Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip
Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip combines creamy, airy whipped feta cheese with a sweet-tart cranberry topping for an irresistible appetizer. The contrast of flavors and textures creates a crowd-pleasing dip that’s perfect for crackers, pita, or fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Whipped Feta Base
- 8 oz feta cheese at room temperature
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves plus extra for garnish
For the Cranberry Topping
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup adjust to taste
- 3 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For Serving
- Toasted baguette slices crackers, or pita chips
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
- Drizzle of honey optional
Instructions
- Prepare the feta base by crumbling the feta cheese into a food processor. Make sure it’s at room temperature for the smoothest result.
- Add cream cheese and process until the mixture begins to smooth out, about 1-2 minutes. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- With the processor running, gradually add the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and black pepper until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. It should have the consistency of whipped cream cheese.
- Fold in the fresh thyme leaves by hand using a spatula. Transfer to your serving dish, spread into an even layer with a slight depression in the center, and refrigerate while preparing the cranberry topping.
- Make the cranberry layer by combining cranberries, honey/maple syrup, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Assemble the dip by spooning the cooled cranberry mixture over the whipped feta layer, leaving a small border of feta visible around the edges for visual appeal.
- Garnish with additional thyme sprigs, a light drizzle of honey if desired, and serve with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or pita chips.
Notes
- For the smoothest whipped feta, ensure both the feta and cream cheese are fully at room temperature before processing.
- The dip can be prepared up to 2 days ahead – store the feta base and cranberry topping separately in the refrigerator, then assemble just before serving.
- For a thicker cranberry layer, simmer the sauce longer; for a more sauce-like consistency, cook for less time.
- This dip works beautifully as part of a larger cheese board or mezze platter.
- Leftovers can be repurposed as a spread for sandwiches or wraps.