Hot Honey Whipped Feta with Crispy Brussels Chips
Hot Honey Whipped Feta with Crispy Brussels Chips is a sensational dish that combines creamy, tangy feta cheese with the spicy warmth of honey and the crunch of crispy Brussels sprout leaves. This delightful appetizer is not only easy to make but is a showstopper for your gatherings. With its satisfying textures and bold flavors, it’s sure to impress family and friends. In this recipe, you will find a step-by-step guide to creating this gourmet treat right in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the best aspects of Hot Honey Whipped Feta with Crispy Brussels Chips is how simple it is to prepare. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that feels indulgent yet remains accessible for any home cook. The creamy feta blends beautifully with the tangy Greek yogurt, creating a rich spread that’s perfect for dipping.
Each step is straightforward, making it perfect for a quick appetizer before a meal or as a centerpiece at a festive gathering. The combination of the sweet and spicy hot honey drizzled over the whipped feta adds an unexpected twist that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, the crispy Brussels leaves offer a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy dip beautifully.
Ingredients
To create this mouthwatering Hot Honey Whipped Feta with Crispy Brussels Chips, gather the following ingredients:
- 200 g feta cheese (crumbled): The star of the dish, providing a creamy and tangy base.
- 100 g Greek yogurt (or labneh): Adds a luxurious texture and tanginess.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Enhances richness while providing healthy fats.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Brightens up the flavors with its citrusy zest.
- 1 tsp lemon zest: Adds an aromatic note that complements the feta.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors.
- 2 tbsp honey: Sweetness that balances the dish, turned into a spicy hot honey.
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes or hot sauce (adjust to taste): A kick of heat to elevate the flavors.
- Pinch of smoked paprika (optional): Adds a smoky depth to the honey.
- 250 g Brussels sprouts (outer leaves only): The base of the crunchy chips, providing texture and flavor.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For roasting the Brussels leaves until crispy.
- Salt to taste: To season the crispy Brussels chips.
- Optional: garlic powder or chili flakes for extra kick: Because sometimes, more is more!
These ingredients combine to create a dish that is both visually stunning and utterly delicious.
Step-by-Step Directions
Prep the Leaves: Start by trimming the stems of the Brussels sprouts and gently peeling off the outer leaves. Rinse them under cold water to remove any debris, then dry thoroughly. In a mixing bowl, toss the leaves in olive oil, salt, and any additional seasonings you desire, like garlic powder or chili flakes for added flavor.
Roast the Crunch: Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F) and line a tray with parchment paper. Spread the Brussels leaves in a single layer on the tray, ensuring they have room to crisp up. Roast for 10–12 minutes, shaking the tray halfway through for even cooking, until the leaves are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning!
Whip the Feta: In your blender or food processor, combine the crumbled feta, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until you achieve a smooth and airy texture. Transfer the whipped feta to a bowl and chill it until you’re ready to serve.
Make the Hot Honey: In a small pan over low heat or in a microwave, gently warm the honey. Stir in the chili flakes and smoked paprika, allowing the mixture to infuse for about 5–10 minutes. This step is crucial to develop the flavors of the hot honey.
Assemble the Bite: To serve, scoop the whipped feta into a shallow bowl or on a plate. Use the back of a spoon to create a slight swirl on the top, making it visually appealing. Drizzle generously with the spicy hot honey just before serving, and place the crispy Brussels leaves beside it for easy scooping.
Tips & Tricks
For best results, choose high-quality feta cheese, as it brings a richer flavor to the dish. Additionally, if you want a different twist, try using different types of honey or spices in your hot honey. A touch of garlic powder can also enhance the whipped feta. Ensure the Brussels leaves are thoroughly dried before tossing in oil for an extra crunch. Lastly, keep an eye on your Brussels leaves while roasting—oven temperatures vary, and you don’t want them to burn.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This Hot Honey Whipped Feta with Crispy Brussels Chips is an exquisite appetizer that pairs perfectly with crusty bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks. It’s ideal for entertaining guests at a casual get-together or a festive gathering. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or grilled meats for a light meal. For an added touch, include a selection of olives and marinated vegetables to create a Mediterranean-inspired platter.
Nutritional Information
This dish is an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and vitamins. While the exact calories may vary based on specific ingredients, a serving of Hot Honey Whipped Feta with Crispy Brussels Chips contains approximately 250 kcal. The feta and Greek yogurt provide protein and calcium, while the Brussels sprouts offer dietary fiber and essential vitamins. As always, balance is key, so enjoy in moderation as part of a varied diet.
Storing Tips & Variations
If you have leftovers, store the whipped feta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crispy Brussels leaves should be consumed the same day for the best texture, but any remaining leaves can be stored in a container at room temperature. To reheat them, place them back in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispness.
For variations, consider adding roasted garlic or olives into the whipped feta for extra flavor. You can also substitute the honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile or experiment with different cheese blends.
Conclusion
Hot Honey Whipped Feta with Crispy Brussels Chips is not just a recipe; it’s an experience that brings comfort and excitement to your taste buds. The creamy feta with the sweet and spicy hot honey is something you won’t want to miss. Try making this delightful dish, and don’t forget to share your experience and any twists you added to make it your own!
FAQs
Can I make the whipped feta in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the whipped feta a day before and store it in the refrigerator. Just drizzle the hot honey right before serving.How can I adjust the spice level of the hot honey?
You can easily control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili flakes or hot sauce you add. For a milder version, use less or replace it with sweet spices like cinnamon.What can I use instead of Brussels sprouts?
If Brussels sprouts aren’t your favorite, you can use kale chips or thinly sliced sweet potatoes as an alternative for a crunchy side dish.Can I freeze the whipped feta?
Freezing whipped feta is possible, but texture may be affected. Thaw in the refrigerator and re-mix before serving.Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, Hot Honey Whipped Feta with Crispy Brussels Chips is a vegetarian-friendly recipe, making it suitable for a wide variety of dietary preferences.
Hot Honey Whipped Feta with Crispy Brussels Chips
Ingredients
For the whipped feta
- 200 g feta cheese (crumbled) The star of the dish, providing a creamy and tangy base.
- 100 g Greek yogurt (or labneh) Adds a luxurious texture and tanginess.
- 2 tbsp olive oil Enhances richness while providing healthy fats.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice Brightens up the flavors with its citrusy zest.
- 1 tsp lemon zest Adds an aromatic note that complements the feta.
- Salt & pepper to taste Salt & pepper to taste Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors.
For the hot honey
- 2 tbsp honey Sweetness that balances the dish, turned into a spicy hot honey.
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes or hot sauce Adjust to taste for a kick of heat.
- Pinch smoked paprika (optional) Adds a smoky depth to the honey.
For the crispy Brussels chips
- 250 g Brussels sprouts (outer leaves only) The base of the crunchy chips, providing texture and flavor.
- 1 tbsp olive oil For roasting the Brussels leaves until crispy.
- Salt to taste Salt to taste To season the crispy Brussels chips.
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by trimming the stems of the Brussels sprouts and gently peeling off the outer leaves. Rinse them under cold water to remove any debris, then dry thoroughly.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the leaves in olive oil, salt, and any additional seasonings you desire.
Roasting the Brussels Leaves
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F) and line a tray with parchment paper.
- Spread the Brussels leaves in a single layer on the tray and roast for 10–12 minutes, shaking the tray halfway through for even cooking.
- Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning!
Whipping the Feta
- In your blender or food processor, combine the crumbled feta, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Blend until you achieve a smooth and airy texture and chill until ready to serve.
Making the Hot Honey
- In a small pan over low heat or in a microwave, gently warm the honey.
- Stir in the chili flakes and smoked paprika, allowing the mixture to infuse for about 5–10 minutes.
Assembling the Dish
- Scoop the whipped feta into a shallow bowl or on a plate. Use the back of a spoon to create a slight swirl on the top.
- Drizzle generously with the spicy hot honey just before serving, and place the crispy Brussels leaves beside it for easy scooping.