Cranberry Whipped Feta Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Whipped is a delightful appetizer that combines tangy cranberries with creamy feta for a unique, flavorful spread. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or as a tasty snack paired with your favorite crackers or veggies.

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
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine orange juice, sugar, and cranberries. Stir well and bring to a boil.
2. Step 2: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes until most cranberries burst.
3. Step 3: Stir constantly and mash cranberries with the back of a spoon until the sauce thickens to your liking.
4. Step 4: Allow the cranberry sauce to cool to room temperature, about 15–20 minutes.
5. Step 5: In a food processor or blender, combine feta cheese, cream cheese (or Greek yogurt), and olive oil. Process until smooth.
6. Step 6: If the whipped feta is too thick, add water 1 teaspoon at a time until you achieve the desired consistency.
7. Step 7: Transfer whipped feta to a serving bowl and create a swirl pattern with the back of a spoon.
8. Step 8: Spoon the cooled cranberry sauce over the whipped feta.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle chopped pistachios and crushed red pepper flakes on top, then drizzle with honey if desired.
10. Step 10: Serve with crackers, pita chips, crostini, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For a tangier twist, substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt to lighten the texture and flavor.
• Swap pistachios for toasted walnuts or pecans for a different nutty crunch.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
• Make sure to cool the cranberry sauce completely before assembling to prevent melting the whipped feta.

Storage

Store the assembled cranberry whipped dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, keep whipped feta and cranberry sauce separate until ready to serve. Reheat cranberry sauce gently if needed, but serve whipped feta chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly fine. Just thaw them slightly before cooking, or add them directly to the saucepan as they will cook down during simmering.

Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?

This recipe uses feta and cream cheese, which are dairy products. You can try vegan cream cheese and a plant-based feta alternative to make it vegan-friendly, though the flavor will vary.

Cranberry Whipped Feta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 122 reviews

This Cranberry Whipped recipe is a delightful and festive appetizer featuring a creamy whipped feta cheese base topped with a vibrant homemade cranberry sauce. The combination of tangy cranberries, smooth cheeses, and crunchy pistachios with a hint of crushed red pepper and honey creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ideal for holiday gatherings or any occasion that calls for an elegant, easy-to-make dip.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6–8 as an appetizer 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cranberry Sauce

• ½ cup orange juice
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 12 ounces cranberries (1 bag), fresh or frozen

Whipped Feta

• 1 block (8 ounces) feta cheese
• ½ cup cream cheese (or Greek yogurt)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Toppings and Garnishes

• 2 tablespoons pistachios, chopped
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Instructions

1. Make the cranberry sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine orange juice, granulated sugar, and cranberries. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes until most of the cranberries burst.
2. Thicken the sauce: Stir continuously while mashing the cranberries with the back of a spoon until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature, approximately 15-20 minutes.
3. Prepare the whipped feta: In a food processor or blender, combine feta cheese, cream cheese (or Greek yogurt), and extra virgin olive oil. Process until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add water one teaspoon at a time until you achieve the perfect spreadable consistency.
4. Assemble the dip: Transfer the whipped feta to a serving bowl and use the back of a spoon to create a swirling pattern on the surface.
5. Add cranberry topping: Spoon the cooled cranberry sauce evenly over the whipped feta, spreading gently.
6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped pistachios and crushed red pepper flakes on top. Drizzle with honey if desired. Serve immediately with crackers, pita chips, crostini, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Notes

• You can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor and lighter option.
• Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit if you want a milder taste.
• This dip is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; stir gently before serving.
• For a vegan variation, use dairy-free cream cheese and feta alternatives.
• Use fresh cranberries for the best texture and flavor, but frozen cranberries work well too.

Keywords: cranberry whipped feta, holiday appetizer, cranberry sauce, whipped cheese dip, easy appetizer, festive dip