If you’re looking for a unique, elegant, and incredibly easy appetizer, this Whipped Feta Dip with Fresh Cranberries is just the ticket. Creamy, salty feta meets the sweet-tart pop of fresh cranberries in this velvety dip that’s perfect for pairing with crackers, pita, or fresh veggies. It’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to impress at any gathering or casual night at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Festive & Unique: Cranberries add a beautiful holiday twist that will make any gathering feel special.
Creamy & Savory: The whipped feta is smooth, salty, and irresistible.
Simple Ingredients: A short list of pantry staples comes together for big flavor.
Perfect for Sharing: Serve with bread, chips, or fresh veggies to create the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Ingredients

Here’s a quick preview of what you’ll need (the full ingredient list is below):

Feta cheese for that creamy, tangy base.
Cream cheese to add extra creaminess.
Fresh cranberries to give it a sweet-tart bite and festive flair.
Olive oil to balance the texture and flavor.
Honey to balance out the savory notes with a touch of sweetness.

Directions

Prepare the Ingredients: Rinse the fresh cranberries and set them aside.
Whip the Feta Base: In a food processor, add the feta cheese, cream cheese, honey, and olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Fold in the Cranberries: Add about half of the fresh cranberries to the whipped feta mixture and pulse just a few times to combine while still maintaining some cranberry texture.
Taste & Adjust: Taste and adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt or additional honey if desired.
Serve & Garnish: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Top with the remaining fresh cranberries and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Balance the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey based on your taste preference. If you prefer it more savory, add less honey.
Cranberry Variations: You can roast the fresh cranberries with a drizzle of honey in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes for an added depth of flavor.
Serve Fresh: This dip is best served fresh but can be stored for a few hours in the refrigerator.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Add Herbs: Fresh rosemary, thyme, or basil would pair beautifully with this dip for added aromatic flavor.
Vegan Alternative: Use vegan cream cheese and dairy-free feta options for a plant-based twist.
Add a Citrus Note: A dash of fresh orange zest would enhance the cranberries and feta combo with a zesty, fresh note.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Pair this Whipped Feta Dip with Fresh Cranberries with:

Sliced cucumbers, carrots, and celery for a fresh veggie platter.
Crispy pita chips or fresh baguette slices.
Crackers topped with a dollop of the dip and a fresh cranberry for a bite-sized appetizer.
A glass of white wine or sparkling cider for a festive pairing.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: This dip is best served cold or at room temperature, as reheating can alter the texture of the feta.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh ones?
While fresh cranberries are recommended for their tartness and color, you can use dried cranberries if that’s what you have on hand.

2. Is this dip suitable for all diets?
This dip is vegetarian-friendly. For a vegan option, use dairy-free alternatives like vegan cream cheese and dairy-free feta.

3. How do I make this dip more or less sweet?
You can easily adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey based on your taste preferences.

4. Can I prepare this dip ahead of time?
Yes! You can make it a few hours ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and bring it to room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

This Whipped Feta Dip with Fresh Cranberries is a show-stopping appetizer that combines sweet, savory, and creamy flavors in the most festive way possible. Perfect for holiday parties, gatherings, or a cozy night in with friends, this dip is sure to become a new favorite. With its velvety texture, tangy bite, and colorful presentation, it’s both stunning and simple—everything you want in a holiday appetizer.

Whipped Feta Dip with Fresh Cranberries

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Jake
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer, Snack, Party Food
Method: Blending
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Holiday
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Whipped Feta Dip with Fresh Cranberries is a perfect combination of tangy feta, creamy texture, and the bright burst of fresh cranberries. It’s a beautiful and flavorful dip that’s ideal for holiday gatherings, parties, or any time you want a savory-sweet snack. Simple to make, yet sure to impress your guests!

Instructions

Prepare the Feta Mixture: In a food processor, combine the crumbled feta cheese, cream cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Add Cranberries: Add the chopped cranberries to the whipped feta mixture and pulse a few times to incorporate them. If you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse less; if you want a smoother dip, blend more.
Garnish: Transfer the whipped feta dip to a serving dish. Garnish with extra fresh cranberries and chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Serve: Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Notes

Substitute for Honey: If you prefer a non-sweetened version, you can omit the honey or use agave syrup for a vegan option.
Make Ahead: You can make this dip ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 1 day before serving. The flavors will meld beautifully as it sits.
Texture Adjustment: Adjust the amount of olive oil or cream cheese to get your desired dip texture. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Calories: 90-100 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 20mg