Grilled Artichokes on Whipped Feta Cloud
Smoky grilled artichokes meet a luxurious bed of whipped feta in this elevated yet simple Mediterranean-inspired dish. Tender artichoke halves are charred to perfection, then nestled atop a velvety, tangy feta spread infused with lemon and herbs. It’s the perfect appetizer, side dish, or light lunch—fresh, creamy, and packed with flavor.
Total Time:
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 as an appetizer, 2 as a light main
Ingredients:
For the Grilled Artichokes:
2 large globe artichokes
1 lemon, halved
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, smashed
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, or parsley), optional
Extra lemon wedges, for serving
For the Whipped Feta Cloud:
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
2 tbsp cream cheese (optional, for added creaminess)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Artichokes:
Trim the stems and tops of the artichokes. Snip off sharp tips from the leaves. Cut each artichoke in half lengthwise and remove the fuzzy choke with a spoon.
Rub cut sides with lemon to prevent browning.
Boil or Steam:
In a large pot, bring water to a boil with a few garlic cloves, a lemon half, and a pinch of salt.
Add artichoke halves and cook for 15–20 minutes, until tender when pierced with a knife.
Drain and let cool slightly.
Grill the Artichokes:
Brush the artichoke halves with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Grill cut-side down on a hot grill or grill pan for 3–5 minutes, until nicely charred. Flip and grill briefly on the other side if desired.
Make the Whipped Feta Cloud:
In a food processor or blender, combine feta, yogurt, cream cheese (if using), lemon juice, zest, olive oil, and a pinch of pepper.
Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Assemble & Serve:
Spoon or spread the whipped feta onto a platter or individual plates to form a “cloud.”
Top with grilled artichoke halves, drizzle with olive oil, and garnish with herbs or lemon zest.
Serve warm or at room temperature with lemon wedges on the side.
Tips for Perfect Results
Artichoke Tips:
Choose fresh, firm artichokes: Look for tightly packed leaves and no browning at the tips.
Don’t skip the lemon rub: It prevents discoloration and adds brightness.
Par-cook before grilling: Boiling or steaming ensures they’re tender before hitting the grill.
Use a grill pan if needed: For indoor cooking, a grill pan or even a cast iron skillet works great for achieving char marks.
Serving Tips:
Serve warm or room temperature: The whipped feta holds up beautifully to either.
Use as a dip board centerpiece: Cut grilled artichokes into quarters and surround with warm pita, olives, or roasted veggies.
Double the whipped feta: It also works beautifully as a spread for toast, wraps, or sandwiches.
Variations
Feta Base Variations:
Vegan Whipped Feta: Use a plant-based feta and vegan yogurt or silken tofu.
Add herbs to the whip: Blend in fresh basil, dill, or mint for a more aromatic twist.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the feta mix.
Topping Upgrades:
Drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze: Adds sweet contrast to salty feta and smoky artichokes.
Add olives or capers: For more briny Mediterranean punch.
Top with chopped pistachios or pine nuts: For crunch and elegance.
Garlic Lovers:
Roast a head of garlic and blend a few cloves into the whipped feta for a mellow, savory depth.
Swap the Artichokes:
Can’t find fresh? Use high-quality jarred artichoke hearts, drained and grilled.
You can also substitute with grilled zucchini, asparagus, or eggplant for a similar flavor pairing.
Q&A: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use jarred or canned artichokes instead of fresh?
A: Yes! If you’re short on time, high-quality jarred or canned artichoke hearts work well. Just pat them dry and grill or sear until golden for added flavor.
Q: Can I make the whipped feta ahead of time?
A: Definitely. You can make the whipped feta up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a quick stir before serving.
Q: What can I serve this with?
A: It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, warm pita bread, roasted veggies, or as part of a Mediterranean mezze platter.
Q: Is this dish vegetarian?
A: Yes—this recipe is vegetarian as written. For a vegan option, swap in plant-based feta and yogurt alternatives.
Nutrition Information (Approx. per serving – serves 4):
Note: Nutritional values vary depending on the exact ingredients used.
Calories: ~220
Protein: 8g
Fat: 17g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 2g
Sodium: ~400mg
Nutrition Highlights:
Rich in fiber from artichokes
Healthy fats from olive oil
High in calcium and protein from feta
Naturally gluten-free
Conclusion
Grilled Artichokes on Whipped Feta Cloud is a vibrant, elegant dish that’s as satisfying as it is stunning. With smoky, charred artichokes and a creamy whipped feta base, this recipe balances rustic and refined with Mediterranean flair. Whether served as a light appetizer, shareable starter, or centerpiece for a summer spread, it’s guaranteed to impress—with minimal effort and maximum flavor.