Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip is a delicious and festive appetizer that perfectly balances creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors. With its vibrant colors and simple preparation, it’s an ideal dish for holiday gatherings or any time you want to impress your guests. The combination of whipped feta and cranberry sauce creates a delightful taste experience that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- For the Whipped Feta:
- 8 ounces (225g) feta cheese, crumbled
- 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced (optional for added flavor)
- For the Cranberry Topping:
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen, thawed)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For Garnishing:
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Pomegranate arils (optional)
- Cracked black pepper (optional)
- For Serving:
- Crackers, pita chips, or fresh bread
Instructions
- Prepare the Cranberry Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, and orange zest.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to pop and the mixture thickens (about 8-10 minutes).
- Stir in the vanilla extract, then remove from heat and let the sauce cool completely.
- Make the Whipped Feta:
- In a food processor, combine feta cheese, cream cheese, olive oil, honey, lemon juice, and garlic (if using).
- Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Assemble the Dip:
- Spread the whipped feta evenly on a serving plate or shallow bowl.
- Spoon the cooled cranberry sauce over the whipped feta, spreading it gently to cover.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle pomegranate arils and a few rosemary sprigs on top for a festive touch.
- Serve with crackers, pita chips, or fresh bread.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve the dip immediately after assembling for the freshest flavor and presentation. Pair it with an assortment of dippables like crackers, crostini, or sliced vegetables.
- Storage: Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best results, store the whipped feta and cranberry sauce separately and assemble just before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the whipped feta and cranberry sauce up to two days in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the dip just before serving.
2. Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a good-quality store-bought cranberry sauce works well. Opt for one with whole cranberries for added texture.
3. What are some alternative toppings?
You can experiment with different toppings such as candied nuts, dried cranberries, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze to complement the whipped feta.
4. Can I make this dip dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute dairy-free feta and cream cheese alternatives to make this recipe suitable for those avoiding dairy.
This Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip is bound to be the centerpiece of your appetizer table. Try it out and enjoy the burst of flavors with every bite!
PrintTHE BEST CRANBERRY WHIPPED FETA DIP
This creamy and tangy whipped feta dip is topped with a sweet-tart cranberry sauce, making it the perfect appetizer for holiday gatherings. It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines salty feta, smooth cream cheese, and the brightness of cranberries in every bite. Serve with crackers, bread, or fresh veggies for an unforgettable treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Whipped Feta Dip:
- 8 oz (1 block) feta cheese, crumbled
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cranberry Topping:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tsp orange zest
For Serving:
- Crackers, bread, or fresh vegetables
Instructions
. Make the Whipped Feta Dip:
- In a food processor, combine feta cheese, cream cheese, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a serving dish and refrigerate while you prepare the topping.
2. Make the Cranberry Topping:
- In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and cinnamon (if using).
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens (about 10 minutes).
- Stir in the orange zest and let it cool to room temperature.
3. Assemble the Dip:
- Spread the whipped feta in an even layer on a serving plate or shallow bowl.
- Spoon the cranberry topping over the whipped feta.
- Serve with crackers, bread, or veggies.
Notes
- Make the cranberry topping a day ahead to save time.
- Use high-quality feta cheese for the best flavor.
- For a spicier twist, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the assembled dip.