You Have to Try the 5-Minute Greek Dip That’s Even Better Than Tzatziki

If you're anything like me, your Instagram feed was full of photos of friends' vacations to Europe all summer long. I've scrolled past photo after photo of Italian piazzas (and pizzas), Parisian picnics, and many, many beachside feasts in Greece. If you're also like me, you did not go on one of those European vacations this summer (I can only blame myself for not renewing my passport sooner).

Instead, I've been cooking my way through the vacations I didn't take; From Italian pastas to French "apero" snacks (think charcuterie boards but French) to lots and lots of Mediterranean food. And one dish I keep coming back to is a Greek dip that's so easy and so delicious, I can't believe more people aren't talking about it. Move over Tzatziki—Tirokafteri is here.

What Is Tirokafteri?

Tirokafteri is a creamy, spicy feta dip typically served on mezze platters, alongside pita or bread, or as an accompaniment to fries. I have noticed it popping up on social media more and more, and it's not hard to see why. For one thing, Tirokafteri is made with very few ingredients and done in less than five minutes, making it a no-brainer for a party or to jazz up any weeknight dinner.

A version of the dip also went viral thanks in part to the fast-casual Mediterranean chain Cava. Cava's Spicy Feta Dip uses roasted jalapeño in place of red pepper flakes and is absolutely delicious. The dip has a cult following of its own (though it's so easy to make at home).

One of the other reasons the dip has found its way into the spotlight is thanks to Trader Joe's, which introduced its own version of Tirokafteri in the spring. Despite being sourced from a Greek supplier, the dip was met with mixed reviews. For the real-deal verdict, I went to our Editorial Director and resident Greek cuisine expert, Diana Moutsopoulos. She was seriously disappointed.

"It’s watery, not spicy enough, and lacking overall flavor," says Diana. Rather than buying the premade dip from Trader Joe's, Moutsopoulos recommended buying the ingredients from there and making it yourself. "The light blue tub of Greek feta in brine at Trader Joe's is great feta," she adds.

And if you did buy it, don't throw it away yet—instead, zhuzh it with a few additions. She says, "To avoid throwing it away, I mixed it into homemade Tirokafteri and added way more feta, olive oil, and spice." But it's best if you make it from scratch, and it couldn't be easier. Here's what you need to know to make it at home.

How to Make Tirokafteri

While we have several highly rated recipes on Allrecipes, I went straight to the source—and back to Diana. She had some very helpful advice to share. For one thing—you don't really need a recipe at all to make Tirokafteri.

"All you need to make it is feta, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and maybe a touch of Greek yogurt just to loosen the mixture. That’s it! Jarred roasted red peppers are not always used, but optional."

And while most recipes recommend using a food processor, Diana says proceed with caution.

"If you make it in a food processor or blender, it can get quite runny. The heat of the blade and friction seems to create a runnier result."

Instead, she recommends using a fork: "I prefer to hand-mash my feta with the other ingredients...it yields a thicker, chunkier result."

We tried making it in our office, mixing a block of feta (Diana recommends getting a sheep's milk feta, preferably in brine) with olive oil, red pepper flakes, some chopped roasted red peppers, and a little Greek yogurt. Not only did it come together with five ingredients, zero equipment, and about two minutes of "cooking", but it tasted like something that took all day.

Our Tirokafteri was incredible with pita chips, but even better with fresh crudité. Something about the salty, creamy dip with the fresh, crunchy veggies was a match made in culinary heaven. But I have to say, I'm most excited to try it in the serving suggestion—alongside hot, crispy fries. With an ice-cold martini or a crisp glass of white wine, I can't think of a better way to enjoy the last sips of summer.