Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is quick to prepare, visually stunning, and full of balanced flavor. It requires no cooking beyond a simple cranberry topping, can be made ahead of time, and pairs beautifully with a wide variety of dippers.
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Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip: A Creamy, Festive Appetizer Everyone Will Reach For
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive cranberry whipped feta dip that’s creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet, perfect for holiday entertaining with crackers or crostini.
Ingredients
- 8 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or thyme, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Add feta cheese, cream cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, and black pepper to a food processor.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed.
- Spread whipped feta onto a serving plate or shallow bowl.
- In a small bowl, mix cranberry sauce with honey.
- Spoon cranberry mixture over the whipped feta.
- Sprinkle with fresh herbs if using.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Let the dip sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve with crackers, crostini, or sliced apples.
- Can be made up to 2 days ahead.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Feta cheese
Provides a tangy, salty base that defines the dip.
Cream cheese
Adds smoothness and balances the sharpness of the feta.
Greek yogurt
Lightens the texture and adds subtle tang.
Olive oil
Helps create a silky, whipped consistency.
Honey
Adds gentle sweetness to the whipped feta.
Fresh cranberries
Create a bright, tart topping with festive color.
Granulated sugar
Balances the tartness of the cranberries.
Orange zest
Adds freshness and aromatic citrus notes.
Water
Helps simmer the cranberry topping.
Black pepper
Adds mild warmth and contrast.
Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
Adds herbal aroma and garnish appeal.
Directions
Begin by preparing the cranberry topping. In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, and orange zest. Simmer gently until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
To make the whipped feta, add feta cheese, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, olive oil, honey, and black pepper to a food processor. Blend until completely smooth, creamy, and fluffy, scraping down the sides as needed.
Spread the whipped feta onto a serving plate or shallow bowl. Spoon the cooled cranberry mixture over the top, allowing it to naturally spread. Finish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
Serves 6–8
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Cooling time: 15 minutes
Total time: about 35 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store the whipped feta and cranberry topping separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Assemble just before serving for best texture. This dip is served cold or at cool room temperature and does not require reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Hot Honey Cranberry Feta Dip
Drizzle hot honey over the finished dip.
Walnut Cranberry Feta Dip
Add chopped toasted walnuts for crunch.
Pistachio Garnish Version
Sprinkle crushed pistachios over the top.
Balsamic Cranberry Dip
Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the cranberry topping.
Garlic Whipped Feta
Add roasted garlic to the feta base.
Orange Cranberry Boost
Increase orange zest for brighter citrus flavor.
Maple Cranberry Dip
Replace sugar with maple syrup.
Goat Cheese Blend
Replace half the feta with goat cheese.
Extra Creamy Dip
Add more Greek yogurt for a softer texture.
Holiday Party Platter
Serve alongside crostini, crackers, and fresh fruit.
FAQs
Is whipped feta very salty?
It is balanced by cream cheese, yogurt, and honey.
Can I use dried cranberries?
Fresh cranberries are best for texture and flavor.
Can this dip be made ahead?
Yes, prepare components ahead and assemble later.
What should I serve with this dip?
Crackers, crostini, pita chips, or vegetables work well.
Is this dip gluten-free?
Yes, naturally gluten-free.
Can I skip the honey?
Yes, but it helps balance the feta’s saltiness.
Does the feta need to be softened?
Room-temperature cheese blends more smoothly.
Can kids enjoy this dip?
Yes, it has mild, balanced flavors.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Dairy-free alternatives can be used, though texture may vary.
Is this good for holidays?
Yes, it is festive, colorful, and crowd-pleasing.
Conclusion
Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip is an elegant yet effortless appetizer that brings together creamy texture, tangy cheese, and bright cranberry sweetness in every bite. Perfect for holidays, parties, or elevated snacking, it is a dish that looks impressive while remaining incredibly easy to prepare. With its bold flavor and beautiful presentation, this dip is guaranteed to become a go-to favorite for entertaining year after year.
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