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:
Easy Garlic & Herb Cheese Holiday Appetizer
Pear & Goat Cheese Crostini Appetizer with Honey
The Best Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip (holiday recipe!)
Ingredients
For the cranberries
- 2 cups frozen or fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- zest & juice of one orange
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
For the whipped feta
- 225 g (8oz) feta cheese, (about 1 1/2 cups crumbled feta)
- 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Garnishes
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
- 1-2 tbsp honey to drizzle
- fresh thyme if desired
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan add cranberries, maple syrup, orange zest, orange juice and nutmeg and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- 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.
- 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).
- Once the cranberries have cooled, assemble the dip by layering the whipped feta in a low bowl. Top with the cranberry compote, chopped pistachios, a drizzle of honey and fresh thyme leaves if desired.
Notes
- Want 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.
- You can make both the whipped feta and cranberry mixture up to 2 days ahead. Store in separate airtight containers in the fridge and take out about half an hour before assembling to bring to room temperature.
- If you don't have feta, substituting with ricotta cheese will work great too. Whipped ricotta is just as delicious!
Roni
This is a crowd pleaser! Had no nutmeg on hand for the cranberries so used an African citrus blend (spicy!) that contained nutmeg and, WOW, what a flavour punch. I’d use a light olive oil next time as it overpowered. Served with Raincoast crackers. It looked beautiful and didn’t last long on the buffet table!
Jess
This is wonderful to hear! I’m so happy you were able to make substitutions and it was still tasty!
Kathy
can I simply sub a jar of cranberry sauce or pepper jelly?
Jess
For sure! That’s a great hack to make this dip even speedier 🙂 If using cranberry sauce, make sure to still add the pistachios and honey drizzle on top!
Carolyn Hitchinson
Great recipe, very tasty and crisp, finished product looks very appetizing. Convenient to make as ingredients are often on hand. Crisp crackers or crostinis appropriate accompaniment as can act as a scoop. Works any time of the year! Left-over dip great on toast, baked potatoes.
Jess
Thank you for the lovely recipe review! I’m so glad you enjoyed this dip and that you found it so versatile too!
janice p maize
So easy and SO delicious! #1 crowd pleaser
Jess
Thank you for the recipe love! So wonderful to hear everyone enjoyed the dip!
Emily
Thanks for sharing this unique and delicious recipe! I added some garlic and salt and pepper to the whipped feta, and cloves, cinnamon, and sugar to the cranberries to taste, and it was delicious and the perfect holiday appetizer. I fried some naan to serve it with.
Jess
Wow! Your additions sound incredible! So glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Dina and Bruce
Oh wow, this was a huge hit at our weekend get together!!
Jess
That’s so fabulous to hear! Thank you for sharing!