Silky Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Recipe: A Tangy Joy In Seconds

Creamy cheese blends with tart cranberry in this irresistible cranberry whipped feta dip that brings a burst of festive flavor to any gathering.

Whipped to silky perfection, the feta creates a luxurious base for the vibrant cranberry topping.

Each spoonful delivers a delightful balance of tangy and sweet notes that dance across your palate.

The dip comes together effortlessly with just a few simple ingredients.

Rich, smooth, and utterly addictive, this appetizer elevates your snacking experience.

Serve it alongside crisp crackers or fresh vegetables for a stunning starter that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Prepare to be the star of your next party with this crowd-pleasing cranberry whipped feta dip.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 160 kcal

Servings: 8

Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Ingredients

• Cranberries: Tart berries that create a vibrant, tangy base with natural pectin for perfect sauce consistency.
• Orange Juice: Adds bright citrus undertones and helps break down cranberries while enhancing natural sweetness.
• Maple Syrup: Provides rich, deep sweetness that balances cranberries' sharp flavor without being overpowering.
• Orange Zest: Introduces intense citrus oils that elevate the sauce's aromatic profile and add complexity.
• Nutmeg: Warm spice that brings subtle warmth and depth to the cranberry mixture.

• Feta Cheese: Creamy, tangy Greek cheese that creates a smooth, spreadable texture with bold flavor.
• Greek Yogurt: Adds silky richness and helps achieve light, airy consistency in the dip.
• Olive Oil: Helps blend ingredients smoothly and introduces subtle fruity undertones.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for adding gentle heat and slight kick to the creamy base.

• Pistachios: Crunchy nuts that provide textural contrast and nutty flavor to the creamy dip.
• Honey: Offers natural sweetness and beautiful golden drizzle over the finished dish.
• Fresh Thyme: Optional herb that brings earthy, aromatic notes to complement the other flavors.
• Crostini/Crackers/Pita Bread: Crispy vehicles for scooping and enjoying the luxurious dip.

Tools for Feta Dip Prep

• Food Processor: Essential for blending feta, yogurt, and creating ultra-smooth whipped texture.
• Medium Saucepan: Perfect for cooking cranberry sauce, allowing precise heat control.
• Serving Bowl: Shallow dish helps showcase beautiful layers of whipped feta and cranberry sauce.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for consistent results.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring cranberry sauce and preventing sticking.
• Microplane or Zester: Helps create fine orange zest for added flavor complexity.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping pistachios and preparing garnishes.
• Sharp Knife: Required for precise ingredient preparation.

Whip Up a Tangy Feta Dip in Minutes

• Craft Cranberry Sauce

Toss cranberries into a saucepan with zesty orange juice, sweet maple syrup, bright orange zest, and warm nutmeg. Fire up the heat and bring everything to a bubbling boil. Lower the temperature and let the mixture simmer until cranberries transform into a luscious, jammy texture. Set aside to cool down naturally.

• Whip Creamy Cheese Base

Toss feta, creamy yogurt, rich olive oil, and optional spicy pepper flakes into a food processor. Blast on high speed until the mixture becomes silky smooth, scraping sides to ensure perfect blending.

• Build Gorgeous Dip

Spread the whipped cheese across a beautiful serving dish. Gently cascade the cooled cranberry sauce over the top. Sprinkle crunchy chopped pistachios for texture. Finish with a golden drizzle of honey and delicate thyme leaves if you’re feeling fancy.

• Enjoy and Serve

Present immediately alongside crispy crostini, crackers, or warm pita bread. Watch as guests dive into this stunning appetizer that balances sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors.

Ideas to Brighten Cranberry Feta Flavors

• Feta Texture Tip: For ultra-smooth whipped feta, ensure cheese and yogurt are at room temperature before blending, which helps create a creamier, more uniform consistency.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cranberry sauce and whipped feta separately up to 3 days in advance, storing them covered in the refrigerator to save time during party prep.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap feta and Greek yogurt with cashew-based cheese and coconut yogurt for a vegan-friendly alternative that maintains a similar creamy texture.
• Spice Lover's Twist: Add extra heat by increasing red pepper flakes or incorporating a pinch of cayenne pepper into the whipped feta for a zesty kick.
• Seasonal Swap: Replace cranberry sauce with roasted seasonal fruits like persimmons, pears, or figs during different times of the year for a unique flavor profile.

How to Serve Whipped Dip With Class

• Holiday Party Platter: Arrange the dip as a stunning centerpiece surrounded by crispy crostini, rosemary crackers, and toasted baguette slices for elegant entertaining.
• Breakfast Spread Magic: Slather this creamy dip on warm bagels, english muffins, or toast for a tangy morning treat that elevates simple breakfast fare.
• Charcuterie Board Star: Incorporate the whipped feta into a sophisticated cheese board featuring cured meats, olives, fresh fruits, and assorted nuts for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
• Mediterranean Mezze Inspiration: Serve alongside grilled vegetables, dolmas, hummus, and pita chips to create an authentic Mediterranean-style appetizer experience with vibrant flavors and textures.

Keep Cranberry Dip Fresh and Ready

• Fridge-Friendly Storage: Keep the whipped feta dip sealed in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Separate the cranberry sauce and feta layers to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cranberry sauce and whipped feta separately 3-4 days before serving. Store in refrigerator compartments and assemble just before guests arrive for maximum freshness.
• Temperature Tip: Allow refrigerated dip to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and soften texture. Cold temperatures can mute the vibrant taste profiles.
• Smart Portion Planning: Create individual serving portions in small mason jars or ramekins for easy grab-and-go appetizers. These can be stored separately and assembled quickly for unexpected guests or quick snacking.

Smooth Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Creamy cranberry whipped feta dip brings Mediterranean flavors to holiday appetizers. Tangy cheese meets sweet-tart cranberries in this simple, elegant spread perfect for entertaining.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (226 g) feta cheese, crumbled
• ½ cup (120 ml) plain Greek yogurt
• 1 cup (237 ml) fresh or frozen cranberries
• 12 tablespoons (360 ml) honey
• ¼ cup (60 ml) maple syrup
• ¼ cup (60 ml) orange juice
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 orange zest
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ cup (30 g) chopped pistachios
• Fresh thyme leaves (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cranberry Sauce Creation: Combine whole cranberries, orange juice, maple syrup, orange zest, and nutmeg in a saucepan, heating over medium-high until the mixture reaches a vigorous boil.
2. Compote Development: Reduce heat to medium-low, allowing cranberries to burst and thicken into a luxurious sauce, stirring occasionally until achieving a rich, jammy consistency.
3. Cooling Preparation: Remove from heat and let the cranberry mixture cool to room temperature, concentrating its vibrant flavors and allowing natural thickening.
4. Feta Whip Technique: Blend feta cheese, Greek yogurt, olive oil, and red pepper flakes in a food processor, pulsing until achieving a velvety, smooth texture with no visible chunks.
5. Dip Assembly: Spread the whipped feta into a serving dish, creating an elegant base layer with gentle swooping motions.
6. Flavor Layering: Artfully drizzle the cooled cranberry sauce over the feta, creating an enticing marbled pattern that showcases both textures and colors.
7. Finishing Touches: Sprinkle chopped pistachios across the surface, drizzle honey, and garnish with delicate thyme leaves to elevate the dip’s visual and gustatory appeal.
8. Serving Suggestion: Accompany with crostini, crackers, or warm pita bread for an irresistible appetizer experience.

Notes

• Optimize Cranberry Cooking: Stir constantly to prevent burning and ensure even caramelization of the sauce, watching for natural berry bursting which indicates perfect consistency.
• Achieve Creamy Feta Texture: Ensure feta and Greek yogurt are at room temperature for smoother blending, reducing potential graininess in the final whipped mixture.
• Balance Flavor Intensity: Adjust maple syrup and orange zest quantities to control sweetness and citrus notes, tasting and modifying as the cranberry sauce reduces.
• Presentation Pro-Tip: Allow cranberry sauce to cool completely before layering to maintain distinct color layers and prevent unwanted color bleeding into the white feta base.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg