Jolly Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Recipe for Festive Snacking

Creamy feta cheese blends seamlessly with tangy cranberry in this irresistible whipped feta dip that promises to steal the spotlight at any gathering.

The vibrant crimson berries dance through the smooth, aerated cheese, creating a stunning visual and flavor profile.

Every spoonful delivers a perfect balance of salty and sweet that will leave guests wanting more.

This dip comes together in mere minutes, making it an effortless addition to your appetizer lineup.

Serve it alongside crisp crackers or warm pita chips for a crowd-pleasing starter.

The rich, luxurious texture paired with bright cranberry notes transforms a simple cheese dip into a memorable culinary experience.

Dive into this elegant yet approachable recipe that’s sure to impress even the most discerning palates.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 145 kcal

Servings: 7

Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Ingredient Guide

• Cranberries: Bright, tart berries that create a vibrant and zesty base with natural pectin for thickening.
• Orange Juice: Adds fresh citrusy brightness and helps break down cranberries.
• Maple Syrup: Provides rich, deep sweetness that balances cranberries' tartness.
• Orange Zest: Intensifies citrus notes and adds aromatic complexity.
• Nutmeg: Introduces warm, subtle spice that complements the fruity sauce.

• Feta Cheese: Creamy, tangy cheese that creates a luxurious and smooth texture.
• Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess and lightens the dense feta while providing subtle tanginess.
• Olive Oil: Helps achieve silky consistency and adds rich, fruity undertones.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for introducing gentle heat and complexity.

• Pistachios: Provides delightful crunch and nutty flavor to contrast creamy base.
• Honey: Offers golden sweetness and beautiful drizzle effect.
• Fresh Thyme: Optional herb that introduces earthy, aromatic notes.
• Crostini, Crackers, Pita Bread: Ideal carriers for scooping and enjoying the dip.

Tools To Blend Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Easily

• Food Processor: Essential for creating ultra-smooth, creamy whipped feta with perfect texture.
• Medium Saucepan: Crucial for cooking cranberry sauce and achieving the right jammy consistency.
• Shallow Serving Bowl or Plate: Perfect for beautifully layering and presenting the dip.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Needed for precise ingredient measurements.
• Zester or Grater: Helps extract fresh orange zest for bright citrus flavor.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring cranberry sauce while cooking.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for chopping pistachios and garnishing with thyme.

How To Whip Up Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip

• Cranberry Magic

A delightful dance of crimson berries transforms into a luscious, vibrant sauce. Toss cranberries with orange juice, maple syrup, zesty orange peel, and a whisper of nutmeg into a saucepan. Let them bubble and meld, stirring occasionally until the mixture becomes wonderfully thick and jammy. Allow the sauce to cool and settle into a beautiful ruby-colored delight.

• Cheese Cloud Creation

Unleash your food processor’s power to whip feta into a creamy, dreamy cloud. Blend the cheese with tangy yogurt, smooth olive oil, and a playful hint of red pepper flakes. Pulse until the mixture turns silky and irresistibly smooth, scraping sides to ensure perfect texture.

• Elegant Assembly

Gracefully spread the fluffy feta across a serving dish. Crown it with the cooled cranberry sauce, creating a stunning color contrast. Sprinkle crunchy pistachios on top, then drizzle with golden honey. For an extra touch of elegance, scatter fresh thyme leaves.

• Celebration Ready

Invite friends to dive in with crispy crostini, crackers, or warm pita bread. Watch as this gorgeous spread becomes the star of your gathering.

Fun Additions For Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip

• Flavor Boosting Tricks: Experiment with different cheese combinations like mixing feta with cream cheese for an ultra-smooth texture and richer taste.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare both cranberry sauce and whipped feta up to 3 days in advance, storing separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness and save time during gatherings.
• Dietary Adaptations: For gluten-free guests, swap traditional crackers with vegetable sticks, rice crackers, or gluten-free flatbread to ensure everyone can enjoy the dip.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes based on heat preference – use a pinch for mild warmth or increase for a spicier kick that complements the sweet-tart cranberry sauce.
• Seasonal Swap-Ins: Replace cranberries with roasted seasonal fruits like figs, pears, or pomegranate seeds during different times of the year to keep the recipe exciting and versatile.

How To Serve Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip With Crackers Or Bread

• Holiday Party Platter: Arrange the dip on a festive wooden board with an assortment of crispy crostini, rustic crackers, and warm pita triangles for a stunning appetizer spread.
• Brunch Companion: Pair this tangy dip with toasted bagel chips, fresh fruit slices, and a light mimosa for a delightful weekend morning gathering.
• Charcuterie Enhancement: Incorporate the dip as a vibrant centerpiece on a charcuterie board, surrounded by cured meats, olives, and various artisan cheeses for a sophisticated touch.
• Versatile Sandwich Spread: Use the creamy whipped feta as a luxurious condiment on grilled sandwiches, wraps, or as a flavorful base for gourmet toast toppings.

Keep Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Chilled And Smooth

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store the whipped feta and cranberry sauce separately in airtight containers to maintain optimal texture and prevent flavor mixing.
• Chilled Storage Duration: Refrigerate the components up to 5 days, keeping the feta mixture and cranberry sauce in sealed glass containers for maximum freshness.
• Smart Preparation Tip: Prepare cranberry sauce and whipped feta ahead of time, allowing flavors to develop and simplifying party or gathering menu planning.
• Freezing Recommendations: Freeze cranberry sauce in small portioned containers for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before using as a topping or accompaniment.

Creamy Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Creamy cranberry whipped feta dip blends Mediterranean and holiday flavors into one irresistible appetizer. Tangy feta cheese and sweet cranberry create a perfect balance for crackers or bread, delighting guests with its elegant simplicity.

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz (226 g) feta cheese, crumbled
• ½ cup (120 ml) plain Greek yogurt
• 1 cup (237 ml) fresh or frozen cranberries
• ¼ cup (60 ml) orange juice
• ¼ cup (60 ml) maple syrup
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Zest of 1 orange
• ¼ cup (60 ml) chopped pistachios
• 12 tbsps (180 ml) honey
• Fresh thyme leaves (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cranberry Compote Creation: In a saucepan, merge whole cranberries, orange juice, maple syrup, orange zest, and nutmeg. Intensify heat to initiate boiling, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
2. Compote Transformation: Allow cranberries to burst and meld, stirring intermittently until the mixture develops a jam-like consistency, approximately 6-10 minutes of cooking.
3. Flavor Infusion: Remove compote from heat, letting it cool completely to enhance and concentrate flavors at ambient temperature.
4. Feta Whipping: Combine feta cheese, Greek yogurt, olive oil, and red pepper flakes in a food processor. Pulse until achieving a velvety, aerated texture.
5. Plating Artistry: Spread the whipped feta across a serving dish, creating a smooth, elegant base for the topping.
6. Layering Brilliance: Drape the cooled cranberry compote over the feta, generating a vibrant color contrast.
7. Textural Elevation: Scatter chopped pistachios across the surface for a satisfying crunch and nutty complexity.
8. Finishing Flourish: Delicately drizzle honey and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves to introduce aromatic nuances.
9. Serving Suggestion: Accompany immediately with crostini, crackers, or warm pita bread for an enticing appetizer experience.

Notes

• Manage Cranberry Cooking Time: Watch carefully during 6-10 minute simmering to prevent burning, stirring occasionally to ensure even texture and prevent sticking.
• Control Compote Consistency: Allow cranberry mixture to cool completely for thicker, more concentrated flavor and jammy texture that won’t make feta base watery.
• Achieve Smooth Feta Blend: Pulse food processor gradually to create ultra-creamy whipped texture without over-processing, which can make mixture grainy or too thin.
• Enhance Serving Flexibility: Experiment with alternative nuts like almonds or walnuts, swap honey with maple syrup, or use dairy-free yogurt for vegan adaptation without compromising overall taste profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 145
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg