This Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip combines creamy, tangy whipped feta with a sweet and tart cranberry compote, finished with a crunch from chopped pistachios and a drizzle of honey. It’s an elegant, festive appetizer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, pairing well with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or even veggies.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Balanced Flavors: Creamy feta, tart cranberries, and sweet honey make this dip a perfect balance of flavors.
- Texture Contrast: Smooth whipped feta, jammy cranberry compote, and crunchy pistachios add a delightful mix of textures.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in 20 minutes, this appetizer looks impressive but requires minimal prep.
- Seasonal and Festive: With its rich colors and seasonal ingredients, it’s perfect for any holiday spread.
Ingredients
For the Cranberry Compote:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
For the Whipped Feta:
- 225 g (8 oz) feta cheese, crumbled (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (for a hint of heat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garnishes:
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
- 1-2 tablespoons honey, for drizzling
- Fresh thyme leaves, optional
Step-by-Step Directions
- Prepare the Cranberry Compote:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, maple syrup, orange zest, orange juice, and nutmeg.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 6-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Make the Whipped Feta:
- In a food processor, combine the crumbled feta, Greek yogurt, chili flakes, and olive oil.
- Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. (If a food processor isn’t available, an immersion blender or hand mixer can be used to achieve a similar texture.)
- Assemble the Dip:
- Spread the whipped feta in a shallow serving bowl as the base layer.
- Spoon the cranberry compote over the whipped feta.
- Sprinkle with chopped pistachios, drizzle with honey, and garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Food processor or immersion blender
- Mixing spoon
- Serving bowl
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve with crackers, crostini, or sliced baguette. This dip is also delicious with veggie sticks for a lighter option.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir the compote and whipped feta together before storing to preserve freshness.
- Make-Ahead: Both the cranberry compote and whipped feta can be made a day in advance and assembled just before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Cranberry Compote: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cranberry compote for extra heat.
- Herbed Feta Dip: Add fresh or dried rosemary or thyme to the whipped feta for a more herbal flavor.
- Dried Cranberries: Substitute dried cranberries if fresh or frozen aren’t available. Soak them in warm water or orange juice for 15 minutes before using to rehydrate.
Helpful Notes
- Consistent Blending: For a creamy consistency, make sure to blend the feta and yogurt mixture thoroughly, scraping down the sides of the food processor as needed.
- Adjusting Sweetness: Add more maple syrup to the cranberry compote if you prefer a sweeter topping, or drizzle additional honey over the finished dip.
- Zesting Tip: Use a fine grater or microplane to zest the orange, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith.
Tips from Chefs
- Chef Ina Garten: “If your feta is quite firm, add a splash of milk or extra olive oil to help achieve a smooth, creamy texture.”
- Chef Yotam Ottolenghi: “Pair tangy feta with bold, sweet flavors like cranberries and honey to create a perfect balance of savory and sweet.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use a different cheese for the whipped layer?
Yes, you can substitute feta with goat cheese for a milder, tangy flavor or use a blend of feta and cream cheese for extra creaminess.
Q2: Can I use canned cranberry sauce?
For a quicker option, you can use whole berry cranberry sauce, but homemade cranberry compote provides a fresher, more vibrant flavor.
Q3: How can I make this dip dairy-free?
Substitute the feta with a dairy-free feta alternative and use dairy-free Greek-style yogurt.
Q4: Can I make this without a food processor?
Yes, use an immersion blender, hand mixer, or even a fork to blend the feta and yogurt. It may not be as smooth, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Q5: What other garnishes can I add?
Try adding pomegranate seeds, chopped walnuts, or even a bit of finely chopped rosemary for extra flavor and color.
Enjoy the Festive Flavors of Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip!
This Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip is a unique and beautiful appetizer that’s perfect for the holiday season. With creamy, tangy feta, sweet cranberry compote, crunchy pistachios, and a drizzle of honey, it’s a flavor-packed and visually stunning dish. Serve it at your next gathering and watch it become a favorite on the appetizer table!
Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip with Pistachio Crunch
Ingredients
- For the Cranberry Compote
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- For the Whipped Feta
- 225 g 8 oz feta cheese, crumbled (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Garnishes
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
- 1-2 tablespoons honey for drizzling
- Fresh thyme leaves optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Cranberry Compote: In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, maple syrup, orange zest, orange juice, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 6-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and the mixture reaches a jam-like consistency. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Make the Whipped Feta: In a food processor, combine feta cheese, Greek yogurt, chili flakes, and olive oil. Blend on high until smooth and creamy. (An immersion blender can also be used).
- Assemble the Dip: In a shallow serving bowl, spread the whipped feta as a base layer. Top with the cranberry compote, then sprinkle with chopped pistachios. Drizzle with honey and garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Notes
- Consistent Blending: For a creamy consistency, make sure to blend the feta and yogurt mixture thoroughly, scraping down the sides of the food processor as needed.
- Adjusting Sweetness: Add more maple syrup to the cranberry compote if you prefer a sweeter topping, or drizzle additional honey over the finished dip.
- Zesting Tip: Use a fine grater or microplane to zest the orange, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith.