Haydari Meze is a traditional Turkish yogurt dip made with garlic, herbs, and feta cheese. It's rich, creamy, and perfect as part of a mezze platter. If you enjoy easy homemade dips, don't miss my herb and garlic dip recipe, which is another quick and delicious option for everyday snacking.
This simple Turkish yogurt dip is a staple in Turkish meze platters and pairs beautifully with bread, kebabs, grilled meats, or snacks.
🔍 Quick Look: Haydari Meze
- ⏱️ Prep Time: 5 minutes
- 🍳Servings: 12
- 📊 Calories: ~54kcal per serving
- ⭐ Difficulty: Super easy
- 📌 Highlight: Brings restaurant-style Mediterranean flavours to your kitchen in minutes
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What is Haydari Meze?
Haydari is a popular Turkish meze (appetizer) made with strained yogurt, garlic, herbs, and cheese. It has a thick, rich texture and a bold, tangy taste.
Unlike lighter yogurt dips, Haydari is more intense, creamy, and savoury, making it perfect as a dip, spread, or side dish.
Why you'll love this
- Authentic Mediterranean flavour at home.
- Ready in minutes - Quick and easy recipe
- Great for entertaining - A perfect addition to mezze platters, party spreads, or appetizer boards that impress guests easily.
- Healthy snack option - Yogurt-based and protein-rich, it's lighter than cream or mayonnaise-based dips.
- Versatile - Pairs with almost anything, like pita bread, crackers, grilled meats, or fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
To make the Haydari dip, you need the following ingredients.
Yogurt -The best yogurt for this dip is thick Greek yogurt or hung curd, as it gives a rich, creamy texture. If you're using regular homemade yogurt, simply strain it in a muslin cloth for 30 minutes to 1 hour to remove excess whey and thicken it.
Cheese - Use feta cheese to add a slightly sharp flavour that balances the creaminess of the yogurt. If feta isn't available, use any soft, salty cheese as a substitute.
Garlic is the key flavour booster. Freshly minced garlic gives the dip its signature bold and aromatic taste.
Herbs - Mint adds a refreshing, cooling note, whereas fresh dill gives a subtle, earthy, grassy flavour that lightens the overall taste and enhances the Mediterranean feel of the recipe.
I've also shared a post on how to dry mint leaves, if you're looking for an easy way to dry fresh mint at home.
See the recipe card for quantities.
How to make Haydari Meze?
Heat olive oil and butter in a small pan. Add chopped garlic and mint. Sauté on low heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Do not burn the garlic. Let it cool down before use.
In a mixing bowl, mash feta cheese until soft and crumbly. Add thick yogurt, dill, and salt. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Pour in the cooled garlic-mint oil mixture and stir until fully combined. Save a small amount of oil for garnish.
Spread the Haydari on a serving plate or bowl. Drizzle with the reserved olive oil mixture on top. Chill for 20-30 minutes before serving for the best flavour of Haydari!
Storage
Store Haydari in an airtight container in the fridge. Best consumed within 3-4 days. Do not freeze, as the yogurt texture may change
Variations
- For a spicy twist, drizzle a spoonful of Szechuan sauce or homemade 2-ingredient chilli oil over the top.
- Mix in crushed walnuts for crunch.
- Use lemon juice for a tangier flavour.
Serving Ideas
As a dip with pita bread, lavash, or crackers
As a spread in sandwiches or wraps.
Alongside grilled chicken, kebabs, or vegetables
As part of a Turkish meze platter.
Dressing for salads and pasta salads.
Topping for raw vegetables, baked veggies, grilled meat, and fish.
With fresh veggie sticks for a light snack.
Tips
Use thick yogurt for a creamy texture.
Always cool the garlic oil before mixing.
Adjust salt carefully due to the feta cheese.
Fresh herbs give the best flavour.
Chill before serving for enhanced taste.
More Yogurt-Based Dips
Looking for such yummy dips? Try these:
🧾Recipe
Haydari Meze (Creamy, Garlicky Turkish Yogurt Dip)
↑ Click stars to rate now!
Ingredients
- 260 g Yogurt thick (1 cup)
- 50 g Feta cheese (¼ cup)
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil extra virgin
- 2 Garlic cloves
- Mint leaves dried
- Dill fresh
- 1 tablespoon Butter salted (optional)
- ½ teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Heat oil and butter in a pan.
- Fry the garlic and mint leaves over low heat for 1-2 minutes. Keep it aside to cool down.
- In a mixing bowl, mash feta cheese until soft and crumbly.
- Add thick yogurt, dill, and salt. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Pour in the cooled garlic-mint oil and stir until fully combined. Save a small amount of oil for garnish.
- Spread the Haydari on a serving plate or bowl. Drizzle with the reserved olive oil mixture on top.
- Chill for 20-30 minutes before serving for the best flavour of Haydari!
Video
Notes
- Use thick yogurt for a creamy texture.
- Always cool the garlic oil before mixing.
- Adjust salt carefully due to the feta cheese.
- Fresh herbs give the best flavour.
- Chill before serving for enhanced taste.
- Subscribe to my Newsletter and YouTube channel for updates!
- Don't miss my other herb and garlic dip recipe for everyday snacking.
Nutrition
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Katie says
love this haydari meze recipe! It's super flavorful and easy to make!
tianna says
such a great appetizer, love the creaminess
Judith says
The dill and mint give this dip such a refreshing flavour. Love the taste!
Shelby says
I love the creaminess of this dip and the hint of garlic, such a great appetizer!