Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Recipe

Introduction

This Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip is a delightful blend of creamy, tangy feta cheese with sweet and tart cranberry sauce. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or as a flavorful party starter. With a hint of orange and a crunchy pistachio topping, this dip is both elegant and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 tsp orange zest, plus more to garnish
• 1 tbsp orange juice
• 12 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup roasted salted pistachios, chopped
• Hot honey, to garnish
• Fresh thyme, chopped, to garnish
• Toasted bread crostini, pita, or crackers for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the cranberry sauce. If using store-bought sauce, stir it to break it up. If homemade, make sure it is cooled to room temperature before using.
2. Step 2: Whip the feta. In a food processor or stand mixer, combine crumbled feta, olive oil, and heavy cream.
3. Step 3: Add the minced garlic, orange zest, and orange juice to the feta mixture.
4. Step 4: Process or mix until the feta is smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
5. Step 5: Transfer the whipped feta mixture into a serving bowl. Spoon the cranberry sauce over it, spreading evenly. For a marbled effect, gently swirl the cranberry sauce into the whipped feta.
6. Step 6: Garnish by sprinkling chopped pistachios on top, drizzling with hot honey, and finishing with extra orange zest and fresh chopped thyme.
7. Step 7: Serve with toasted crostini, pita, or crackers. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh homemade cranberry sauce for a more vibrant flavor and control over sweetness.
• Substitute pistachios with toasted walnuts or pecans for a different nutty crunch.
• For a dairy-free version, try using a plant-based cream and vegan feta alternative.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the feta mixture for a subtle spicy kick.

Storage

Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, bring it to room temperature before serving and give it a gentle stir. Leftover dip can be enjoyed cold or lightly warmed, but the cranberry topping is best served fresh.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the whipped feta and cranberry sauce separately and assemble just before serving to keep the textures fresh.

What can I use if I don’t have hot honey?

If you don’t have hot honey, regular honey or a drizzle of chili oil mixed with honey works well as a sweet and spicy garnish.

Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 148 reviews

This Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip combines creamy, tangy whipped feta with sweet and tart cranberry sauce, enhanced by bright orange zest and juice. Garnished with crunchy roasted pistachios, hot honey, and fresh thyme, it’s a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for serving with toasted crostini, pita, or crackers.

• Author: Rami
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dip

• 1 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp orange zest, plus more for garnish
• 1 tbsp orange juice
• 12 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/3 cup heavy cream

Garnishes & Serving

• 1/4 cup roasted salted pistachios, chopped
• Hot honey, for drizzling
• Fresh thyme, chopped
• Toasted bread crostini, pita, or crackers, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cranberry Sauce: If using store-bought cranberry sauce, stir it to break up any chunks. If making homemade, ensure the sauce is cooled to room temperature before using it in the dip.
2. Whip the Feta: In a food processor or stand mixer bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, olive oil, and heavy cream. Add the minced garlic, orange zest, and orange juice. Process or mix until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Assemble the Dip: Transfer the whipped feta mixture into a serving bowl. Spoon the cranberry sauce over the whipped feta, spreading it into an even layer. Optionally, gently swirl the cranberry sauce into the feta for a marbled effect.
4. Garnish the Dip: Sprinkle chopped roasted pistachios evenly over the top, drizzle with hot honey for a touch of sweetness, then finish with a sprinkle of extra orange zest and freshly chopped thyme to add color and fragrant flavor.
5. Serve: Serve the dip alongside toasted bread crostini, pita wedges, or crackers for dipping. Enjoy as a festive appetizer or snack!

Notes

• For best results, use full-fat feta and heavy cream to achieve a luxuriously creamy texture.
• Adjust the amount of hot honey according to your preferred sweetness and heat level.
• This dip can be prepared a few hours in advance and refrigerated; bring to room temperature before serving.
• Homemade cranberry sauce adds a fresh tartness but store-bought works well for convenience.
• To toast crostini, slice baguette thinly and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes until golden and crisp.

Keywords: cranberry whipped feta dip, cranberry dip, feta cheese dip, holiday appetizer, easy party dip, whipped feta, festive dip