Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Recipe

Introduction

This Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip is a delightful blend of tangy feta and sweet-tart cranberry sauce. It’s a perfect appetizer for holiday gatherings or any time you want a flavorful, creamy dip with a festive touch.

A white scalloped bowl holds a creamy white yogurt base that is swirled with a deep red berry sauce, creating a marbled effect. On top of the sauce are three bright red fresh cranberries, each sitting near crushed pistachio nuts scattered over the dish, adding greenish-brown specks. Two gold shell-shaped spoons rest inside the bowl on the left side. A slice of light brown bread is placed on the right edge of the bowl. The bowl sits on a wooden board, partly covered with a beige linen cloth. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • ½ cup orange juice
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 12 ounces cranberries (1 bag), fresh or frozen
  • 1 block (8 ounces) feta cheese
  • ½ cup cream cheese (or Greek yogurt)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons pistachios, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Make the cranberry sauce by combining orange juice, sugar, and cranberries in a medium saucepan. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
  2. Step 2: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes until most of the cranberries burst.
  3. Step 3: Stir constantly and mash the cranberries with the back of a spoon until the sauce thickens to your liking.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature, about 15-20 minutes.
  5. Step 5: In a food processor or blender, combine feta cheese, cream cheese, and olive oil. Blend until smooth.
  6. Step 6: If the whipped feta is too thick, add 1 teaspoon of water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
  7. Step 7: Transfer the whipped feta to a serving bowl and use the back of a spoon to create a swirl pattern.
  8. Step 8: Spoon the cooled cranberry sauce over the whipped feta.
  9. Step 9: Sprinkle chopped pistachios and crushed red pepper flakes on top, then drizzle with honey.
  10. Step 10: Serve with crackers, pita chips, crostini, or fresh vegetables.

Tips & Variations

  • For a lighter version, substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt to reduce fat and add a tangy flavor.
  • Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the cranberry sauce for an aromatic twist.
  • Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.

Storage

Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving. Reheat the cranberry sauce gently if needed, but the dip is best served chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A white scalloped bowl filled with smooth white yogurt as the base layer, swirled with a glossy deep red berry sauce forming a spiral pattern on top. The surface is sprinkled with chopped green pistachios and small bits of crushed nuts, adding texture and color contrast. The bowl sits on a wooden board with a white marbled textured background, surrounded by small white bowls containing crushed nuts and red sauce, along with two whole red berries and a glass of water. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare both the cranberry sauce and whipped feta a day in advance. Keep them stored separately and assemble just before serving for the best texture.

What can I serve with this dip?

This dip pairs well with crackers, pita chips, crostini, or fresh vegetables like celery, carrots, and bell peppers.

Print

Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Recipe

This Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip combines tangy whipped feta with a vibrant, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, accented by crunchy pistachios, red pepper flakes, and a touch of honey. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a festive and flavorful appetizer to serve with crackers, pita chips, crostini, or fresh vegetables.

  • Author: Nora
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Cranberry Sauce

  • ½ cup orange juice
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 12 ounces cranberries (1 bag), fresh or frozen

Whipped Feta Dip

  • 1 block (8 ounces) feta cheese
  • ½ cup cream cheese (or Greek yogurt)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Toppings and Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons pistachios, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

  1. Make the cranberry sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine orange juice, granulated sugar, and cranberries. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Simmer and thicken: Reduce heat to low and simmer the cranberries for 10 minutes until most of the cranberries have burst, stirring occasionally.
  3. Mash and finish sauce: Stir constantly and mash the cranberries with the back of a spoon until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
  4. Cool the sauce: Remove from heat and allow the cranberry sauce to cool to room temperature, about 15-20 minutes.
  5. Prepare the whipped feta: In a food processor or blender, combine the feta cheese, cream cheese, and extra virgin olive oil. Process until smooth and creamy.
  6. Adjust consistency: If the mixture is too thick, add 1 teaspoon of water at a time and blend until you achieve the desired texture.
  7. Assemble the dip: Transfer the whipped feta to a serving bowl and create a swirl pattern using the back of a spoon.
  8. Add cranberry sauce topping: Spoon the cooled cranberry sauce over the whipped feta in an even layer.
  9. Garnish: Sprinkle chopped pistachios and crushed red pepper flakes on top, then drizzle with honey for a touch of sweetness.
  10. Serve: Serve immediately with crackers, pita chips, crostini, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Notes

  • This dip can be made a few hours ahead; keep cranberry sauce and whipped feta refrigerated separately and assemble just before serving.
  • For a lighter version, substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt.
  • Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to taste for desired level of heat.
  • Use fresh cranberries when possible for best texture, but frozen cranberries work well too.
  • This dip pairs beautifully with toasted baguette slices or pita chips.

Keywords: cranberry dip, whipped feta, holiday appetizer, easy dip recipe, festive dip, cream cheese, pistachios, cranberry sauce

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