisIngredients
- 150 g Feta cheese
- 1/2 red capsicum roughly chopped
- 1 long red chilli roughly chopped
- 1-2 cloves garlic
- 2 Tbsp Greek yogurt
- 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Chopped parsley and chilli flakes to garnish
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and process until smooth. Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy with pita bread, your favourite crackers, grilled vegetables, or your favourite protein.