Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Recipe

Introduction

This Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip combines the tangy brightness of fresh cranberries with the creamy richness of whipped feta. It’s a festive, flavorful appetizer perfect for parties or cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

• ½ cup orange juice
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 12 ounces cranberries (1 bag), fresh or frozen
• 1 block (8 ounces) feta cheese
• ½ cup cream cheese (or Greek yogurt)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons pistachios, chopped
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

1. Step 1: Make the cranberry sauce by combining orange juice, sugar, and cranberries in a medium saucepan. Stir well and bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, until most cranberries have burst.
3. Step 3: Stir constantly and mash the cranberries with the back of a spoon until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
4. Step 4: Remove from heat and let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature, about 15-20 minutes.
5. Step 5: For the whipped feta, combine feta cheese, cream cheese, and olive oil in a food processor or blender. Process until smooth.
6. Step 6: If the mixture is too thick, add water one teaspoon at a time until you reach your preferred consistency.
7. Step 7: Transfer the whipped feta to a serving bowl and create a swirl pattern using the back of a spoon.
8. Step 8: Spoon the cooled cranberry sauce on top of the whipped feta.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle chopped pistachios and crushed red pepper flakes over the dip, then drizzle with honey if desired.
10. Step 10: Serve with crackers, pita chips, crostini, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a lighter version with a tangy flavor.
• To make it spicier, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Swap pistachios for toasted walnuts or pecans for a different nutty crunch.
• Prepare the cranberry sauce a day ahead to deepen the flavors and save time on serving day.

Storage

Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the cranberry sauce and whipped feta separate if possible to maintain the best texture. Gently re-stir before serving, and serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for the sauce?

Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly and will cook down as fresh ones do. There’s no need to thaw them before cooking.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the whipped feta?

For a dairy-free option, try blending silken tofu with a splash of lemon juice and olive oil to mimic the creamy texture, though the flavor will differ from traditional feta.

Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Recipe

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This Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip combines tangy whipped feta cheese with a sweet and tart homemade cranberry sauce, topped with crunchy pistachios and a touch of heat from crushed red pepper flakes. It’s a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or any occasion that calls for a unique dip to serve with crackers, pita chips, or fresh vegetables.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: About 8 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cranberry Sauce

• ½ cup orange juice
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 12 ounces cranberries (1 bag), fresh or frozen

Whipped Feta Dip

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

Toppings

• 2 tablespoons pistachios, chopped
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Instructions

1. Make the cranberry sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine orange juice, granulated sugar, and fresh or frozen cranberries. Stir the ingredients well and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Simmer the cranberries: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing most of the cranberries to burst and soften.
3. Thicken the sauce: Stir the cranberry mixture constantly and mash the cranberries with the back of a spoon until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
4. Cool the sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature, which should take about 15 to 20 minutes.
5. Prepare the whipped feta: In a food processor or blender, combine the feta cheese, cream cheese (or Greek yogurt), and olive oil. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the texture is too thick, add water one teaspoon at a time until you reach your preferred consistency.
6. Assemble the dip: Transfer the whipped feta mixture to a serving bowl. Use the back of a spoon to create a decorative swirl pattern on the surface.
7. Add cranberry topping: Spoon the cooled cranberry sauce evenly over the whipped feta.
8. Garnish: Sprinkle chopped pistachios and crushed red pepper flakes evenly on top. Drizzle with honey if desired for added sweetness.
9. Serve: Present the dip with crackers, pita chips, crostini, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Notes

• The cranberry sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
• For a lighter option, substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt.
• If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen cranberries work equally well.
• Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your desired spice level.
• The honey drizzle is optional but adds a lovely balance to the tartness of the cranberries.

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