Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Recipe
This Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip combines tangy feta cheese with sweet and zesty cranberry sauce, enriched with fresh orange juice, honey, and thyme. Perfect as an elegant appetizer, it’s whipped to a smooth, fluffy texture and topped with toasted pistachios for a delightful crunch. Serve it with crackers or crostini for a festive and refreshing dip that captures the flavors of the season.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 1 1/2 cups dip, serves 6 to 8 as an appetizer 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Cranberry Sauce
- 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tsp finely grated orange zest
- 2 Tbsp honey, divided
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 sprig thyme
Whipped Feta Mixture
- 6 oz feta in brine, cut into small cubes
- 1 clove garlic, grated or minced
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tsp chopped thyme leaves
- 6 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Topping
- 2 Tbsp toasted chopped pistachios
- Remaining 1 tablespoon honey for drizzle
Serving
- Crackers or crostini, for serving
Instructions
- Make the cranberry sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together orange juice and 1 tablespoon honey until combined. Bring to a boil, then add cranberries and thyme sprig. Return to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and the mixture becomes saucy, about 7 to 8 minutes. Remove the thyme sprig, stir in the orange zest, and let the sauce cool completely.
- Prepare the whipped feta: While the cranberry sauce cools, drain the brine from the feta. In a food processor, pulse the feta, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and chopped thyme leaves until the feta breaks into small crumbs. Add the cream cheese and pulse to combine. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil and blend until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Assemble the dip: Transfer the whipped feta mixture to a serving bowl. Spoon the cooled cranberry sauce over the top. Sprinkle with toasted chopped pistachios and drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of honey.
- Serve and store: Serve the dip with crackers or crostini alongside. For make-ahead convenience, store the dip in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries interchangeably; frozen will need a slightly longer cooking time to burst.
- Room temperature cream cheese blends more smoothly for a fluffier texture.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- Make ahead and refrigerate up to 4 days in an airtight container for ease of entertaining.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pistachios and add extra zest and herbs for texture.
Keywords: cranberry dip, whipped feta dip, holiday appetizer, creamy dip, feta cheese appetizer, cranberry sauce, make ahead dip, easy party dip
Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/cranberry-whipped-feta-dip-recipe/
