This creamy hot honey whipped feta is swirled with a spicy-sweet kick and topped with tangy, citrusy pickled beets. Perfect for spreading on a toasted baguette or scooping with your favorite crackers, it's a quick and easy crowd-pleaser with bright, bold flavors.
Why You'll Love It
This Hot Honey Whipped Feta with Pickled Beets is the ultimate appetizer that brings flavor, color, and simplicity to your table.
The feta, whipped to creamy perfection with Greek yogurt, is laced with hot honey to add a touch of sweetness and spice— and yes, you guessed it - it's totally irresistible!
And it's incredibly simple to make, too. Adding jarred pickled beets marinated in orange zest, mint, and basil creates a beautiful, jewel-toned contrast that’s both tangy and aromatic, taking each bite to the next level.
You’ll love the playful balance of creamy, tangy, and spicy-sweet flavors, and it’s as easy as blending, stirring, and serving.
Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish is perfect for a last-minute appetizer or a fresh twist for your next gathering.
Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or even fresh veggies for a lighter option.
Every bite is a burst of bright and exciting flavors that’ll have your guests going back for seconds!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Diced Pickled Beets: Aunt Nellie’s is the way to go here, but if you can’t find this brand, any diced pickled beets will do. The beets add a vibrant tang that plays perfectly with the creamy feta. And they're already chopped so you don't even have to get your hands dirty.
- Orange: Use both the zest and juice to add citrusy brightness to the pickled beets. If you’re out of oranges, swap in a clementine or even a splash of lemon juice for a similar vibe.
- Mint: Fresh mint brings a hint of cool, herby freshness. Feel free to leave it out or replace it with a little parsley or more basil if mint’s not your thing.
- Basil: Adds aromatic sweetness to the mix. Fresh basil is best but cilantro will also work in a different way.
- Finishing Olive Oil: A high-quality olive oil adds a smooth, slightly fruity finish. Any good olive oil you have on hand will work!
- Flaky Salt & Fresh Cracked Pepper: Balances and enhances all the flavors, adding texture and a little heat.
- Feta: Use a block of feta for the creamiest consistency. If you’re trying to live that dairy-free life, a vegan feta alternative can work.
- Greek Yogurt: Adds smoothness to the whipped feta. If you want a milder flavor, swap for a plain yogurt or even cream cheese.
- Hot Honey: This adds the perfect sweet and spicy note to balance the tang of the feta. Regular honey plus a pinch of chili flakes works as a sub.
- Lemon: Just a touch of juice here at the end for a final citrusy boost. You can use a little vinegar if you’re out of lemon.
- Toasted Baguette or Crackers: Use whatever kind of vessel you want for serving! You could also try fresh veggies for a lighter option.
How to Make It
MARINATE THE BEETS: Add the diced pickled beets to a small bowl. Then hit it with the zest and juice of one orange, mint, basil, olive oil, a pinch of flaky salt, and some fresh cracked pepper, stirring to combine. Let the pickled beet mixture marinate while you prepare the whipped feta.
WHIP THE FETA: In a blender or food processor, add feta, Greek yogurt, and hot honey. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
PLATE AND FINISH: Spoon the whipped feta into a shallow serving bowl. Add lemon juice and a pinch of flaky salt to taste and stir.
ADD THE BEETS: Strain any excess liquid from the marinated beets and place them in the center of the whipped feta.
SERVE: Pair with toasted baguette slices or your favorite crackers, and enjoy!
What to serve with it
Here are a few of my favorite things to serve with this hot honey whipped feta and pickled beets:
- Easy Roasted Honey Sriracha Brussel Sprouts Recipe
- Lemony Boursin Chicken Meatballs with Cheesy Asparagus Orzo
- Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella
- Shaved Carrot Salad with Cranberries & Feta
- Easy Italian Broccoli Pasta Recipe with Parmesan & Lemon
Recipe
Hot Honey Whipped Feta with Pickled Beets
Equipment
- Zester
Ingredients
- 1 15oz jar Diced Pickled Beets such as Aunt Nellie’s
- 1 medium Orange juiced and zested
- 1 teaspoon Mint finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Basil finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Finishing Olive Oil
- 1 pinch Flaky Salt
- ⅛ teaspoon Fresh Cracked Pepper
- 1 8oz block Feta Cheese drained
- ½ cup Greek Yogurt
- 3 tablespoon Hot Honey
- ½ medium Lemon juiced
- Toasted Baguette or Crackers for dipping
Instructions
- Add diced pickled beets to a small bowl. Add the zest and juice of one orange, mint, basil, olive oil, flaky salt, and fresh cracked pepper. Stir and let the mixture marinate.
- In a blender or food processor, combine feta, Greek yogurt, and hot honey. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Transfer the whipped feta to a shallow serving bowl. Add lemon juice and a pinch of flaky salt to taste and stir.
- Strain excess liquid from the pickled beets and place them in the center of the whipped feta.
- Serve with toasted baguette or crackers for dipping. Enjoy!
