Cava Crazy Feta Recipe

Cava Crazy Feta has been making waves in the culinary world, quickly becoming a favorite dish for fans of Mediterranean food.

This unique and delicious appetizer, born out of the innovative minds at CAVA, a popular restaurant chain known for its Mediterranean-inspired bowls, has found its spot on the menus of numerous Mediterranean restaurants and in the culinary repertoire of home cooks everywhere.

As a creamy and spicy version of feta dip, Cava Crazy Feta has its own distinctive twist in a blend of jalapeño, onions, and olive oil.

How to Make Cava Crazy Feta

Ingredients List

• 2 bricks of Feta cheese (high-quality block feta cheese)
• 3 whole Jalapeno pepper
• Red onion
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 Garlic bulb (cloves garlic)
• Kalamata olives (optional)
• Fresh herbs (optional)

Step-by-step Process

Step 1

Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF (200ºC) and gathering all your ingredients.

Chop the jalapeno pepper and red onion, then place them on a rimmed baking sheet.

Lightly brush the jalapenos and onion with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.

Place the garlic bulb in aluminum foil and drizzle with some olive oil.

Place the wrapped garlic in the oven alongside the jalapenos and onions.

Roast the vegetables for 15 to 18 minutes or until slightly charred, and let the garlic cook for 25-30 minutes until it gets a creamy texture.

Step 2

In a food processor or medium-sized mixing bowl, add the roasted jalapeno, onion, and roasted garlic cloves (squeezed out of their skins).

Crumble the block of feta cheese and add it to the food processor along with 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil.

For an extra burst of flavor, you can also add Kalamata olives and fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, if desired.

Pulse or mash the ingredients with a fork until you achieve a smooth yet slightly chunky texture.

Step 3

Taste your Crazy Feta dip and adjust the seasonings to your preference.

Feel free to add more olive oil if you desire a creamier texture.

The bold flavors of the jalapeno, tangy feta, and garlic should create a harmonious blend.

Step 4

Transfer your Crazy Feta dip to a serving bowl and enjoy it with pita chips, raw vegetables, or as a spread on sandwiches.

The dip can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, retaining its delicious flavors and creamy consistency.

Side Dishes for Cava Crazy Feta

Cava Crazy Feta is a delicious and versatile dip that pairs well with a variety of side dishes, perfectly complementing any meal.

Below is a list of side dishes you can serve with this amazing dip:

Pita Chips and Warm Pita Bread

Pita chips or warm pita bread are simple and unassuming additions to your Cava Crazy Feta dip.

Their mild flavor allows the vibrant taste of Crazy Feta to shine through while providing a crispy and satisfying texture to scoop up the dip.

Roasted Veggies

For a warm and more comforting side, roasted veggies such as zucchini, eggplant, and red bell peppers pair excellently with Cava Crazy Feta.

The soft and smoky flavors enhance the dip’s character while providing familiarity to your appetizer.

Ingredients Substitutes

Jalapeno Peppers substitutes 

If you can’t find jalapeno peppers or prefer a milder option for Crazy Feta dip, use bell peppers instead.

They can mimic the texture of jalapeno peppers without adding heat.

Alternatively, for a spicier option, try substituting jalapeno peppers with red pepper flakes, adjusting the amount to your desired spice level.

Feta Bricks substitutes 

For the feta cheese in the Crazy Feta dip, you may opt for a block of feta instead of feta bricks.

Just ensure to crumble the block of feta into smaller pieces to maintain a similar consistency as the feta bricks.

A quality block of feta will provide a creamy, tangy taste that complements the other ingredients.

How to Store Cava Crazy Feta

Storing Cava Crazy Feta properly is essential to preserving its delicious taste and texture.

This delightful spread, made with block feta cheese, roasted jalapeño peppers, and red onion, is a versatile addition to your meals.

You can use it as a spread for sandwiches or serve it with some pita chips and vegetables for a tasty appetizer.

Here are a few storage tips to ensure that your Crazy Feta remains fresh and full of flavor.

Storing in the refrigerator

The best way to store your Cava Crazy Feta is in the refrigerator.

Keep it in an airtight container, as this will help to maintain its freshness and prevent the spread of any unwanted flavors from other foods.

Store your feta spread towards the back of the refrigerator, where the temperature remains cooler and more consistent.

This method will allow you to enjoy your Crazy Feta for up to one week, depending on your taste preferences.

To store the Crazy Feta most effectively, either use an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.

Using plastic wrap will help to create a barrier between the spread and any air, preventing it from drying out or absorbing any strong smells from the fridge.

After each use, ensure that the container is resealed or the plastic wrap is tightly wrapped to maintain freshness.

Freezing for long-term storage

If you’re not planning on consuming your Crazy Feta within a week, you can consider freezing it for longer storage.

To do this, place the spread in an airtight container or a freezer-safe zip-lock bag.

Be sure to label the bag with the date and contents to keep track of your storage time.

When you’re ready to use your Crazy Feta, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw for a few hours before serving.

Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after freezing and thawing, depending on the proportion of feta cheese used.

By following these storage tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your delicious Cava Crazy Feta spread for sandwiches or as a dip for a longer period of time.

Just remember to always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming, like an off smell or mold, and discard it if necessary.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over-roasting the jalapeno and onion

When you are preparing Cava Crazy Feta, it is important to roast the jalapeño and onion in just the right amount.

Roasting them too long can result in a bitter taste, while not roasting them long enough can result in a less vibrant taste.

Aim for a slightly charred appearance in about 15 to 18 minutes at 400ºF.

Not properly preparing the garlic

For the best taste, you should chop the top off the garlic bulb and drizzle it with olive oil before roasting it.

This will help bring out the rich flavors that complement the feta and other ingredients.

Be sure to roast the garlic until it reaches a golden color, which typically takes around 25-30 minutes.

Inadequate blending of ingredients

It is important to blend the ingredients to the right consistency.

Using a food processor or blender, combine the roasted jalapeño, onion, feta cheese, and olive oil.

You want to achieve a slightly chunky texture, so be careful not to over-blend the mixture.

Pulse a few times until the ingredients are combined but still have some texture.

Neglecting to adjust the seasoning

Your taste buds may prefer more or less salt and other seasonings in the Cava Crazy Feta.

It’s essential to adjust the seasonings to your liking after blending the ingredients together.

If necessary, add more olive oil to achieve the desired consistency.

Storing the dip improperly

Cava Crazy Feta is best when it’s fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Be sure to refrigerate the dip until you’re ready to serve it.

Do not leave it out at room temperature for extended periods, as this can spoil the taste and texture.