Zesty Whipped Feta Dip with Fresh Cranberries Recipe

Mediterranean kitchens have long celebrated this whipped feta dip with a vibrant twist of fresh cranberries.

Creamy cheese transforms into a luxurious spread that dances between tangy and sweet.

Soft peaks of blended cheese create a silky canvas for bright crimson berries.

Each spoonful promises a delightful contrast of smooth and zesty flavors.

Seasonal ingredients come together in a simple yet impressive appetizer that sparks conversation.

Warm pita or crisp crackers make perfect companions for this festive dip.

Dive into a recipe that will quickly become your new favorite party starter.

What’s Sweet and Creamy in Whipped Feta Dip

• Quick Festive Appetizer: Elevate your holiday gatherings with this stunning and easy-to-make whipped feta dip that impresses guests without hours of preparation.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Blend ingredients in a food processor for just minutes, creating a creamy, tangy dip with bursts of tart cranberry that delivers gourmet taste with minimal cooking skills.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: Perfect for multiple occasions like holiday parties, game day spreads, potlucks, or casual weekend entertaining, offering a sophisticated twist on traditional dips.
• Healthier Snacking Option: Combines protein-rich feta and cream cheese with antioxidant-packed fresh cranberries, providing a nutrient-dense alternative to standard processed party appetizers.

Whipped Feta & Cranberries Ingredients

• Feta Cheese: Tangy base for the dip, crumbled for smooth blending. Choose a high-quality, creamy feta for best results.
• Cream Cheese: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy texture.

• Olive Oil: Provides silky consistency and subtle Mediterranean flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the dip with a fresh, citrusy tang.
• Honey: Balances the saltiness of feta with a touch of sweetness.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the overall flavor profile.

• Fresh Cranberries: Adds tartness and festive color. Use ripe, firm cranberries for the best texture and flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a fresh, herbal garnish and additional color contrast.

Whipped Feta Dip Cranberry Steps

Step 1: Craft Creamy Feta Base

Grab your food processor and toss in feta cheese, cream cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and black pepper.

Blend everything until the mixture transforms into a silky, luxurious cream with zero lumps.

The goal is achieving a perfectly smooth texture that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Fold in Vibrant Cranberries

Sprinkle chopped cranberries into the whipped feta mixture.

Give the processor a few quick pulses to marry the ingredients.

For those who love texture, pulse minimally.

If you prefer a more uniform consistency, blend a bit longer until cranberries are evenly distributed throughout the dip.

Step 3: Create Stunning Presentation

Carefully transfer the whipped feta mixture into a beautiful serving dish.

Scatter additional fresh cranberries across the top for a gorgeous ruby-like decoration.

Sprinkle chopped parsley over the surface to add a burst of green that makes the dish pop and look professionally prepared.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

• Crisp crackers
• Sliced baguette
• Fresh vegetable sticks
• Pita chips

Invite friends and watch how quickly this colorful, tangy dip disappears from the table.

Whipped Feta Dip Tips with a Festive Twist

• Control the cranberry consistency by adjusting pulse time in the food processor for chunky or smooth results.
• Add a touch more honey or lemon juice to enhance the tangy-sweet profile of the dip.
• Make the whipped feta mixture up to 2 days in advance and store covered in the refrigerator for easy entertaining.
• Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan feta for a plant-based version that maintains the creamy texture.
• Experiment with different berries like pomegranate seeds or chopped raspberries when cranberries are out of season.

Saving Whipped Feta Dip for Later

• Store the whipped feta dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent air exposure and maintain freshness.
• Carefully transfer the dip to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Gently bring the dip to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. Stir well to restore its creamy texture. Avoid microwaving, as this can separate the cheese and change the consistency.
• If the dip seems slightly dry after storage, mix in a small amount of olive oil or lemon juice to restore its original smooth and creamy texture.

What to Serve With Whipped Feta Dip

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the tangy feta and bright cranberry notes, cutting through the creamy richness.
• Match with Rustic Bread Selection: Choose artisan sourdough, rosemary focaccia, or seeded multigrain crackers that provide sturdy texture and subtle complementary flavors to enhance the dip's complexity.
• Combine with Light Protein Companions: Serve alongside grilled chicken skewers, smoked salmon bites, or prosciutto-wrapped asparagus to create a balanced appetizer spread that elevates the whipped feta experience.
• Elevate with Fresh Herb Accompaniments: Add sprigs of fresh thyme, rosemary, or mint around the serving dish to introduce aromatic dimensions that subtly interact with the dip's creamy and tart profile.

Whipped Feta Dip In Different Styles

• Herb-Infused Feta Dip: Replace fresh cranberries with chopped rosemary, thyme, and basil for an aromatic Mediterranean-style dip.
• Vegan Cheese Alternative: Swap feta and cream cheese with cashew-based cheese and nutritional yeast to create a plant-based version that maintains creamy texture.
• Spicy Cranberry Fusion: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to introduce a zesty kick that complements the tangy feta and sweet cranberries.
• Low-Carb Serving Option: Replace traditional crackers with cucumber slices, celery sticks, or bell pepper strips for a lighter, carbohydrate-conscious approach to enjoying the dip.

FAQs

• What type of cheese works best for this dip?

Feta cheese is the primary cheese, but a mix of creamy feta and cream cheese creates the perfect smooth, tangy base. The combination provides a rich texture and balanced flavor.

• Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the whipped feta dip up to 2-3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and add fresh cranberry garnish just before serving to maintain the best texture and presentation.

• Are fresh or dried cranberries better for this recipe?

Fresh cranberries are recommended as they provide a bright, tart flavor and crisp texture. Dried cranberries can work, but they’ll change the overall moisture and taste of the dip.

• How do I prevent the dip from being too runny?

Use room temperature cream cheese and feta, and drain any excess liquid from the cheese. Blend the mixture until smooth but not over-processed to maintain a thick, creamy consistency.

Whipped Feta Dip with Fresh Cranberries Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy “whipped feta dip with fresh cranberries” delivers Mediterranean charm and festive flair. Holiday gatherings welcome this elegant spread where tangy cheese meets sweet-tart berries, inviting guests to savor each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) feta cheese, crumbled
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, chopped (or whole for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Serving Suggestion:

• Crackers, bread, or veggies for dipping

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Instructions

1. Pulse feta cheese, cream cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and black pepper in a food processor until the mixture achieves a velvety, uniform consistency.
2. Gently fold chopped cranberries into the creamy base, using short pulses to distribute them evenly throughout the dip. Adjust blending time based on desired texture – less pulsing for chunky, more for smooth.
3. Carefully transfer the vibrant mixture to a decorative serving vessel, creating an inviting presentation.
4. Scatter additional fresh cranberries and finely chopped parsley across the surface for visual appeal and complementary flavor bursts.
5. Accompany the dip with an array of crisp accompaniments such as artisan crackers, thinly sliced baguette rounds, or crisp raw vegetable sticks for guests to explore and enjoy.

Notes

• Soft feta works best for achieving a creamy, smooth texture without lumps in the dip.
• Drain excess liquid from feta before blending to prevent watery consistency.
• Adjust honey quantity based on desired sweetness level, balancing the tangy feta and tart cranberries.
• Room temperature ingredients help create a smoother, more homogeneous whipped mixture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 153
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 503 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 28 mg