Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Recipe
This Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip is a delightful combination of tangy feta cheese and sweet-tart cranberry sauce, perfect for holiday gatherings or any festive occasion. The creamy whipped feta is paired with a vibrant homemade cranberry sauce, topped with crunchy pistachios, a hint of crushed red pepper flakes, and a drizzle of honey, creating a beautiful and flavorful appetizer.
- Author: Viktoria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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 Garnish
- 2 tablespoons pistachios, chopped
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- Make the cranberry sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the orange juice, granulated sugar, and cranberries. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until most of the cranberries burst.
- Thicken the sauce: After most cranberries have burst, stir constantly and gently mash the cranberries with the back of a spoon until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Cool the sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the cranberry sauce to cool to room temperature, approximately 15 to 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 completely smooth. If the texture feels too thick, add water one teaspoon at a time until the dip reaches a creamy, spreadable consistency.
- Assemble the dip: Transfer the whipped feta mixture to a serving bowl. Use the back of a spoon to create a decorative swirl pattern on the surface.
- Add cranberry sauce and toppings: Spoon the cooled cranberry sauce on top of the whipped feta, spreading gently. Sprinkle chopped pistachios and crushed red pepper flakes evenly over the sauce. Drizzle honey on top if desired for extra sweetness.
- Serve: Serve immediately or refrigerate before serving. Enjoy with crackers, pita chips, crostini, or fresh vegetables as a festive appetizer or party snack.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for cream cheese for a lighter dip with a slight tang.
- If fresh cranberries are out of season, frozen cranberries work just as well; there’s no need to thaw before cooking.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- For a smoother cranberry sauce, use an immersion blender after cooking, if desired.
- Make the cranberry sauce a day ahead to save time; store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Keywords: cranberry dip, feta dip, holiday appetizer, whipped feta, cranberry sauce, easy party dip, festive appetizer