Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip
Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip is the perfect holiday appetizer made with a handful of simple ingredients. This easy appetizer features tart cranberries and pistachios topping a creamy dip made of fresh feta cheese and cream cheese.
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If you need a delicious appetizer for holiday gatherings this festive dip is perfect for you. Everyone will love the creamy texture to go along with the sweetness of cranberries and boldness of feta. This combination gives a perfect balance of flavors with sweet and savory taste! Serve this delicious recipe with some crusty bread, crackers, pita bread, or fresh veggies.
This simple dip looks just as beautiful as it is flavorful. With the redness of fresh cranberries in conjunction with the white, creamy feta and green crunchy pistachios, this festive appetizer is an amazing centerpiece for your holiday table.
This is even a great way to use up leftover cranberry sauce during the holiday season! If you have leftover dip, store it in the fridge for the next day. When you are ready for more, give it some time to warm up to room temperature, this will ensure this tasty dip keeps its smooth texture.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe:
Sweet and savory combo: Tangy feta and creamy cheese meet sweet cranberry sauce for an irresistible contrast.
Perfect for the holidays: Festive colors and flavors make this a crowd-pleasing appetizer for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall gathering.
Quick and easy: Just blend, top, and serve, ready in 10 minutes with minimal prep.
Make-ahead friendly: Can be prepared in advance and assembled just before serving.
Elegant yet simple: A beautiful appetizer that looks impressive with almost no effort.
Ingredients to Make Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip:
- block feta cheese. Use a block of feta for the creamiest texture, it blends better than pre-crumbled.
- cream cheese. Softened to room temperature so it whips easily and balances the tang of the feta.
- cranberry sauce. Whole berry or homemade works best, look for one with a bit of texture.
- pistachios. Add crunch and a hint of salt, chop them just before topping for the freshest flavor.
- fresh thyme. Adds an herby, savory note that complements the sweetness.
- red pepper flakes. Adds a touch of heat to balance the creamy and sweet elements, optional but recommended if you like a little kick.
How to Make Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip:
- In a food processor, combine the feta cheese and softened cream cheese. Blend until smooth and fluffy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Spoon the whipped cheese mixture into a shallow bowl or serving plate. Use the back of a spoon to create swirls or a slight well in the center.
- Spoon the cranberry sauce over the whipped cheese, letting it settle into the swirls.
- Sprinkle with chopped pistachios, fresh thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Serve immediately with crackers, crostini, or sliced vegetables.
Recommended Equipment
Recipe Notes & Tips:
- Use a food processor for best texture: It gives you that ultra-smooth, whipped consistency, much harder to achieve by hand.
- Let cheeses come to room temp: This helps them blend smoothly and prevents lumps.
- Make ahead friendly: You can prepare the whipped cheese base a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Add the toppings just before serving.
- Serve chilled or slightly cool: The dip tastes best when lightly chilled, not straight from the fridge, let it sit for 10–15 minutes before serving.
- Switch up the toppings: Try walnuts or pecans instead of pistachios, or add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
- Great with: Crackers, crostini, pita chips, sliced cucumbers, or even apple slices for a sweet-savory combo.
Serving Suggestions:
- Roasted Acorn Squash
- Pecan Pie Bars
- Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
- Homemade Eggnog Recipe
- Cranberry Pecan Cheeseball
How to Store:
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The texture may firm up slightly, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving again.
Make ahead: You can prepare the whipped feta base in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Wait to add the cranberry sauce and toppings until just before serving for best presentation.
Freezer: Not recommended, freezing will change the texture of the cream cheese and feta.
FAQs:
You can, but block feta blends into a smoother, creamier texture. Pre-crumbled tends to be drier and less rich.
A hand mixer can work, but it won’t be quite as smooth. For the fluffiest texture, a food processor is ideal.
Whole berry cranberry sauce or homemade versions with texture work best. Avoid jellied sauce for this dip, it won’t layer as nicely.
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Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces block feta cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 2 tablespoons pistachios, chopped
- ½ teaspoon fresh thyme
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine the feta cheese and softened cream cheese. Blend until smooth and fluffy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Spoon the whipped cheese mixture into a shallow bowl or serving plate. Use the back of a spoon to create swirls or a slight well in the center.
- Spoon the cranberry sauce over the whipped cheese, letting it settle into the swirls.
- Sprinkle with chopped pistachios, fresh thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Serve immediately with crackers, crostini, or sliced vegetables.
Notes
- Use a food processor for best texture: It gives you that ultra-smooth, whipped consistency, much harder to achieve by hand.
- Let cheeses come to room temp: This helps them blend smoothly and prevents lumps.
- Make ahead friendly: You can prepare the whipped cheese base a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Add the toppings just before serving.
- Serve chilled or slightly cool: The dip tastes best when lightly chilled, not straight from the fridge, let it sit for 10–15 minutes before serving.
- Switch up the toppings: Try walnuts or pecans instead of pistachios, or add a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.
- Great with: Crackers, crostini, pita chips, sliced cucumbers, or even apple slices for a sweet-savory combo.
Nutrition Facts:
These nutrition facts are estimated and can vary based on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and preparation methods. Always consult product labels or a nutrition professional for precise information.Calories: 180
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 330mg
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 5g
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