Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Recipe

Introduction

This cranberry whipped feta dip is a delightful blend of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime snacks. Combining whipped feta with a vibrant cranberry sauce creates a unique dip that’s both refreshing and satisfying. It’s quick to make and sure to impress your guests.

The image shows a white scalloped edge dish with a layered dip inside. The bottom layer is smooth, creamy white, likely yogurt or cream cheese, spread evenly across the dish. Swirled on top is a deep red, glossy cranberry sauce that contrasts with the white base. Scattered around the surface are crushed nuts, adding texture and a light yellow-green color. Three whole fresh red cranberries sit in the center of the sauce as garnish. A piece of bread rests on the right side of the dish. Two vintage gold-toned spoons with scalloped shells lie on the left side of the dish. The dish is placed on a light wood board with a cream cloth next to it, all set on 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: In a medium saucepan, combine orange juice, sugar, and cranberries. Stir well and bring to a boil.
  2. Step 2: Reduce 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 preferred consistency.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature, about 15-20 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, in a food processor or blender, combine feta cheese, cream cheese (or Greek yogurt), and olive oil. Process until smooth.
  6. Step 6: If the dip is too thick, add 1 teaspoon of water at a time until it reaches your 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 on the surface.
  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 if desired.
  10. Step 10: Serve immediately with crackers, pita chips, crostini, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Tips & Variations

  • For a tangier dip, substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt.
  • Add more crushed red pepper flakes if you like a spicier kick.
  • Try toasted walnuts or pecans instead of pistachios for a different nutty flavor.
  • If you prefer a smoother texture, strain the cranberry sauce before topping the dip.

Storage

Store the whipped feta dip and cranberry sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring the dip to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture. Reheat the cranberry sauce gently if you prefer it warm.

How to Serve

A white scalloped bowl filled with a creamy white base, topped with swirls of bright red fruit sauce unevenly spread across the surface. The dish is sprinkled generously with chopped light green nuts and some crushed red flakes, adding texture and color contrast. The bowl rests on a wooden board placed on a white marbled surface, with small white bowls of crushed nuts and red sauce around it. There are also a few whole red cherries near the bowl, and a textured clear glass sits to the upper right. A cream-colored cloth is casually placed near the bottom left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for the sauce?

Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly and can be used straight from the freezer without thawing.

Is it possible to make this dip vegan?

You can use vegan cream cheese and a plant-based feta alternative to make a vegan version, but the flavor will differ slightly from the original.

Print

Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Recipe

This Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip is a delightful combination of tangy, creamy feta cheese blended with smooth cream cheese, topped with a sweet and tart homemade cranberry sauce. Garnished with crunchy pistachios, a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, and a drizzle of honey, this dip is perfect for festive gatherings or as an elegant appetizer served alongside crackers, pita chips, or fresh veggies.

  • Author: Mia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 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

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

Toppings and Garnishes

  • 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. Stir to mix, then bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Simmer and thicken the sauce: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, during which most cranberries will burst. Stir constantly and mash the cranberries with the back of a spoon to help thicken the sauce to your desired consistency.
  3. Cool the sauce: Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the cranberry sauce to cool to room temperature, approximately 15-20 minutes.
  4. Prepare the whipped feta: In a food processor or blender, combine the feta cheese, cream cheese, and extra virgin olive oil. Process until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the texture is too thick, add water one teaspoon at a time until you achieve the desired consistency.
  5. Assemble the dip: Transfer the whipped feta mixture into a serving bowl. Use the back of a spoon to create a swirl pattern on the surface.
  6. Add the cranberry topping: Spoon the cooled cranberry sauce evenly over the whipped feta base.
  7. Garnish and finish: Sprinkle the chopped pistachios and crushed red pepper flakes over the top, then drizzle with honey to add a subtle sweetness.
  8. Serve: Serve immediately with an assortment of crackers, pita chips, crostini, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Notes

  • You can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
  • If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen cranberries work perfectly as well.
  • Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to preference for spice level.
  • For a smoother cranberry sauce, you can strain the sauce after cooking.
  • This dip can be prepared a few hours ahead; keep refrigerated and bring to room temperature before serving.

Keywords: cranberry dip, whipped feta dip, holiday appetizers, creamy dip, cranberry sauce, easy party dip

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