Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Recipe to Elevate Any Spread

Creamy whipped feta dances with tangy cranberry in a festive dip that’ll spark conversation at any gathering.

Delicate cheese blends seamlessly with vibrant fruit, creating a luxurious spread perfect for crackers or fresh vegetables.

Seasonal ingredients merge into a stunning appetizer that looks as impressive as it tastes.

Mediterranean techniques transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary, promising a memorable culinary experience.

Unexpected flavor combinations make this dip a conversation starter at holiday parties or casual get-togethers.

Cold winter nights call for warm connections and delectable bites that bring people closer.

Bold yet balanced, this recipe invites you to explore a world of delightful textures and tastes.

Grab a spoon and prepare to be amazed by this irresistible cranberry whipped feta creation.

Why Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Is a Must-Try

• Effortlessly create a stunning appetizer that impresses guests with minimal kitchen time.
• Combine tangy feta, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, and crunchy pistachios for a taste sensation that dances across your palate.
• Perfect for holiday gatherings, game days, or casual weekend entertaining with its beautiful presentation and crowd-pleasing flavors.
• Prepare components in advance, allowing stress-free assembly moments before serving- ideal for busy hosts who want maximum impact with minimal effort.

Great Matches for Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip

• Reach for a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or refreshing Pinot Grigio that cuts through the creamy feta and balances the tangy cranberry sauce with bright, citrusy notes.
• Select artisan sourdough, rosemary focaccia, or multi-grain crostini that provide robust textures and complement the dip's creamy-tart profile.
• Add prosciutto, salami, or smoked turkey slices that bring salty richness and create delightful flavor contrasts with the sweet-tangy cranberry elements.
• Introduce prosecco or champagne to cleanse the palate and add effervescent excitement that highlights the dip's complex flavor layers.

Fun Twists on Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip

• Holiday Herb Mix: Replace red pepper flakes with fresh rosemary and sage for a festive winter flavor profile that enhances the cranberry's brightness.
• Vegan Cheese Alternative: Swap feta with cashew-based cheese, using nutritional yeast and soaked cashews blended until creamy, maintaining the dip's rich texture.
• Nut-Free Version: Substitute pistachios with toasted sunflower seeds for crunch, perfect for those with nut allergies while keeping the recipe's delightful texture.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of maple syrup in cranberry sauce, reducing overall sugar content for a diabetic-friendly appetizer that still delivers robust flavor.

Your Questions About Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip

• What does whipped feta mean?

Whipped feta is a creamy, smooth cheese dip made by blending feta cheese with other ingredients like Greek yogurt and olive oil until it becomes light and airy in texture.

• Can I make the cranberry sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cranberry sauce up to 3-4 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container until ready to use.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this dip?

You’ll need a food processor or high-powered blender to achieve the smooth, creamy consistency of the whipped feta. A medium saucepan is also required for making the cranberry sauce.

• Is this dip considered healthy?

This dip offers some nutritional benefits with protein from feta and Greek yogurt, antioxidants from cranberries, and healthy fats from olive oil, making it a relatively balanced appetizer option.

What Goes Into Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip

• Feta Cheese: Creamy base for the dip, provides tangy and salty flavor. Fresh, high-quality feta works best.
• Greek Yogurt: Adds smoothness and lightens the feta's texture. Full-fat yogurt recommended.

• Cranberries, Orange Juice, Maple Syrup, Orange Zest, Nutmeg: Creates a sweet-tart sauce with complex flavor profile. Fresh cranberries preferred for best texture.

• Pistachios, Honey, Fresh Thyme: Adds crunch, sweetness, and herbal notes. Roasted pistachios enhance flavor. Optional but recommended.

• Olive Oil, Red Pepper Flakes: Brings richness and subtle heat to the whipped feta. Extra virgin olive oil provides best taste.

• Crostini, Crackers, Pita Bread: Vehicles for enjoying the dip. Toasted or fresh options work well.

How to Make Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip in Minutes

Step 1: Create Zesty Cranberry Sauce

• Fresh cranberries
• Orange juice
• Maple syrup
• Orange zest
• Nutmeg

Crank up the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Lower the temperature to medium-low and let it simmer. Stir occasionally and watch the cranberries burst and transform into a luscious jam-like consistency. This should take about 6-10 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and let it cool down to room temperature.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Feta Blend

• Feta cheese
• Greek yogurt
• Olive oil
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Blend on high speed until the mixture becomes silky smooth. Pause occasionally to scrape down the sides and ensure everything gets perfectly combined.

Step 3: Build Your Stunning Dip

Spread the whipped feta across a shallow serving bowl or plate. Gently spoon the cooled cranberry sauce on top. Sprinkle a generous handful of chopped pistachios. For extra pizzazz, drizzle some honey and scatter fresh thyme leaves.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Dive right in with crostini, crackers, or warm pita bread. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Tips to Serve Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Better

• Prevent Cranberry Splatter: Use a splatter guard or partially cover the saucepan while cooking cranberry sauce to minimize messy stovetop splatters.
• Adjust Sweetness Level: Taste the cranberry sauce while cooking and add more maple syrup or orange juice to balance tartness according to personal preference.
• Smooth Feta Blending Trick: Let feta cheese and Greek yogurt sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before blending to achieve an ultra-creamy, smooth texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cranberry sauce and whipped feta separately up to 3 days in advance, storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for convenient entertaining.
• Customize Toppings: Experiment with different nuts like toasted almonds or walnuts instead of pistachios, or swap honey with maple syrup for varied flavor profiles.

Store Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip

• Store the dip in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Let the dip sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore its creamy texture.
• Keep cranberry sauce and whipped feta in separate containers to maintain the best consistency and prevent sogginess.
• Warm the dip in the microwave on low power for 10-15 seconds, stirring gently to prevent separation.

Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Cranberry whipped feta dip brings Mediterranean flavors dancing across holiday tables with irresistible charm. Creamy cheese blends perfectly with tart berries, creating a festive appetizer that will charm guests and elevate any gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruit and Juice:

• 1 cup (237 ml) fresh or frozen cranberries
• ¼ cup (60 ml) orange juice
• 1 orange zest

Sweeteners and Spices:

• ¼ cup (60 ml) maple syrup
• 12 tablespoons (360 ml) honey
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Dairy and Oil:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) feta cheese, crumbled
• ½ cup (120 ml) plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil

Garnish:

• ¼ cup (30 grams) chopped pistachios
• Fresh thyme leaves (optional)

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant cranberry sauce by combining whole cranberries, zesty orange juice, sweet maple syrup, fragrant orange zest, and warm nutmeg in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Allow the mixture to reach a boiling point, then reduce temperature to medium-low, stirring periodically while cranberries gently burst and transform into a luscious, thick compote.
3. Remove the cranberry mixture from heat and permit it to cool naturally to room temperature, enabling flavors to meld and intensify.
4. Transfer feta cheese, creamy Greek yogurt, fruity olive oil, and optional spicy red pepper flakes into a food processor.
5. Pulse and blend the ingredients on high speed until achieving a silky, smooth texture, pausing to scrape down sides for consistent incorporation.
6. Select an elegant serving vessel and artfully spread the whipped feta across its surface, creating an inviting base.
7. Gently cascade the cooled cranberry sauce over the feta, allowing for an appealing marbled effect.
8. Enhance the dip’s visual and textural appeal by scattering chopped pistachios across the top.
9. Drizzle golden honey for additional sweetness and garnish with delicate fresh thyme leaves to elevate the presentation.
10. Present immediately alongside crisp crostini, rustic crackers, or warm pita bread for delightful dipping.

Notes

• Swap feta for a dairy-free alternative like cashew cheese to make the recipe vegan-friendly and accommodate lactose-intolerant guests.
• Adjust the maple syrup quantity in the cranberry sauce for a less sweet or more tart flavor profile, depending on personal preference.
• Toast pistachios beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add a deeper, more complex crunch to the dip.
• Store leftover dip in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the cranberry sauce and whipped feta separate to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg