Description
This vibrant and festive Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip is a perfect holiday appetizer combining the creamy tanginess of whipped feta and Greek yogurt with a sweet-tart cranberry compote, accented by warm orange, nutmeg, and a hint of chili. Topped with crunchy pistachios, honey, and fresh thyme, it’s an elegant yet easy-to-make dish ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Cranberry Compote
- 2 cups frozen or fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- Zest & juice of 1 orange
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
Whipped Feta Dip
- 225 g (8 oz) feta cheese, crumbled (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Toppings
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
- 1-2 tbsp honey, for drizzling
- Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 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.
- Simmer the cranberries: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it 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.
- Whip the feta dip: In a food processor, add the crumbled feta cheese, Greek yogurt, chili flakes, and olive oil. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Alternatively, use an immersion blender to achieve the same texture.
- Assemble the dip: In a shallow serving bowl, spread the whipped feta mixture evenly. Spoon the cooled cranberry compote over the top.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle chopped pistachios over the cranberry layer. Drizzle with honey and garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired.
Notes
- This dip is quick and effortless, ready in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for holiday gatherings or last-minute entertaining.
- You can prepare the cranberry compote a day in advance and store it refrigerated to save time.
- Adjust the honey drizzle according to your preferred sweetness level.
- For a spicier kick, increase the chili flakes slightly or substitute with smoked paprika for a warm smoky flavor.
- Serve with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or fresh vegetable crudités for the perfect party platter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (approximately 100g)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
