Name: Hot Feta Dip with Balsamic Roasted Grapes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Appetizer
Ingredients: 200g (7 oz) feta cheese, crumbled; 100g cream cheese, softened; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried); Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 cups seedless red grapes; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 1 teaspoon honey; Pinch of salt; Warm crusty bread or pita chips; Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

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Short description

Hot Feta Dip with Balsamic Roasted Grapes is a luxurious, savory-meets-sweet appetizer featuring creamy, herbed feta and cream cheese topped with juicy, caramelized grapes. Perfect for elegant entertaining or a cozy night in, it pairs beautifully with warm bread or crisp pita chips.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines savory, sweet, tangy, and creamy elements in one irresistible dish
Elegant presentation with minimal prep
Customizable with herbs and toppings
Ideal for both casual gatherings and formal dinners
Easily pairs with a variety of dippers—bread, crackers, or vegetables

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dip:

200g (7 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
100g cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Balsamic Roasted Grapes:

2 cups seedless red grapes
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp honey
Pinch of salt

To Serve:

Warm crusty bread or pita chips
Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

directions

Roast the grapes: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Toss grapes with balsamic vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 15–20 minutes, or until grapes are soft and caramelized. Set aside.
Prepare the dip: Lower oven temperature to 180°C (350°F). In a baking dish, combine feta, cream cheese, olive oil, garlic, thyme, and pepper. Mix gently.
Bake the dip: Bake for 20 minutes until cheese is soft, melted, and bubbly.
Assemble and serve: Remove dip from oven and spoon the warm roasted grapes on top. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately with warm bread or pita chips.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: 45–50 minutes
Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per serving

Variations

Add nuts: Top with toasted walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Spicy twist: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the dip.
Cheese blend: Mix in a bit of goat cheese or ricotta for a milder profile.
Fruit alternative: Use figs, cherries, or cranberries instead of grapes.
Herb infusion: Try rosemary or oregano for a deeper savory note.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10–15 minutes until warm and bubbly.
The roasted grapes can also be served chilled or at room temperature if preferred.

FAQs

Can I use green grapes instead of red?

Yes, though red grapes offer more sweetness and depth when roasted. Green grapes will be tangier but still delicious.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can roast the grapes and prepare the dip mixture ahead. Refrigerate both separately and bake just before serving.

What should I serve with this dip?

Crusty bread, baguette slices, pita chips, or even crudités like carrots and cucumber.

Can I use a different vinegar?

Yes, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can work, though balsamic adds the best sweetness and depth.

Is it possible to make this dip spicier?

Yes, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the cheese mixture before baking.

Can this be served cold?

While best enjoyed hot, it can be served at room temperature. The texture will be firmer, but still flavorful.

What kind of feta works best?

Use a good-quality block feta in brine for the best creamy and tangy flavor.

Can I use whipped feta?

Yes, blend feta and cream cheese for an ultra-smooth dip before baking.

How long do the grapes stay good?

Roasted grapes can be refrigerated for 3–4 days and added to salads, flatbreads, or other dishes.

Can I double the recipe for a larger group?

Yes, simply scale up the ingredients proportionally and use a larger baking dish.

Conclusion

Hot Feta Dip with Balsamic Roasted Grapes is a stunning appetizer that brings gourmet flair with minimal effort. Its contrast of creamy cheese and sweet-tangy grapes makes it a unique and memorable dish perfect for any gathering. Serve warm with your favorite dippers and enjoy the sophisticated harmony of flavors.

Hot Feta Dip with Balsamic Roasted Grapes

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Author: Douaa
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4-servings

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Description

This Hot Feta Dip with Balsamic Roasted Grapes is a stunning appetizer that blends creamy, savory cheese with sweet, tangy roasted grapes. Perfect for entertaining, this baked feta and cream cheese dip is rich, flavorful, and pairs beautifully with crusty bread or pita chips.

Instructions

Roast the Grapes:
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Toss grapes with balsamic vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 15–20 minutes, until grapes are soft and caramelized. Set aside.
Prepare the Dip:
Lower oven temperature to 180°C (350°F). In a small baking dish, combine feta, cream cheese, olive oil, garlic, thyme, and pepper. Mix gently.
Bake:
Bake the cheese mixture for about 20 minutes, or until soft, warm, and bubbly.
Assemble & Serve:
Remove dip from the oven and top with the warm roasted grapes. Garnish with fresh herbs if using. Serve immediately with warm bread or pita chips.