Pesto and Feta Layer Dip
This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure Policy
Add something new to your appetizer lineup with this easy Pesto and Feta Layer Dip recipe. The creamy cheese base, vibrant pesto, toasted pine nuts, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes create a bold dip that is perfect for scooping with pita chips.
We make a lot of spreads and dips here on Inspired by Charm. Why? They are usually easy to make and always seem to be a hit. They are perfect for parties, casual get-togethers, or even a quiet evening at home when you want something good to snack on. Lately, this Pesto and Feta Layer Dip has been my favorite.
The combination of flavors here just works. You get richness from the creamy cheese mixture, freshness from the pesto, a little nuttiness from the pine nuts, and plenty of bold flavor from the sun-dried tomatoes. There is also a nice mix of textures with creamy layers and a bit of crunch on top. And honestly, anything with sun-dried tomatoes usually wins me over right away.
Another reason why I love this recipe is that it comes together so quickly. Simply blend the cheese mixture, layer everything into your serving dish, and let the refrigerator do the rest. By the time you are ready to serve, you will have a colorful, flavorful dip that feels a little special but took very little effort to make.
Let’s get into the recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A perfect mix of creamy and crunchy – The whipped cheese base is rich and smooth, while the toasted pine nuts add a welcome bit of crunch. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a chewy texture and concentrated flavor that really stands out.
- Great for parties, gatherings, or casual snacking – Layer dips are always a crowd favorite because they are easy to serve and even easier to enjoy. This one fits right in on an appetizer table, but it is just as good for a relaxed evening snack at home.
- Easy to make ahead – This dip actually benefits from a little time in the refrigerator. Making it ahead allows the flavors to mingle and develop even more. It is a great option when you want something delicious ready to go when guests arrive.
Looking for more delicious dip recipes? Let me help. I have an entire collection dedicated to my favorite appetizer dip recipes. Be sure to check it out.
Ingredients
It’s time to get together all the ingredients you’ll need to make this layer dip. Let’s get into the list.
- Feta Cheese – Crumbled feta adds a salty, tangy flavor that gives the dip its bold character and pairs beautifully with the other Mediterranean-inspired ingredients.
- Butter – Softened butter helps create a rich, smooth base for the cheese mixture and makes the spread extra creamy.
- Cream Cheese – Cream cheese adds body and creaminess to the dip, helping balance the saltiness of the feta while creating a smooth, spreadable texture.
- Lemon Juice – A splash of lemon juice brightens the entire dip and adds a little freshness that keeps the rich cheeses from feeling too heavy.
- Shallot – Finely minced shallot brings a mild onion flavor that is slightly sweet and delicate.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic adds a savory depth that enhances all of the other ingredients without overpowering the dip.
- Ground Black Pepper – A bit of pepper adds gentle warmth and rounds out the flavors in the cheese mixture.
- Pine Nuts – Toasted pine nuts provide a buttery flavor and a light crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy layers.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Chopped sun-dried tomatoes add concentrated tomato flavor along with a slightly chewy texture that makes each bite more interesting.
- Prepared Pesto – Pesto brings fresh basil flavor along with garlic, cheese, and olive oil, tying all of the Mediterranean flavors together.
- Pita Chips or Pita Bread – Crisp pita chips or toasted pita bread are perfect for scooping up the layers of this dip and holding all of that creamy goodness. I really liked these Stacy’s Sea Salt Pita Thins. They are tasty with a great crunch.
How To Make
I’m going to show you how to whip up this Pesto and Feta Layer Dip. I’ll take you through the steps below. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card below.
- Add the feta, butter, cream cheese, lemon juice, shallot, garlic, and black pepper to a large bowl. Using a hand mixer, beat the mixture until smooth and well blended.
💌 SAVE THIS POST / RECIPE!
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later! Plus, I'll send you more inspiring ideas I think you'll love!
- Spread about half of the cheese mixture into the bottom of a 1½ to 2-quart serving dish. Sprinkle with half of the toasted pine nuts, half of the sun-dried tomatoes, and spoon over about half of the pesto.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining cheese mixture, pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, and pesto.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to come together. About 30 minutes before serving, remove the dip from the refrigerator so it can come to room temperature. Serve with pita chips, pita thins, or toasted pita bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should this dip be served cold or at room temperature?
While the dip is chilled to help it set up, it is best served at room temperature. Let it sit out for about 20 to 30 minutes before serving so the cheese mixture softens slightly and becomes easier to scoop.
What kind of pesto works best for this recipe?
A classic basil pesto works perfectly here, whether it is homemade or store-bought. If using store-bought pesto, choose one found in the refrigerated section. I find those to be the freshest, and they have the best flavor.
Can I substitute another nut for the pine nuts?
Yes, if pine nuts are hard to find or you prefer something different, other toasted nuts work well too. Chopped walnuts, pistachios, or slivered almonds are all good options and will still provide that nice crunchy contrast in the dip.
More Delicious Dip Recipes You’ll Love
I hope this Pesto and Feta Layer Dip finds a place on your table soon and becomes one of those recipes you turn to again and again. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear what you think. Please stop back and leave a comment and a 5-star rating below. I’d appreciate it!
Want more from Inspired by Charm? Join the IBC Mailing List for inspiration in your inbox! Follow along on Instagram and TikTok for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my processes. There’s even more inspiration on Facebook and Pinterest!
Pesto and Feta Layer Dip
Ingredients
- 12 oz feta cheese crumbled
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ shallot finely minced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup pine nuts toasted
- 1 cup chopped drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
- ¾ cup prepared pesto
- Pita chips pita thins, or toasted pita bread for serving
Instructions
- Add the feta, butter, cream cheese, lemon juice, shallot, garlic, and black pepper to a large bowl. Using a hand mixer, beat the mixture until smooth and well blended.
- Spread about half of the cheese mixture into the bottom of a 1½ to 2-quart serving dish. Sprinkle with half of the toasted pine nuts, half of the sun-dried tomatoes, and spoon over about half of the pesto.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining cheese mixture, pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, and pesto.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to come together. About 30 minutes before serving, remove the dip from the refrigerator so it can come to room temperature. Serve with pita chips, pita thins, or toasted pita bread.
The Pesto And Feta Dip recipe looks wonderful but I have a question regarding the butter. Is it actually one cup of butter (which is 2 sticks) as listed in the ingredients rather than a half cup (1 stick) as shown in the ingredients photo. I realize the photo is only to show ingredients but the single stick seemed like it might be correct. Thank you in advance for clarifying. D
Thanks for the message! Yes, it should be 1/2 cup or 1 stick. My apologies.
xo Michael