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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the cranberry compote by mixing cranberries, maple syrup, orange zest, orange juice, and nutmeg in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
- 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.
- Remove the cranberry compote from heat and allow it to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the mixture set and intensify its flavors.
- While the compote cools, combine feta cheese, yogurt, chili flakes, and olive oil in a food processor.
- Blend the ingredients for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth, creamy, and thoroughly whipped with no visible cheese chunks.
- Transfer the whipped feta to a serving bowl, creating a uniform base layer with the back of a spoon.
- Gently spread the cooled cranberry compote over the whipped feta, allowing some of the white feta to peek through for visual appeal.
- Garnish the dip with roughly chopped pistachios, drizzle honey over the top, and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves for an aromatic finish.
- 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