Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip is a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet appetizer that’s perfect for the holiday season. The combination of salty feta, rich cream cheese, and tart cranberries creates an irresistible dip that pairs beautifully with crackers, pita chips, or fresh veggies. It’s easy to make in just minutes and adds a festive touch to any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A unique blend of savory and sweet flavors
- Quick and easy to make in under 10 minutes
- A beautiful and festive appetizer for the holidays
- Pairs well with a variety of dippers
- Can be made ahead for easy entertaining
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Feta cheese
- Cream cheese
- Olive oil
- Honey
- Lemon juice
- Fresh or dried cranberries
- Walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Blend the feta and cream cheese:
- In a food processor, combine the feta cheese, cream cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, and honey.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Prepare the cranberry topping:
- If using fresh cranberries, cook them with a little honey until softened.
- If using dried cranberries, chop them finely.
- Assemble the dip:
- Transfer the whipped feta mixture to a serving bowl.
- Top with cranberries, chopped nuts, and fresh herbs.
- Drizzle with extra honey or olive oil for added richness.
- Serve with crackers, pita chips, or fresh veggies.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6–8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Citrus Boost: Mix in a bit of orange zest for extra brightness.
- Nut-Free: Omit the nuts or replace them with sunflower seeds.
- Extra Creamy: Add a little Greek yogurt for a smoother texture.
- Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based feta alternative and cashew cream.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Serve cold or let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dip up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge.
Can I use goat cheese instead of feta?
Yes! Goat cheese adds a creamier texture with a slightly milder taste.
What dippers go well with this dip?
Crackers, pita chips, sliced baguette, celery, and carrot sticks are great options.
Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?
Yes! A spoonful of cranberry sauce can replace the fresh or dried cranberries.
How do I make this dip smoother?
Blend longer and add a little more olive oil or yogurt for a silkier texture.
Can I serve this dip warm?
It’s best served chilled, but you can warm it slightly if preferred.
What herbs work best for garnish?
Rosemary, thyme, or fresh parsley all complement the flavors well.
Can I make this a spread for sandwiches?
Absolutely! It works great as a spread for sandwiches or wraps.
Is this dip gluten-free?
Yes! Just serve it with gluten-free crackers or veggies.
Can I add other fruits?
Yes! Pomegranate seeds or dried cherries would be great additions.
Conclusion
Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip is an easy yet elegant appetizer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. Its creamy texture, tangy feta flavor, and sweet cranberry topping make it a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with your favorite dippers and enjoy a festive, flavorful bite!
Print
Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Holiday
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip is the ultimate holiday appetizer—creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet. The salty whipped feta pairs beautifully with a tart and slightly sweet cranberry topping, creating a stunning contrast of flavors and colors. Serve it with crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies for an easy, crowd-pleasing dip!
Ingredients
For the Whipped Feta:
- 8 ounces feta cheese (block, not crumbled)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Cranberry Topping:
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (or thawed frozen)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
- 1/4 cup pomegranate arils (optional, for extra crunch)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint or rosemary
For Serving:
- Crackers, crostini, or pita chips
- Sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, or carrots
Instructions
Make the Whipped Feta:
In a food processor, combine the feta, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, olive oil, honey, lemon zest, and black pepper.
Blend until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Scrape down the sides and blend again if needed.
Transfer to a serving bowl and smooth the top.
2. Make the Cranberry Topping:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, honey, balsamic vinegar, orange zest, orange juice, and cinnamon (if using).
Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and soften (about 5 minutes).
Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Stir in pomegranate arils and fresh mint or rosemary.
3. Assemble & Serve:
Spoon the cranberry topping over the whipped feta.
Drizzle with extra honey and garnish with more herbs or pomegranate arils if desired.
Serve with crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies.
Notes
Make-Ahead: The whipped feta can be made 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge. The cranberry topping can be made 3 days ahead and stored separately. Assemble before serving.
Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based feta alternative and dairy-free yogurt.
Extra Flavor: Add toasted walnuts or pecans on top for a crunchy contrast.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the whipped feta for a little heat!
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