Name: Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
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 (optional)

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Introduction

This Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip is a delightful combination of creamy, tangy feta and sweet-tart cranberry sauce. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any appetizer spread, it brings a festive and flavorful twist to your snacking.

A scalloped white bowl holds a dish with a creamy white yogurt base spread evenly on the bottom layer. Swirls of deep red cranberry sauce are spread on top, blending slightly with the yogurt in some spots for a marbled effect. The dish is sprinkled with crushed pistachios adding a bright green and golden brown texture over the yogurt and cranberry layers. Around the bowl, there are a few whole fresh cranberries, small white bowls containing crushed pistachios, and a bowl with more cranberry sauce 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 (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 (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine the orange juice, sugar, and cranberries. Stir well and bring to a boil over medium heat.
Step 2: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes until most of the cranberries have burst, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Stir constantly and mash the cranberries with the back of a spoon until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 4: Remove from heat and allow the cranberry sauce to cool to room temperature, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 5: In a food processor or blender, combine the feta cheese, cream cheese (or Greek yogurt), and olive oil. Process until smooth.
Step 6: If the mixture is too thick, add water one teaspoon at a time until you reach your preferred creamy consistency.
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.
Step 8: Spoon the cooled cranberry sauce over the whipped feta layer.
Step 9: Sprinkle chopped pistachios and crushed red pepper flakes on top, then drizzle with honey if desired.
Step 10: Serve the dip with crackers, pita chips, crostini, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter dip, swap the cream cheese for Greek yogurt to reduce fat and add tanginess.
Try toasted walnuts or pecans instead of pistachios for a different nutty flavor.
If you prefer less spice, reduce the crushed red pepper flakes or omit them altogether.
The dip can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated until ready to serve.

Storage

Store any leftover dip covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving again, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes and gently stir to restore creaminess. This dip is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated lightly if desired.

How to Serve

The dish is served in a white scalloped bowl with two large golden spoons resting inside. The bottom layer is a smooth, creamy white spread covering the bowl evenly. On top of this is a thick, glossy deep red sauce swirled partially through the white layer, creating a contrast of colors and textures. Three bright red whole cranberries sit on the center, adding a pop of color. The dish is sprinkled with finely chopped green pistachios and small red chili flakes scattered over the top. A slice of rustic bread is placed on the right side inside the bowl. The scene is set on a soft white marbled surface with a beige linen cloth partially visible underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh or frozen cranberries work equally well in this recipe. Just rinse fresh cranberries before using.

What can I use if I don’t have a food processor?

You can mash the feta and cream cheese together with a fork or a hand mixer until smooth, then slowly drizzle in the olive oil while mixing to create a creamy texture.