Description
A vibrant and creamy Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip combining tangy cranberry sauce with silky whipped feta and cream cheese, topped with crunchy pistachios, spicy red pepper flakes, and a drizzle of honey. Perfect for festive gatherings or as a flavorful appetizer served with crackers, pita chips, crostini, or fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Cranberry Sauce
- ½ cup orange juice
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 12 ounces cranberries (1 bag), fresh or frozen
Whipped Feta Dip
- 1 block (8 ounces) feta cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese (or Greek yogurt)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Toppings and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons pistachios, chopped
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- 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. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the cranberries to burst and release their juices.
- Thicken the sauce: Stir constantly while mashing the cranberries with the back of a spoon until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Prepare the whipped feta: In a food processor or blender, combine feta cheese, cream cheese, and olive oil. Process until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the consistency is too thick, add 1 teaspoon of water at a time and blend until you reach the desired texture.
- Assemble the dip: Transfer the whipped feta to a serving bowl and create a swirl pattern using the back of a spoon. Spoon the cooled cranberry sauce evenly over the top of the whipped feta.
- Add toppings and serve: Sprinkle chopped pistachios and crushed red pepper flakes on top of the cranberry sauce. Drizzle with honey for added sweetness if desired. Serve immediately with crackers, pita chips, crostini, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- This dip can be prepared a few hours ahead; keep refrigerated until serving. Add cranberry sauce just before serving to maintain texture.
- For a lighter option, substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- Leftover cranberry sauce can be used as a condiment for meats or breakfast dishes.
- Ensure the feta cheese is drained well to avoid excess moisture in the dip.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: cranberry dip, whipped feta, holiday appetizer, creamy dip, festive dip, Mediterranean appetizer, easy party dip
