Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Recipe
This Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip combines the tangy creaminess of feta and cream cheese with a sweet and slightly tart homemade cranberry sauce. Enhanced with a touch of orange juice, honey, and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes, this dip is finished with crunchy pistachios for texture. It’s perfect as an elegant appetizer served with crackers, pita chips, crostini, or fresh vegetables, delivering a festive and flavorful treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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 Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons pistachios, chopped
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions
- Make the cranberry sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the orange juice, granulated sugar, and cranberries. Stir well and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes until most cranberries burst, releasing their juices.
- Thicken the sauce: Stir the sauce constantly and mash the cranberries gently with the back of a spoon or a potato masher until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature, which should take about 15-20 minutes.
- Prepare the whipped feta: In a food processor or blender, combine the feta cheese, cream cheese (or Greek yogurt), and extra virgin olive oil. Process until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the dip is too thick, add water a teaspoon at a time and blend until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Assemble the dip: Transfer the whipped feta into a serving bowl. Use the back of a spoon to create a decorative swirl on the surface. Spoon the cooled cranberry sauce evenly over the top of the whipped feta.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle chopped pistachios and crushed red pepper flakes over the cranberry sauce. Drizzle honey gently on top if desired for a sweeter finish.
- Serve: Serve immediately with an assortment of crackers, pita chips, crostini, or fresh vegetables for dipping. Enjoy as a flavorful appetizer or snack.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt.
- The cranberry sauce can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; just bring to room temperature before assembling.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the spiciness.
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries interchangeably; if frozen, no need to thaw before cooking.
- For a nut-free version, omit pistachios or substitute with toasted pumpkin seeds.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: cranberry dip, whipped feta, appetizer, cranberry sauce, holiday dip, cream cheese dip, easy dip recipe
