Description

This Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip is a festive and flavorful appetizer combining tangy whipped feta and cream cheese with a sweet and tart cranberry sauce, accented by fragrant thyme and a hint of orange. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it’s served with crunchy crackers or crostini for a delightful bite that balances creamy, savory, and fruity elements.

Ingredients

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For the Cranberry Sauce

1/3 cup fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
2 tablespoons honey, divided
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1 sprig thyme

For the Whipped Feta Dip

6 ounces feta in brine, cut into small cubes
1 clove garlic, grated or minced
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons chopped thyme leaves
6 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons toasted chopped pistachios
Crackers or crostini, for serving

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Instructions

Prepare Cranberry Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the fresh orange juice and 1 tablespoon of honey until combined. Bring the mixture to a boil. Add the cranberries and thyme sprig, returning the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and turn saucy, about 7 to 8 minutes. Remove the thyme sprig and stir in the finely grated orange zest. Set aside to cool.
Prepare Whipped Feta: Drain the brine from the feta cheese. In a food processor, pulse the feta, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and chopped thyme leaves until the feta breaks down into small crumbs. Add the cream cheese and pulse until the mixture is combined. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil and blend until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
Assemble and Serve: Transfer the whipped feta mixture to a serving bowl. Spoon the cooled cranberry sauce on top. Sprinkle with toasted chopped pistachios and drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of honey. Serve alongside crackers or crostini for dipping.
Make Ahead Tip: This dip can be prepared up to 4 days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Notes

The combination of tangy whipped feta and cream cheese with the sweet and tart cranberry sauce makes this a perfect holiday appetizer.
Fresh orange juice and zest add a bright citrus flavor that enhances the cranberries.
Crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.
Toasted pistachios add texture and a nutty flavor contrast.
Serve chilled or at room temperature alongside your favorite crackers or crostini.

Nutrition

Serving Size: about 1/6 of the recipe
Calories: 290
Sugar: 9 g
Sodium: 404 mg
Fat: 23 g
Saturated Fat: 11 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 7 g
Cholesterol: 56 mg