Name: Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 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

Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip is a delightful blend of creamy, tangy cheese with the sweet and tart flavors of homemade cranberry sauce. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you want a festive, flavorful appetizer. This dip is easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.

A white scalloped bowl holds a creamy white yogurt base spread evenly, with a deep red berry sauce swirled in a spiral pattern over it, creating a marbled effect. The top is sprinkled with crushed green pistachios and small reddish-brown flakes, adding texture and color contrast. Around the bowl, there are small white dishes with chopped nuts and sauce, fresh red berries, and a clear glass of water, all placed on a white marbled surface with a light wooden board beneath the main bowl. A woman's hand is not visible but implied in the scene. 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

Step 1: Make the cranberry sauce by combining orange juice, sugar, and cranberries in a medium saucepan. Stir well and bring to a boil.
Step 2: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes until most cranberries burst. Stir constantly and mash the cranberries with the back of a spoon until the sauce thickens to your liking.
Step 3: Remove from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the whipped feta by placing feta cheese, cream cheese (or Greek yogurt), and olive oil into a food processor or blender. Process until smooth.
Step 5: If the mixture is too thick, add 1 teaspoon of water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 6: Transfer the whipped feta to a serving bowl and use the back of a spoon to create a swirl pattern.
Step 7: Spoon the cooled cranberry sauce over the whipped feta.
Step 8: Sprinkle chopped pistachios, crushed red pepper flakes, and drizzle honey on top.
Step 9: Serve with crackers, pita chips, crostini, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Tips & Variations

Substitute Greek yogurt for cream cheese for a lighter dip with a tangy twist.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cranberry sauce for extra warmth and depth.
Use toasted pistachios for enhanced flavor and crunch.
If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.

Storage

Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, stir the dip gently before serving. You can serve it cold or let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes. The cranberry sauce and whipped feta are best combined just before serving to maintain freshness.

How to Serve

A white scalloped bowl holds a creamy white base layer, swirled smoothly, topped with a deep red fruit sauce spread in an uneven swirl over the cream. On top of this, three whole red berries sit along with scattered crushed nuts and red chili flakes, adding texture and color contrast. Two gold shell-shaped spoons rest on the left side inside the bowl, and a piece of crusty light brown bread leans on the right edge. The bowl is placed on a wooden board, which is on a white marbled surface. 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 for this recipe. There’s no need to thaw them before cooking; just add them directly to the saucepan.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the whipped feta?

While feta cheese is essential for the dip’s classic flavor, you can try blending firm tofu with vegan cream cheese and olive oil as a dairy-free substitute, though the taste and texture will differ.