Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip is a creamy, tangy, and sweet appetizer that’s perfect for the holiday season. This vibrant dish combines the salty richness of whipped feta with the tartness of cranberries, creating a stunning spread that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether served with crackers, toasted bread, or fresh veggies, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Flavor Combo: The salty feta pairs perfectly with the sweet and tart cranberry topping.
- Easy to Make: Requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.
- Visually Stunning: The bright cranberry sauce against the creamy whipped feta makes for a gorgeous presentation.
- Versatile: Pairs well with a variety of dippers, from bread to veggies.
- Holiday-Ready: Perfectly festive for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any winter party.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Whipped Feta:
- Feta cheese
- Cream cheese
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
For the Cranberry Topping:
- Fresh or frozen cranberries
- Sugar
- Orange juice
- Orange zest
- Cinnamon
- Rosemary or thyme (optional for garnish)
For Serving:
- Crackers, pita chips, or sliced bread
- Fresh vegetable sticks
Directions
- Prepare the Cranberry Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and cinnamon.
- Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens (about 10 minutes).
- Set aside to cool completely.
- Make the Whipped Feta:
- In a food processor, blend feta and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add olive oil and lemon juice, and blend again until fully incorporated.
- Assemble the Dip:
- Spread the whipped feta onto a serving platter or shallow bowl.
- Spoon the cooled cranberry sauce over the top.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme for a festive touch.
- Serve with your favorite dippers.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6–8 as an appetizer
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Cheese Alternatives: Substitute goat cheese for a milder, creamier flavor.
- Extra Sweetness: Add a drizzle of honey over the cranberry sauce for added sweetness.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Herbal Twist: Blend fresh herbs like dill or basil into the whipped feta for an herbaceous flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Top with chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the whipped feta and cranberry sauce separate if possible.
- Reheating: The dip is best served chilled or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?
Yes, store-bought cranberry sauce works if you’re short on time, but homemade adds a fresher flavor.
2. What’s the best type of feta cheese to use?
Use a high-quality block of feta cheese packed in brine for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
3. Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the whipped feta and cranberry sauce separately up to 2 days in advance. Assemble just before serving.
4. Can I use dried cranberries?
Dried cranberries won’t work for the sauce, but you can use them as a garnish for extra texture and flavor.
5. What can I serve with this dip?
Crackers, pita chips, sliced baguette, carrot sticks, and celery are all excellent options.
6. How do I prevent the whipped feta from becoming too salty?
Rinse the feta under water to reduce its saltiness before blending.
7. Can I freeze this dip?
The whipped feta can be frozen, but the cranberry sauce is best made fresh to maintain its texture.
8. How do I adjust the tartness of the cranberry sauce?
Add more sugar or a drizzle of honey to balance the tartness if needed.
9. Can I use a blender instead of a food processor?
Yes, a high-speed blender works well, but you may need to scrape the sides frequently.
10. What other toppings can I add?
Consider pomegranate arils, chopped nuts, or fresh mint leaves for extra flair.
Conclusion
Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip is an irresistible combination of creamy, tangy, and sweet that’s perfect for the holiday season. Its vibrant presentation and bold flavors will make it the star of your appetizer spread. Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner or attending a potluck, this dip is sure to impress. Give it a try and watch it disappear in no time!
Print
Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy, tangy whipped feta base topped with a homemade cranberry sauce, garnished with chopped pistachios and a drizzle of honey. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a festive appetizer.
Ingredients
For the Cranberry Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Whipped Feta:
- 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
- 1–2 tablespoons honey
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Cranberry Sauce:- In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine cranberries, orange juice, maple syrup, orange zest, and nutmeg.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 6-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency.
- Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- Make the Whipped Feta:
- In a food processor, combine feta cheese, Greek yogurt, olive oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Blend on high until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Assemble the Dip:
- Spread the whipped feta in a shallow serving bowl or plate.
- Top with the cooled cranberry sauce.
- Sprinkle chopped pistachios over the top.
- Drizzle with honey and garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately with crostini, crackers, or pita bread.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, ensure both the feta cheese and Greek yogurt are at room temperature before blending.
- The cranberry sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Adjust the sweetness of the cranberry sauce by adding more or less maple syrup to taste.