Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip is an elegant yet incredibly simple appetizer that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. It combines salty, creamy whipped feta with a bright, slightly sweet cranberry topping, creating a perfect balance that feels festive and refined. The contrast in textures makes every bite interesting, from the smooth feta base to the juicy cranberry layer on top.
This is one of my favorite dips to serve when I want something that looks impressive without being complicated. I first made it for a holiday gathering, and it quickly became the most talked-about dish on the table. The tanginess of the feta paired with cranberries works beautifully, especially when served with crusty bread or crackers. It comes together quickly, can be made ahead, and fits effortlessly into both casual and formal occasions.
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Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip for Holidays, Snacks, or Parties
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and tangy cranberry whipped feta dip made with smooth feta cheese, cream cheese, and a sweet-tart cranberry topping—perfect for holidays and entertaining.
Ingredients
- 8 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp orange zest (optional)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and water.
- Cook over medium heat for 8–10 minutes until cranberries burst and mixture thickens. Stir in orange zest if using, then let cool.
- In a food processor, combine feta, cream cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, and honey.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed.
- Spread whipped feta onto a serving plate or bowl.
- Spoon cooled cranberry topping over the feta.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve.
Notes
- Serve with crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetables.
- The cranberry topping can be made up to 3 days ahead.
- For extra creaminess, allow cheeses to fully come to room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Feta cheese
Feta is the foundation of this dip, providing a salty, tangy flavor that becomes creamy and smooth when whipped.
Cream cheese
Cream cheese softens the sharpness of feta and creates a rich, spreadable texture.
Olive oil
Olive oil adds silkiness and helps achieve a light, whipped consistency.
Honey
Honey adds subtle sweetness that balances the saltiness of the cheese.
Dried cranberries
Cranberries bring sweetness, chewiness, and festive color to the dip.
Orange zest
Orange zest brightens the cranberry topping and adds a fresh citrus aroma.
Fresh rosemary or thyme
Fresh herbs add depth and a savory note that complements the sweetness.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds gentle warmth and contrast.
Directions
Begin by preparing the whipped feta base. In a food processor, combine feta cheese, cream cheese, olive oil, and honey. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth, creamy, and slightly fluffy. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure even blending.
Transfer the whipped feta to a serving bowl or plate and smooth the top with a spoon.
In a small bowl, mix the dried cranberries with orange zest and finely chopped rosemary or thyme. Scatter this mixture evenly over the whipped feta.
Finish with a light drizzle of olive oil and a few cracks of black pepper just before serving. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 6 to 8 people as an appetizer.
Preparation time is about 10 minutes, with no cooking required.
Storage/reheating
Store the dip covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Allow it to sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving for the best texture. Reheating is not required.
Variations and Customizations
Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip is easy to adapt depending on taste and occasion. For a sweeter topping, you can simmer the cranberries briefly with a splash of orange juice and honey to create a compote-like texture. This works especially well for holiday spreads.
If you prefer a more savory version, reduce the honey in the whipped feta and increase the herbs. Chopped pistachios or walnuts can be added for crunch and visual appeal.
You can also experiment with flavors by adding a small amount of garlic to the feta base or swapping orange zest for lemon. Each variation keeps the dip balanced while offering a slightly different character.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dip is rich and satisfying, offering protein and calcium from the cheese. It is suitable for vegetarian diets and can be made gluten-free by serving with gluten-free crackers or vegetables.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Feta texture
Use good-quality feta for the creamiest result.
Whipping consistency
Blend until completely smooth to avoid graininess.
Flavor balance
Taste before serving and adjust honey or pepper as needed.
FAQs
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, it can be prepared up to two days in advance.
What should I serve with this dip?
Crackers, crostini, pita chips, or fresh vegetables work well.
Can I use fresh cranberries?
Dried cranberries are best, but cooked fresh cranberries can be used.
Is this dip very salty?
The cream cheese and honey help balance the feta’s saltiness.
Can I make it lighter?
Use reduced-fat cream cheese, though texture may change slightly.
Can I skip the honey?
Yes, but the dip will be more savory.
Do I need a food processor?
A strong blender can work, but a processor is ideal.
Can I freeze whipped feta?
Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.
What herbs work best?
Rosemary, thyme, or even a little sage work well.
Is this suitable for holidays?
Yes, it is festive, colorful, and perfect for entertaining.
Conclusion
Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip is a beautifully balanced appetizer that combines creamy, tangy, and sweet elements in one simple dish. Quick to prepare and visually appealing, it is perfect for holiday tables, parties, or elegant snacking. This recipe delivers dependable results and a flavor combination that always feels special.
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