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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Remove the cranberry mixture from heat and permit it to cool naturally to room temperature, enabling flavors to meld and intensify.
- Transfer feta cheese, creamy Greek yogurt, fruity olive oil, and optional spicy red pepper flakes into a food processor.
- Pulse and blend the ingredients on high speed until achieving a silky, smooth texture, pausing to scrape down sides for consistent incorporation.
- Select an elegant serving vessel and artfully spread the whipped feta across its surface, creating an inviting base.
- Gently cascade the cooled cranberry sauce over the feta, allowing for an appealing marbled effect.
- Enhance the dip’s visual and textural appeal by scattering chopped pistachios across the top.
- Drizzle golden honey for additional sweetness and garnish with delicate fresh thyme leaves to elevate the presentation.
- 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