Christmas Feta is a festive and flavorful whipped feta dip, topped with jewel-toned pomegranate seeds, crunchy pistachios, and fresh rosemary. This colorful dish brings a holiday flair to your appetizer table with minimal effort and maximum taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Beautiful and festive presentation for holiday gatherings
- Rich, creamy whipped feta with sweet and crunchy toppings
- Quick and easy to prepare with simple ingredients
- Make-ahead friendly for stress-free entertaining
- Pairs perfectly with crackers, bread, or fresh veggies
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
feta cheese
cream cheese
olive oil
honey
pomegranate seeds
chopped pistachios
fresh rosemary
salt
Directions
- Make the Whipped Feta: Combine feta, cream cheese, olive oil, honey, and a pinch of salt in a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble: Spread the whipped feta onto a serving plate or shallow bowl.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle pomegranate seeds and chopped pistachios evenly over the top. Garnish with rosemary sprigs.
- Serve: Drizzle with more honey if desired. Serve with crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetables.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Use goat cheese in place of cream cheese for a tangier flavor
- Top with cranberry sauce instead of pomegranate for a different twist
- Try walnuts or pecans instead of pistachios
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a sweet-spicy contrast
- Garnish with orange zest or thyme for extra brightness
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Best served cold or at room temperature; do not reheat.
FAQs
Can I make Christmas Feta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the whipped feta and toppings in advance and assemble just before serving.
What can I serve with Christmas Feta?
Crackers, crostini, pita chips, or sliced vegetables all pair beautifully.
Is there a vegan version?
Use dairy-free feta and cream cheese alternatives to make it vegan.
Can I use pre-whipped feta?
Yes, but blending with other ingredients enhances the flavor and texture.
Will this dish hold up at a party?
Yes, it can sit out for up to 2 hours at room temperature.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Fresh herbs are preferred for appearance and flavor, but dried rosemary can work in a pinch.
What if I don’t have a food processor?
A hand mixer or sturdy whisk can be used, though the texture may be less smooth.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just scale the ingredients accordingly.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, its mild and creamy taste is generally a hit with all ages.
Can I use another fruit?
Try dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even a bit of fig jam as alternatives.
Conclusion
Christmas Feta is the perfect holiday appetizer—simple, stunning, and delicious. Its creamy base, festive toppings, and customizable nature make it a hit at any seasonal celebration. Whether you’re hosting a party or bringing a dish to share, this recipe is sure to impress.
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Christmas Feta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Christmas Feta is a festive whipped feta dip topped with pomegranate seeds, candied nuts, fresh thyme, and citrus zest. It’s a vibrant, creamy appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 oz block feta cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 1 small clove garlic
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Pomegranate seeds (for topping)
- Candied nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans, for topping)
- Fresh thyme leaves (for topping)
- Orange or lemon zest (for topping)
- Freshly ground black pepper (for topping)
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine the feta cheese, cream cheese, garlic, and honey. Blend until very smooth and creamy.
- Transfer the whipped feta to a serving plate or bowl, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with pomegranate seeds, candied nuts, fresh thyme leaves, citrus zest, and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.
- Drizzle additional honey over the top if desired.
- Serve with toasted bread, crackers, or fresh fruit slices.
Notes
- For candied nuts, roast 1 cup of chopped walnuts at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes. Then toss with 1 tablespoon melted butter, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a dash of black pepper. Let cool before using.
- This dip can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Customize toppings with other festive ingredients like dried cranberries or chopped pistachios.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg