Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip
Indulge your taste buds in a delightful combination of tangy cranberries and creamy feta cheese with our irresistible Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip recipe. This appetizer is the perfect balance of flavors, striking that sweet and savory harmony that will have your guests coming back for more.
I will guide you through the process of creating this delectable Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip, sharing tips and tricks along the way. From the creamy, distinct texture and flavor of the feta cut through with a burst of cranberry sweetness, every bite is a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving for more. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to whip up a crowd-pleasing sensation that will be the talk of the party!
Want more appetizers for your holiday party? Try my Air Fryer Loaded Deviled Eggs.
What do I need to get started?
- Freshly squeezed orange juice and fresh orange zest. This adds a bright citrusy flavor to your cranberry sauce.
- Honey, for a hint of sweetness.
- Fresh cranberries.
- Fresh rosemary. Do try to get fresh – the dried stuff is too strong and we just want a scent of rosemary flavor.
- Salt.
- Crumbled feta cheese.
- Garlic.
- Crushed red pepper – this is optional and you can leave it out if you don’t want any heat.
- Cream cheese.
- Olive oil.
How to make Feta Dip with Cranberry Sauce
I start this out by making the cranberry sauce so it has time to cool down.
In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, orange zest, honey, cranberries, salt and 1 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and become soft, about 5-7 minutes. Gently stir and press down on the cranberries to make a jammy texture. Remove from heat and let it cool.
And now you get started on the whipped feta dip as the sauce cools down.
In a food processor, add the feta cheese, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, cream cheese, salt and olive oil. Process until smooth and creamy. Transfer the whipped feta mixture to a serving bowl or dish.
Once the cranberry mixture has cooled, spoon it on top of the whipped feta in the serving bowl.
Drizzle additional honey and olive oil over the whipped feta and cranberries.
Garnish the Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip with additional fresh rosemary or chopped and toasted pistachios if desired.
What to use for Dippers
You can use anything you’d like! I chose crostinis, but you can also use:
- Crackers.
- Pretzels.
- Toasted baguette slices.
- Pita chips.
- For a healthy option, use some sliced veggies, such as celery or carrots.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not recommended to freeze this dip as the texture might change once thawed. It is best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
While feta cheese adds a unique tangy flavor to this dip, you can experiment with other soft cheeses like goat cheese or more cream cheese if you prefer.
Yes, you can prepare the dip in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before serving and give it a quick stir.
I do not recommend using dried cranberries. The texture would not work in the sauce and the fresh adds a more punchy flavor.
Tips and Tricks
- Experiment with different flavors – add a pinch of cinnamon or even cayenne for a real kick. Add some fresh sage or thyme on top for a different flavor.
- If you want a sweeter dip, add even more honey.
- For texture variations, try adding walnuts or pecans to the feta mixture.
- Garnish creatively! I used roasted and chopped pistachios on mine for a different look.
Try these other shareable recipes for your holiday party!
Cranberry Whipped Feta
Sharp and creamy whipped feta cut with a sweet and tart cranberry orange sauce. Perfect appetizer for holiday parties!
Ingredients
- ¼ Cup Orange Juice
- Zest of 1 Orange
- 2 Tablespoons Honey
- 1 Cup Fresh Cranberries
- 1 Teaspoon Fresh Rosemary, Finely Chopped
- ½ Teaspoon Kosher Salt, Divided
- 6 Ounces Feta Cheese, Crumbled
- 1 Garlic Clove
- ¼ Teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, (optional)
- 6 Ounces Cream Cheese, Softened.
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- Cracker or Crostinis, For Serving
- Additional Fresh Rosemary, honey, and olive oil for topping
- Optional: Toasted and Chopped Pistachios for Garnish
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, orange zest, honey, cranberries, salt and 1 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and become soft, about 5-7 minutes. Gently stir and press down on the cranberries to make a jammy texture. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- In a food processor, add the feta cheese, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, cream cheese, salt and olive oil. Process until smooth and creamy. Transfer the whipped feta mixture to a serving bowl or dish.
- Once the cranberry mixture has cooled, spoon it on top of the whipped feta in the serving bowl.
- Drizzle additional honey and olive oil over the whipped feta and cranberries.
- Garnish the Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip with additional fresh rosemary or chopped and toasted pistachios if desired.
- Serve the dip with crackers or crostinis. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Yield 4 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 640Total Fat 50gSaturated Fat 18gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 29gCholesterol 81mgSodium 842mgCarbohydrates 37gFiber 5gSugar 24gProtein 17g
