Introduction

This Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip combines tangy feta cheese with sweet and tart cranberry sauce for a delightful appetizer. It’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect for serving with crackers or fresh veggies at your next gathering.

The dish is a shallow white scalloped bowl containing three main swirling layers, starting with a thick creamy white base evenly spread, topped with a rich, glossy, dark red jelly or jam swirled in circles, and sprinkled with crushed green pistachios and small red chili flakes scattered across the surface. The bowl is placed on a light wooden board that sits on a white marbled surface. Around it, there are three red grapes, a small white scalloped bowl of green crushed pistachios, a small white round bowl of white sauce with chili flakes, and a white scalloped bowl filled with the same dark red jelly with a small spoon inside. The photo has natural lighting and a light-colored cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 (optional)
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine orange juice, sugar, and cranberries. Stir well and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes until most cranberries burst, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Mash the cranberries with the back of a spoon while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature, about 15–20 minutes.
Step 4: In a food processor or blender, combine feta cheese, cream cheese (or Greek yogurt), and olive oil. Blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add 1 teaspoon of water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 5: Transfer the whipped feta to a serving bowl and use the back of a spoon to create a swirl pattern on the surface.
Step 6: Spoon the cooled cranberry sauce on top of the whipped feta.
Step 7: Sprinkle chopped pistachios and crushed red pepper flakes over the dip. Drizzle with honey if desired.
Step 8: Serve with crackers, pita chips, crostini, or fresh vegetables.

Tips & Variations

You can substitute the homemade cranberry sauce with 2 cups of store-bought cranberry sauce for a quicker option.
For a lighter dip, swap cream cheese with Greek yogurt.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cranberry sauce for a warm, spiced flavor.
Use walnuts or almonds instead of pistachios for a different nutty crunch.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container or covered tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Before serving again, let the dip sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes to soften for easier scooping. The flavors often taste better after resting overnight.

How to Serve

The image shows several toasted bread slices arranged on a white marbled surface. Each slice has three layers: the bottom layer is the golden-brown toasted bread with a slightly rough texture, the middle layer is a smooth, creamy white spread covering most of the bread surface, and the top layer is a glossy, deep red jam placed in the center, sprinkled with small pieces of crushed green pistachios and red chili flakes. On the left side, a white bowl holds extra crushed pistachios, adding a touch of green contrast. The toast pieces are placed close together, some overlapping slightly, with crumbs and bits of pistachio scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the cranberry sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the cranberry sauce can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before adding it to the dip.

What can I serve with this dip?

This dip pairs wonderfully with crackers, pita chips, crostini, or fresh vegetables like celery, carrots, and cucumber slices.