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Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 108 reviews

This Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip is a festive, creamy appetizer featuring tangy whipped feta paired with a sweet-tart homemade cranberry sauce topping. Garnished with chopped pistachios, crushed red pepper flakes, and a drizzle of honey, this dip balances creamy, savory, and vibrant flavors perfectly for any holiday or party spread. It comes together quickly using simple ingredients and can be served with crackers, pita chips, crostini, or fresh vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cranberry Sauce:

  • ½ cup orange juice
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries (1 bag)
  • Or substitute with 2 cups store-bought cranberry sauce

For the Whipped Feta:

  • 1 block (8 ounces) feta cheese
  • ½ cup cream cheese or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

For Serving (Optional):

  • 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

  1. Make the Cranberry Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine orange juice, sugar, and cranberries. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most cranberries burst.
  2. Mash the Cranberries: Once most cranberries have burst, stir constantly and mash them with the back of a spoon until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Remove from heat.
  3. Cool the Sauce: Let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature, about 15-20 minutes, to allow flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken further.
  4. Make the Whipped Feta: In a food processor or blender, combine feta cheese, cream cheese (or Greek yogurt), and olive oil. Process until smooth and creamy. If the dip is too thick, add 1 teaspoon of water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
  5. Assemble the Dip: Transfer the whipped feta to a serving bowl. Use the back of a spoon to create a swirl pattern on the surface. Spoon the cooled cranberry sauce over the whipped feta dip, spreading it evenly on top.
  6. Add Toppings: Sprinkle chopped pistachios and crushed red pepper flakes over the cranberry sauce. Drizzle with honey for added sweetness if desired.
  7. Serve: Serve the dip with your choice of crackers, pita chips, crostini, or fresh vegetable sticks. Enjoy immediately or let it rest for 15-30 minutes for flavors to meld further.

Notes

  • If you have leftovers, cover the dip tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
  • Before serving leftover dip, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften for easier scooping and spreading.
  • Store-bought cranberry sauce can be used to save time; choose whole-berry for texture or smooth for a cleaner spread.
  • Prepare the dip about 15-30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld fully.
  • Try variations by swapping cream cheese with Greek yogurt or using other soft cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta for different flavor profiles.
  • Serve with a variety of dippers like toasted baguette slices, sturdy crackers, fresh veggies, or even sweet options like sliced apples or pears.

Keywords: cranberry whipped feta dip, festive holiday dip, creamy feta dip, cranberry sauce dip, appetizer recipe, party dip, easy festive appetizer

Find it online: https://dishedbydana.com/cranberry-whipped-feta-dip-recipe/