Feta Spread with Rosemary and Lemon — a simple, flavorful appetizer inspired by Greek and Italian flavors. Made with just five main ingredients: feta, cream cheese, fresh rosemary, lemon, and garlic. Ready in minutes and perfect for crostini, crackers, sandwiches, veggies, and more.
This easy Feta Spread with Rosemary and Lemon is a fast, crowd-pleasing recipe that works as either a spread or a dip. With only five ingredients and minimal prep, it’s ideal for last-minute get-togethers, potlucks, or a simple appetizer before a meal. Use full-fat cheeses and fresh herbs for the most vibrant flavor.
What is Feta?
Feta is a traditional Greek cheese that’s tangy and crumbly. While classic feta is made from sheep’s milk (sometimes blended with goat), many varieties now appear in stores made from cow’s milk or blends. Feta is often sold packed in brine — keep it in the brine until use to prevent drying and to preserve flavor. Its bright, salty character pairs especially well with lemon and herbs like rosemary.
Because this recipe uses only a handful of ingredients, quality matters. Choose fresh rosemary and lemon, and soften the cream cheese so everything blends easily. You can mix by hand for a chunkier texture or use a food processor for a smooth, whipped spread.
Feta Spread Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 3 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
How to Make Feta Spread
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crumbled feta, chopped rosemary, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Mix until well combined. For a smoother, lighter spread, pulse the ingredients several times in a food processor until nearly smooth.
- Taste and add salt and pepper if needed (feta is salty, so you may not need extra salt).
- Refrigerate the spread for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld. If it firms up too much, bring it to room temperature before serving for an easier-to-spread consistency.
Serving Suggestions
- Spoon onto crostini, baguette slices, crackers, pita, or toasted bread.
- Spread on sandwiches, wraps, or burgers for a tangy, herby lift.
- Add a dollop to grilled pork, lamb, or roasted vegetables.
- Serve as a dip with raw vegetables, pita chips, or pretzels.
- Thin with a little Greek yogurt or mayonnaise to turn into a salad dressing or sauce.
Quick Tips for Best Results
- Use fresh rosemary and freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Allow flavors to meld in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes; bring to room temperature before serving if needed.
- Full-fat cream cheese and feta produce the creamiest texture; light versions work if you prefer a lower-fat option.
- For a smoother spread, process the mixture in a food processor or finely crumble the feta before mixing by hand.
Feta Spread FAQ
Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator. It keeps for several days to about a week if ingredients were fresh.
Freezing: Not recommended — freezing can change the cheese texture.
Substitutions: Swap rosemary for other fresh herbs like basil or oregano and pair with your preferred citrus juice.
Low-fat options: Low-fat cream cheese and feta will work but may change the texture slightly. The spread may be a bit looser.
Variations: Add red pepper flakes for heat, or mix in chopped olives, roasted peppers, chopped tomato, or sundried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Recipe Summary
Feta Spread with Rosemary and Lemon
Prep Time: 5 minutes • Cook Time: 0 minutes • Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: about 1 cup (serves 8; ~2 tablespoons per serving)
Calories: approximately 100 kcal per serving
Author: Lisa Huff
This Feta Spread with Rosemary and Lemon is versatile, quick to prepare, and full of bright, savory flavor. It’s excellent for casual snacking as well as parties and makes a simple, elegant addition to any appetizer spread. Feel free to experiment with herbs and add-ins to tailor it to your taste.
Originally published February 2012; updated November 2019.