This Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip is a festive, creamy appetizer that comes together in minutes with just a handful of simple ingredients. Tangy whipped feta pairs with a sweet-tart cranberry sauce topping, creating the perfect balance of flavors. Garnished with pistachios and a drizzle of honey, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Every bite is bursting with creamy, savory, and vibrant flavors that make it an irresistible holiday favorite.
If you’re searching for an easy but impressive appetizer for your Thanksgiving or Christmas spread, this cranberry whipped feta dip is a showstopper. The feta layer is light and fluffy, while the cranberry topping adds a seasonal twist that feels fresh and festive. Serve it with crusty bread, crackers, or even fresh veggies for a crowd-pleasing dish. Trust me, this dip will disappear faster than you can say "Happy Holidays!"
Why You'll Love this Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Recipe
- Bursting with holiday flavors. Sweet cranberries, a hint of orange, and a drizzle of honey bring all the festive flavors of the holiday season together in this recipe. Whether you're celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, or hosting a cozy winter gathering, this cranberry dip adds the perfect seasonal touch to your menu. It's so good, you might find yourself making it well into the new year!
- Smooth and creamy. The whipped feta is fluffy, smooth, and creamy with a slight tanginess from the feta. The cranberry sauce on top adds a sweet, tart burst with a bit of texture, thanks to the whole mashed cranberries. Add some chopped pistachios for an added crunch and you have yourself the perfect balance of textures.
- Easy to serve. Cranberry whipped feta dip is a hit for every occasion this season. Serve it as an easy appetizer at a dinner party, a snack during holiday movie nights, or as part of a grazing board with crackers, fresh veggies, and toasted bread. It’s simple to make, gorgeous to look at, and guaranteed to be the first dish to disappear!
Ingredient Notes
To make this delicious Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):
- cranberry sauce - make your own using cranberries, orange juice, and sugar. You can also substitute with up to 2 cups of storebought or leftover cranberry sauce.
- feta cheese - I used a block of feta cheese but crumbled feta will work too.
- cream cheese (or Greek yogurt)
- extra virgin olive oil
Optional Toppings
Top this festive dip with your favorite toppings. We used pistachios, crushed red pepper flakes, and honey. You can also add in maple syrup, jam, and candied pecans or other nuts.
Equipment
You will also need measuring cups and spoons, a medium saucepan (to cook the cranberry sauce), a food processor or blender, and a serving bowl.
How to Make the Best Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip
First, make the cranberry sauce (or use store-bought sauce).
- Combine ingredients. In a medium saucepan, add orange juice, sugar, and cranberries. Stir well and bring to a boil. Turn the heat down to low and simmer for 10 minutes until most of the cranberries burst.
- Mash. Once the cranberries have burst, stir constantly and mash with the back of a spoon until the sauce has thickened to a desired consistency.
- Cool. Let cool to room temperature, about 15-20 minutes.
Then, make the whipped feta.
In a food processor or blender, add feta cheese, cream cheese, and oil in and process until smooth. If the texture is too thick, add in 1 teaspoon of water at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Now, let's assemble and serve.
- Assemble. Transfer the whipped feta to a serving bowl. Use the back of a spoon to create a swirl pattern. Add the cooled cranberry sauce on top.
- Add toppings (optional). Sprinkle chopped pistachios and crushed red pepper flakes on top and add a drizzle of honey.
- Serve. Serve with crackers, pita chips, crostini, or fresh veggies.
Recipe Variations
- Make your own cranberry sauce. Using store-bought cranberry sauce makes this recipe quick and easy, but for a more homemade touch, whip up a batch of your favorite cranberry sauce. Add a splash of orange juice or a pinch of cinnamon to enhance the holiday flavors.
- Try different garnishes. Elevate your dip with a variety of toppings. Add a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for extra color and a juicy pop, drizzle honey or balsamic glaze for a sweet-tangy kick, or sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an herby twist.
- Switch up the cheese base. While whipped feta is creamy and tangy, you can experiment with other soft cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta. Whip them with cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a similarly smooth and luscious texture while creating a unique flavor profile.
How to Serve
This Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip is delicious served with a variety of dippers. Serve it with toasted French baguette slices, sturdy crackers, fresh veggie sticks, or even pretzels for a satisfying crunch. For a sweeter twist, try pairing it with sliced pears, apples, or dried figs.
You can also pair it as part of a larger appetizer spread alongside some other seasonal favorites including:
- Charcuterie Board
- Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Antipasto Skewers
- Fried Goat Cheese Balls
For more recipes, see our 40 Best Fall Appetizers.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Use store-bought cranberry sauce. While homemade cranberry sauce adds a personal touch, store-bought versions work just as well and save time. Choose a whole-berry variety for extra texture, or opt for smooth if you prefer a cleaner spread.
- Let it rest. For the best flavor, prepare the dip about 15-30 minutes before serving. This short resting time allows the whipped feta to meld with the cranberry sauce, creating a rich, cohesive flavor.
- Create a build-your-own crostini bar. Serve the whipped feta dip with toasted baguette slices and small bowls of extras like chopped nuts, honey, or fresh herbs. This lets guests customize their bites and makes for an interactive, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Storing Instructions
If you have any leftovers, simply cover the cranberry feta dip tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Before serving again, let the dip sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften, making it easier to scoop and spread. It’s just as delicious the next day (if not better!) since the flavors have more time to meld together.
FAQ
Not at all! This dip comes together in minutes with just a handful of ingredients. Whipping the feta creates a light, creamy base, while the cranberry topping adds a festive, tangy-sweet flair. It's an easy yet impressive dish for any occasion!
While it’s not ideal to freeze this dip due to its creamy texture, you can freeze the cranberry sauce (without the whipped feta) for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the cranberry sauce in the fridge overnight and then add it to the whipped feta for a fresh dip.
Absolutely. You can prepare the whipped feta and cranberry topping separately a day in advance. Store each in airtight containers in the fridge, then assemble the dip just before serving. Your dip will have the best flavor and texture when served at room temperature. Set it on the counter for about 20 minutes before your guests arrive, and it'll be ready to go.
More Cheesy Dip Recipes
- 20 Best Dip Recipes
- Cranberry Baked Brie
- Whipped Feta
- Baked Spinach Dip
- Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball
- Whipped Goat Cheese
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Recipe
Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip is a festive, creamy appetizer that comes together in minutes with just a handful of simple ingredients. Tangy whipped feta pairs with a sweet-tart cranberry sauce topping, creating the perfect balance of flavors. Garnished with pistachios and a drizzle of honey, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Every bite is bursting with creamy, savory, and vibrant flavors that make it an irresistible holiday favorite.
Ingredients
For the cranberry sauce*:
- ½ cup orange juice
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 12 ounces cranberries (1 bag), fresh or frozen
* or substitute with 2 cups cranberry sauce
For the whipped feta:
- 1 block (8 ounces) feta cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese (or Greek yogurt)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
For serving (optional):
- 2 tablespoons pistachios, chopped
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
Make the cranberry sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, add orange juice, sugar, and cranberries. Stir well and bring to a boil. Turn the heat down to low and simmer for 10 minutes until most of the cranberries burst.
- Once the cranberries have burst, stir constantly and mash with the back of a spoon until the sauce has thickened to a desired consistency.
- Let cool to room temperature, about 15-20 minutes.
Make the whipped feta:
- In a food processor or blender, add feta cheese, cream cheese, and oil in and process until smooth. If the texture is too thick, add in 1 teaspoon of water at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Assemble:
- Transfer the whipped feta to a serving bowl. Use the back of a spoon to create a swirl pattern. Add the cooled cranberry sauce on top.
- Sprinkle chopped pistachios and crushed red pepper flakes on top and add a drizzle of honey (if using).
- Serve with crackers, pita chips, crostini, or fresh veggies.
Notes
How to store: If you have any leftovers, simply cover the cranberry feta dip tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Before serving again, let the dip sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften, making it easier to scoop and spread. It’s just as delicious the next day (if not better!) since the flavors have more time to meld together.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dip
- Method: Assemble
- Cuisine: American
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