The Best Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip (holiday recipe!)

This cranberry whipped feta dip is sure to be a new favorite holiday appetizer!

Whipped feta is topped with an easy-to-make cranberry compote and garnished with chopped pistachios & a drizzle of honey.

With sweet and savory flavours, it’s an amazing flavor experience in every bite!

This festive appetizer is sure to be a favorite dip for the holiday season!

Just like my easy goat cheese appetizer with fig jam and pecans, this whipped feta dip is a part of my go-to easy recipes for the holidays.

Why you’ll love this cranberry feta cheese dip recipe

• It’s a simple dip that is quick and easy to make!
• This whipped feta dip is make with simple ingredients that are easy to find.
• It’s a delicious appetizer that you can prep ahead of time so it’s a quick party food!

Ingredients needed to make this cranberry feta dip

Cranberries: you can use frozen or fresh cranberries to make the tart homemade cranberry sauce topping for this recipe.

Orange: zest and juice of one orange adds a bright, fresh flavour to the cranberry mixture.

Maple Syrup: the sweetness of the maple syrup balances out the tartness of the cranberries.

Nutmeg: nutmeg is a festive spice that goes lovely with the cranberries, orange and maple syrup flavours.

Feta cheese:  the fresh feta cheese combined with the greek yogurt provides a divine creamy texture as the base for this dip.

Greek yogurt:  plain greek yogurt helps to give the whipped feta a lucious, creamy texture.

Chili flakes: a pinch of chili flakes helps to flavour the whipped feta.

Olive oil: olive oil brings the whipped feta all together perfectly in the food processor.

Pistachios: a salty, nutty, crunchy topping that goes lovely with the rest of the ingredients.

Honey: a splash of honey ties the sweet, tart and savory flavours of the dip together.

Fresh thyme: a pinch fresh thyme leaves are nice addition if you desire, alternatively minced rosemary from sprigs of fresh rosemary could also be nice.

How to make this perfect holiday appetizer

Step 1: In a small saucepan add cranberries, maple syrup, orange zest, orange juice and nutmeg and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Once boiling, turn to medium-low and keep at a simmer for about 6-10 minutes, stirring occasionally or until cranberries have burst and start to reduce to a jam-like consistency. Once done, remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Step 3: Whip the feta by adding feta cheese, greek yogurt, chili flakes and olive oil to a food processor and blend on high until smooth and creamy. (You can also bend using an immersion blender).

Step 4: Once the cranberries have cooled, assemble the dip by layering the whipped feta in a shallow bowl. Top with the cranberry compote, chopped pistachios, a drizzle of honey and fresh thyme leaves if desired.

Step 5: Serve with crostini, crackers or pita bread if desired.

Expert tips for making this cranberry whipped feta dip

• ​If you don’t have a food processor, don’t fret! You can use a hand/immersion blender to combine the whipped feta ingredients or even a hand mixer.
• Make the cranberry compote ahead of time! Store in the fridge and take out about a half hour before assembling the dip so it can come to room temperature.

Common questions

How can I make this easy appetizer ahead of time?
You can make both the whipped feta and cranberry mixture for this cranberry whipped feta dip up to 2 days ahead. Store in the fridge each in their own airtight container and take out about half an hour before assembling to bring to room temperature.

What if I don’t want to use chili flakes?
You can replace the chili flakes with ground black pepper if you prefer.

How can I make my own crostini?
To make your own crostini: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Use a bread knife to slice a baguette into 1-inch thick slices. Brush the bread slices with olive oil on one side and place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes, then flip and bake for another 5 minutes until toasted.

How to store this appetizer

If you have leftover dip, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

More easy appetizer recipe ideas to make from the blog:

Pear & Walnut Baked Brie

Easy Garlic & Herb Cheese Holiday Appetizer

Pear & Goat Cheese Crostini Appetizer with Honey