Zesty Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Recipe for Holiday Magic

Creamy cheese dances with tart cranberries in this whipped feta dip that promises to steal the spotlight at any gathering.

Soft, pillowy feta blends seamlessly with tangy cream cheese, creating a luxurious spread that’s both elegant and addictive.

The vibrant crimson of fresh cranberries adds a stunning pop of color and bright flavor to this irresistible appetizer.

Each spoonful offers a perfect balance of salty and sweet, making it impossible to stop at just one bite.

Serve with crisp crackers, warm pita, or fresh vegetable sticks for a crowd-pleasing starter.

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a sophisticated dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Prepare to wow your guests with this show-stopping dip that comes together in mere minutes.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly. Just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time to help them break down and create the compote.

• Is it possible to make this dip ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare both the cranberry compote and whipped feta up to 3 days in advance. Keep them separately refrigerated and assemble just before serving.

• What can I substitute if I don't have maple syrup?

You can easily replace maple syrup with honey or brown sugar. Each will provide a similar sweet note to the cranberry compote.

Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Perks

• Combine sweet, tangy cranberry compote with creamy, salty feta for a taste sensation that wakes up your palate in minutes.
• This elegant appetizer looks sophisticated but requires minimal culinary skills, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
• Serve as a festive holiday starter, game day dip, or unexpected addition to charcuterie boards that will have guests asking for the recipe.
• Packed with antioxidant-rich cranberries, protein from feta and yogurt, and heart-healthy nuts, this dip offers delicious nutrition in every bite.

Ingredients for Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip

• Cranberries: Tart berries that create a delicious jammy compote for the dip.
• Orange: Provides bright citrus flavor through zest and juice.

• Feta Cheese: Salty cheese that creates a creamy base for the dip.
• Yogurt: Adds smoothness and helps blend the whipped feta mixture.

• Maple Syrup, Honey: Natural sweeteners that balance the tartness of cranberries.
• Olive Oil: Helps create a smooth texture in the whipped feta.
• Chili Flakes: Adds a subtle spicy kick to the dip.
• Nutmeg: Warm spice that enhances the cranberry compote's depth.
• Thyme: Fresh herb that provides an earthy, aromatic note.

• Pistachios: Crunchy nuts that add texture and nutty flavor to the dip.

Tools for Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip

• Food Processor: Perfect for blending feta, yogurt, and creating ultra-smooth, creamy texture.
• Saucepan: Essential for cooking cranberry compote and achieving that gorgeous jammy consistency.
• Zester: Helps extract bright orange zest for adding fresh citrus notes to the compote.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities for balanced flavors.
• Spatula: Great for scraping sides of processor and transferring whipped feta smoothly.
• Small Bowl: Ideal for final dip assembly and presentation.
• Knife: Useful for chopping pistachios and preparing garnishes.

Making Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip

Step 1: Craft Vibrant Cranberry Sauce

In a saucepan, toss in fresh cranberries.

• Maple syrup
• Orange zest
• Orange juice
• Nutmeg

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer.

Watch the cranberries transform into a glossy, thick compote over 6-10 minutes.

The sauce will become beautifully jammy and rich with intense flavor.

Step 2: Whip Creamy Feta Base

• Feta cheese
• Yogurt
• Chili flakes
• Olive oil

Blend until the mixture becomes incredibly smooth and luxuriously creamy.

The texture should be light and airy, with a subtle kick from the chili.

Step 3: Chill Cranberry Mixture

Allow the cranberry sauce to cool completely.

This helps intensify the flavors and creates the perfect spreading consistency.

Step 4: Create Stunning Dip Presentation

Spread the whipped feta into a serving bowl.

Top generously with the cooled cranberry compote.

• Chopped pistachios

Drizzle honey over the top and garnish with fresh thyme leaves.

The result is a stunning, restaurant-worthy appetizer that’s both elegant and delicious.

Tips for Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip

• Replace maple syrup with honey or agave nectar for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
• Blend feta mixture longer for ultra-smooth, airy consistency that spreads effortlessly.
• Simmer compote longer for thicker jam-like texture or shorter for more sauce-like consistency.
• Roast pistachios briefly before garnishing to intensify their nutty, rich taste.
• Prepare cranberry compote and whipped feta separately up to 3 days in advance, storing in sealed containers in refrigerator.

Ways to Customize Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip

• Goat Cheese Cranberry Spread: Replace feta with tangy goat cheese for a softer, milder flavor profile that complements the cranberry compote.
• Vegan Berry Dip: Swap feta and yogurt with cashew cream cheese and coconut yogurt, using maple syrup for sweetness and almond garnish instead of pistachios.
• Low-Carb Cranberry Topping: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of maple syrup, and serve with cucumber slices or low-carb crackers for a keto-friendly version.
• Herb-Infused Cranberry Dip: Add fresh rosemary to the whipped cheese base and swap thyme for fresh basil to create a more aromatic Mediterranean-inspired spread.

Serving Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip

• Festive Party Platter: Arrange this dip on a rustic wooden board with an array of crackers, toasted baguette slices, and crisp vegetable sticks for a stunning appetizer spread that'll wow guests.
• Holiday Breakfast Companion: Spread the whipped feta and cranberry compote on warm toast, bagels, or English muffins for a luxurious morning meal with a tangy-sweet twist.
• Charcuterie Enhancement: Use this dip as a vibrant centerpiece on a cheese board, pairing beautifully with cured meats, olives, and a selection of artisan crackers for an elegant entertaining option.
• Salad Dressing Transformation: Thin the dip slightly with olive oil to create a delicious salad dressing, drizzling over mixed greens, roasted vegetables, or grain bowls for added flavor complexity.

Storage Tips for Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep whipped feta and cranberry compote separate to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
• Transfer cranberry mixture to freezer-safe container. Freeze for 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Gently warm in microwave for 15-20 seconds or in small saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
• Let dip sit for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften whipped feta and enhance flavor blending.

Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Recipe

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• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Cranberry whipped feta dip brings Mediterranean flavors to holiday gatherings with creamy cheese and tangy cranberry topping. Guests will love this elegant appetizer that combines sweet and savory notes in one irresistible spread.

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Ingredients

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Proteins and Cheese:

• 225 grams (8 ounces) feta cheese
• 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt

Fruits and Nuts:

• 2 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 orange, zested and juiced
• 1/4 cup pistachios, chopped
• 1–2 tablespoons honey
• Fresh thyme for garnish

Spices and Oils:

• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cranberry compote by mixing cranberries, maple syrup, orange zest, orange juice, and nutmeg in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 8-9 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cranberries break down and the sauce thickens to a jam-like consistency.
3. Remove the cranberry compote from heat and allow it to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the mixture set and intensify its flavors.
4. While the compote cools, combine feta cheese, yogurt, chili flakes, and olive oil in a food processor.
5. Blend the ingredients for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth, creamy, and thoroughly whipped with no visible cheese chunks.
6. Transfer the whipped feta to a serving bowl, creating a uniform base layer with the back of a spoon.
7. Gently spread the cooled cranberry compote over the whipped feta, allowing some of the white feta to peek through for visual appeal.
8. Garnish the dip with roughly chopped pistachios, drizzle honey over the top, and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves for an aromatic finish.
9. Serve immediately at room temperature with crackers, toasted bread, or vegetable crudités for dipping.

Notes

• Customize Sweetness by adjusting maple syrup quantity to suit personal taste preferences or dietary needs.
• Boost Nutrition by using Greek yogurt for extra protein and selecting low-fat feta for lighter version.
• Explore Texture variations through different nut choices like almonds or walnuts instead of pistachios for alternative crunch.
• Make Ahead by preparing cranberry compote and whipped feta separately up to 3 days in advance, storing in refrigerator for convenient entertaining.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 20mg