“The only paprika dip recipe you’ll need” is a bold statement, but trust me on this one.

Why You’ll Love This Paprika Dip Recipe

Get ready for the dip of your dreams, folks. This tangy, creamy concoction of salty feta cheese, roasted red peppers and a generous helping of earthy paprika is about to rock your dip world.

Trust me on this one — it’s the ultimate smashable snack your crudité platter has been waiting for. So do yourself a solid and whip up a batch of this magic dip that everyone will be clamoring for. Bring it out at parties, slather it on sandwiches, or don’t share at all. I won’t judge. When it’s this insanely good, hoarding is encouraged.

shallow bowl with paprika dip and hand holding pita chip with dip on it

This creamy, dreamy blend of feta, roasted peppers and paprika is about to become your new favorite dip, hands down. This smashingly delicious paprika feta dip comes together lightning fast thanks to a few humble ingredients you likely have on hand. Within minutes, you’ll be dipping to your heart’s content! I’m talking crackly bread, crisp veggies, salty chips – whatever vessel you fancy.

Bright, sweet roasted red peppers mingle with creamy, salty feta and ample amounts of savory paprika make this dynamite dip. Did I mention paprika? Because there’s lots, and it’s so, so good. True to my Romanian roots, I always add extra, because the more paprika in this dip, the better.

shallow bowl with paprika dip, garnished with fresh parsley and olive oil, on a wooden table with plate of pita chips next to it

Paprika Dip Ingredients

8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (about 1 cup)

2-3 roasted red peppers, (jarred is fine, just drain liquid)

3 garlic cloves, minced

1/3 cup greek yogurt

3-4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon juice or red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon paprika

1/4 bunch fresh cilantro, fresh parsley or basil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

paprika dip ingredients: plate with fresh cilantro, feta cheese, roasted peppers, small bowls filled with paprika, greek yogurt, garlic, olive oil, and lemon

How To Make Paprika Dip

1. In a food processor or blender combine the feta cheese, roasted red peppers, garlic, yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, and whatever fresh herbs you’re using.

2. Pulse several times until combined, and slightly chunky. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.

3. Transfer the paprika dip dip to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to develop.

4. Serve red pepper feta dip chilled or at room temperature, drizzled with more olive oil, pita chips, crackers, vegetables, or crusty bread.

blender filled with roasted peppers, cilantro, paprika, olive oil, salt, pepper, greek yogurt, garlic cloves

Paprika Dip Substitutions

Smoked paprika – If you’re looking to add a smoky twist to this already irresistible Paprika Dip, then smoked paprika is your best friend.

Feta Cheese – If you don’t have feta cheese on hand, you can use goat cheese or queso fresco as an alternative. Keep in mind that these cheeses have their own distinct flavor so adjust quantities to taste.

Roasted Red Peppers – If you want a different flavor, you can roast fresh peppers or use sun-dried tomatoes instead.

Greek Yogurt – A good substitute would be sour cream or even regular yogurt.

Olive Oil – Use any mild-flavored vegetable oil in place of olive oil. You can choose between avocado oil or canola oil.

Lemon Juice / Red Wine Vinegar – You can use lime juice, apple cider, or white wine vinegar as an alternative.

Paprika – A good replacement for paprika would be smoked paprika, sweet paprika, or even a combination of both. Adjust the quantity based on your desired flavor profile.

Cilantro / Parsley / Basil – Use thyme, dill, oregano, chives, or mint instead.

shallow bowl filled with paprika dip not garnished

Paprika Dip Variations

Here are some variations you can try for your dip!

Mediterranean Twist – If you want to add a Mediterranean flavor to your dip, you can do so by adding chopped Kalamata olives and sundried tomatoes topped with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of crumbled feta on top.

Herb-Enriched – Use fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary to enhance the flavor of your dip.

Creamier Texture – If you want to retain the creamy texture and consistency, increase the amount of Greek Yogurt or add a few tablespoons of regular cream cheese.

Citrus Twist – Add lemon zest, lime zest, or even orange zest to add a refreshing twist to the dip.

Roasted Garlic – Roast a clove of garlic, feel free to add more, and mix into the dip for a milder, sweeter garlic flavor.

Smoky / Sweet Flavor – Use chili flakes, smoked feta cheese or hot peppers for an extra kick balanced with the sweetness of roasted red bell peppers. A drizzle of honey to make it a bit sweet.

close up of parika dip with cilantro, paprika, and olive oil drizzle

Equipment

Food Processor / Blender

Measuring Cups and Spoons

Knife and Cutting Board

Spatula / Spoon

Bowl

Cover / Plastic Wrap

Serving Bowl

hand dipping pita chip in small bowl of paprika dip

How to Store Paprika Dip

Storing

Transfer the dip to a clean and airtight container to prevent exposure to air.

Place a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the tip before tightly sealing the container.

Refrigerate and consume within 3-4 days.

TIP! Stir before serving to make sure it has an even consistency since the texture of the sauce might have a tendency to change during storage period.

Top 3 Tips To Success

Perfect Balance of Flavors – Ensure a harmonious blend of flavors by balancing the smokiness of the paprika, creaminess of the feta, sweetness of roasted red peppers, and the tanginess of the lemon juice. Feel free to adjust the quantities of each ingredient to achieve the flavor profile that you desire.

Maintain Texture Consistency – The texture is very important. Aim for a consistency that suits your preferences, whether you prefer a smoother or chunkier dip. Maintain its texture by adjusting the blending time in the food processor or blender. You should also consider the size of the chopped herbs and the rest of the ingredients blended into the dip.

Allow Time for Flavor Infusion – Refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend well and develop, enhancing the overall taste of the dip.

What To Serve With Paprika Dip

Raw vegetables – this dip is delicious served with fresh vegetables like carrots, celery sticks, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, green onions, broccoli and cauliflower florets, etc. The vegetables can be cut into sticks or pieces for easy dipping.
Bread, pita chips, or crackers – Serve the dip with slices of toasted baguette slices, pita chips, warm pita bread, whole grain crackers or gluten free crackers. These all provide a crunchy base for scooping and spreading.
Potato chips/tortilla chips – Fried snacks like potato chips, plantain chips and tortilla chips also pair nicely, adding saltiness and crunch.
Pretzels and breadsticks – Salty, hardy pretzels and breadsticks stand up well to creamy paprika dip.
Chicken/Veggie skewers – Grilled meat or vegetable skewers are tasty for dipping into the sauce.
Roasted/grilled vegetables – If serving as a side, try spooning paprika dip over roasted vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, etc.

Leftover Ideas

I’m a huge fan of leftovers and usually try to serve them differently than the previous day. Any leftover dip is a great quick snack. I’d highly suggest using any leftover paprika dip as a sandwich spread or served with eggs for a unique brunch idea.

wooden bowl filled iwth pita chips with hand picking one up

Paprika Dip FAQs

What is paprika made of?

Paprika is made from sweet red pepper pods that have been dried and ground. The most common varieties used include tomato peppers, bell peppers, chili peppers, and red peppers.

Is paprika just crushed red pepper?

No, paprika is not the same as crushed red pepper flakes. Paprika is made from mild sweet peppers while crushed red pepper is usually made from spicy chili peppers. The flavors are very different.

Is paprika spicy or not?

Paprika, on its own, is not made from a spicy pepper. However, some paprika spice mixes also contain cayenne or other ground hot peppers, making them spicy. But regular paprika has a mild flavor.

What flavor does paprika give?

The flavor of paprika can range from mild and slightly sweet, to smoky, earthy and pungent. The taste can vary depending on the types of peppers used and how they are dried and prepared. But in general paprika adds a sweet and savory flavor. If use smoked paprika, then expect more of a smokey flavor.

If you love dips, you’ll also want to try my Jalapeno Artichoke Dip!

hand dipping pita chip in shallow bowl filled with paprika dip

recipe:

Conclusion

And there you have it, folks – the Paprika Dip to end all dips! Whether you’re a dip connoisseur or just someone who appreciates a darn good sauce, this recipe is a must-try. Let’s recap why this is the only recipe you’ll need: its creamy texture, thanks to Greek yogurt and, for those who like it richer, cream cheese; regular or smoked paprika; and that perfect blend of olive oil for smoothness and lemon or lime for zing. With just a whirl in the food processor and a quick stir in a small bowl, you’re set with a dip that’s not just delicious but also versatile.

Serve it up with veggies, chips, or crackers, and watch it disappear. It’s a hit at parties or a quiet night in. And don’t forget – this recipe is just a starting point. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your taste. Maybe more sweetness with a drizzle of honey, or dial up the spice for that extra kick.