Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Recipe

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

1. 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.
2. 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.)
3. 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!

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