Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Recipe

Introduction

This Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip combines creamy, tangy feta with a sweet and tart cranberry sauce for a festive and flavorful appetizer. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a crowd-pleasing dip.

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 (optional)
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Instructions

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

Tips & Variations

• Substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter dip with a tangier flavor.
• Prepare cranberry sauce ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to assemble.
• Add a splash of lemon juice to the cranberry sauce for extra brightness.
• For a nut-free version, omit the pistachios or use toasted seeds instead.

Storage

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cranberry sauce may release some liquid; stir gently before serving. Reheat the cranberry sauce separately if you prefer it warm, but serve the whipped feta chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made cranberry sauce?

Yes, you can substitute the homemade cranberry sauce with 2 cups of store-bought cranberry sauce to save time. Just ensure it’s not too runny for the best presentation.

What can I serve this dip with?

This dip pairs well with crackers, pita chips, crostini, or fresh vegetables like carrots and cucumbers for easy dipping options.

Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Recipe

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4.7 from 119 reviews

This Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip combines tangy whipped feta with a sweet and tart homemade cranberry sauce, creating a flavorful and festive appetizer perfect for holidays or gatherings. Garnished with crunchy pistachios, a hint of spicy red pepper flakes, and drizzled honey, it pairs wonderfully with crackers, pita chips, crostini, or fresh vegetables.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cranberry Sauce:

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

Whipped Feta:

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

For Serving (Optional):

• 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, sugar, and cranberries. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most cranberries have burst.
2. Thicken the sauce: Continue stirring and mash the cranberries with the back of a spoon to your desired consistency. Cook the sauce until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature, approximately 15-20 minutes.
3. Prepare the whipped feta: In a food processor or blender, add feta cheese, cream cheese (or Greek yogurt), and olive oil. Process until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, gradually add water, one teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
4. Assemble the dip: Transfer the whipped feta into a serving bowl and use the back of a spoon to create a swirl pattern on top. Spoon the cooled cranberry sauce over the whipped feta.
5. Add toppings and serve: Sprinkle chopped pistachios and crushed red pepper flakes evenly over the cranberry sauce. Drizzle with honey if desired. Serve immediately with crackers, pita chips, crostini, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Notes

• You can substitute the homemade cranberry sauce with 2 cups of store-bought cranberry sauce for convenience.
• For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese in the whipped feta.
• Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes quantity according to your preferred spice level.
• This dip is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Stir before serving.
• Pair with assorted crackers or fresh vegetable sticks like celery, cucumber, or carrots for variety.

Keywords: cranberry dip, feta dip, whipped feta, holiday appetizer, festive dip, cranberry sauce, easy appetizer