creamy whipped feta dip with bacon and dates — Makes: *10 Servings*
Per Serving: *12g Protein | 125Cal*

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Whether you’re hosting a crowd this holiday season or going to a festive party and need to bring something with you, you’re probably on the lookout for delicious, easy appetizer recipes that still take health into account. This whipped feta dip with bacon and dates is so festive and tasty, but still good for you, packing a bit of protein into a dish that would maybe normally just be rich and indulgent. For a simple appetizer that'll be a huge hit on every holiday table you set it on this year, look no further than this creamy feta dip.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Feta Dip Recipe

High in Protein: With lean turkey bacon, feta cheese, and—for extra protein—cottage cheese (or tangy Greek yogurt), this creamy, delicious dip is higher in protein than other options.
Bursting with Flavor: Whether for a holiday party or a special dinner, you want festive, indulgent flavors, but you don’t want to sacrifice your health and wellness goals. This recipe delivers with a mix of caramelized dates, savory bacon, and tangy feta.
Super Simple, But Makes a Big Impact: This dip could not look fancier or more impressive, but is super easy to put together.

finished creamy whipped feta dip with bacon and dates with toasted bread on the side

Ingredients

8 dates, medjool or deglet noor
4 strips of turkey bacon, chopped
2 containers of fat-free feta (12 oz total)
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
1.5 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon brown sugar (or brown coconut sugar)
3 inches of leek, sliced
A few sprigs of thyme
1/8 cup crushed pistachios
Serve with toasted bread or crackers

Instructions

1. Cook the bacon: Heat a drizzle of avocado oil in a large cast-iron skillet. Add the turkey bacon to the pan and cook over medium heat, stirring every 3 minutes. While the bacon is cooking, chop the dates and set them aside.

2. Whip the feta cheese: Add the feta, cottage cheese, honey, and a ½ tablespoon of olive oil to the bowl of a food processor. Blend until fluffy and smooth. Use a rubber spatula and spread the whipped feta onto your serving platter.

3. Caramelize the dates: Once the bacon is almost done, add the chopped dates to the skillet and stir well to coat them in fat. Lower the heat to med-low and add the brown sugar or coconut sugar, stirring well. Cook, stirring frequently, until the dates are caramelized. Don’t let the sugar burn. When everything is crispy and golden brown, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

4. Sauté the leeks and thyme leaves: To the same skillet, add the leeks and thyme. Sauté until the leeks are golden brown and fragrant.

5. Build your dish: Spoon the bacon and date mixture over the creamy whipped feta. Add the leeks and thyme, then drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and finish with a sprinkling of crushed pistachios.

6. Serve: Serve the creamy whipped feta dip with bacon and dates alongside some toasted bread or crackers. Enjoy!

Nutritional Info (Per Serving - Makes 10 Servings)

Calories: 125
Protein: 12g
Carbs: 14g
Fat: 2g

Swaps and Substitutions

Switch the bacon: You can use beef bacon, pork bacon, or just stick with turkey bacon.
Make it spicy: Add some chili flakes to the bacon and dates mixture or drizzle the finished dip with some hot honey to give it a kick.
Make it vegan: Instead of turkey bacon, opt for a plant-based bacon or you could even make a mushroom “bacon.” Swap the feta and cottage cheese out for vegan feta and vegan cream cheese.
Make it ahead of time: Blend the feta mixture ahead of time and caramelize the bacon and dates. Store in airtight containers in the fridge until ready to assemble and serve. Crisp up the bacon mixture in a pan over low heat and then assemble right before you’re ready to serve it.
Swap the cottage cheese: If you aren't a cottage cheese person or just don't have any on hand, try using plain Greek yogurt in place of the cottage cheese.

FAQs

You sure can! Make the whipped feta and the bacon and date mixture up to 1 day in advance. Store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge. Crisp up the bacon and date mixture in a pan over low heat and assemble right before serving.
Serve this dip with crackers, pita chips, or toasted bread. To toast your bread, thinly slice a baguette and brush them with a little olive oil. Sprinkle with a tiny bit of salt and black pepper and toast in a 375-degree F oven until they’re golden brown and crispy. Watch them carefully to make sure they don’t burn.
Definitely! Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds, caramelized onions, chopped parsley or other fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, pine nuts, a little lemon zest, a drizzle of honey, or a bit of balsamic glaze for even more flavor.
If you have any leftover feta dip, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

This creamy dip with caramelized bacon and dates and delicious salty feta will make you the most popular person at your next holiday party. Packed with flavor and protein and oh-so-festive, it’s the perfect indulgent yet healthy appetizer and a great option for just about any celebratory event.