Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a festive crowd-pleaser that’s both tangy and sweet, you’ve got to try my Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Recipe. I absolutely love how this dip balances the creaminess of whipped feta and cream cheese with a luscious cranberry-orange topping that’s bursting with seasonal flavor. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just want an impressive appetizer for friends, this recipe will quickly become a favorite—I promise you’ll be making it again and again!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic here happens by combining creamy, savory feta and cream cheese with a vibrant cranberry sauce infused with orange and thyme. Each ingredient plays a role — from the slight heat of red pepper flakes to the crunch of pistachios on top, creating a balanced dip you’ll crave.

• Fresh orange juice and zest: Adds a bright citrusy note that lifts the tart cranberries.
• Honey: Use in two parts to sweeten the cranberry sauce and a drizzle for finishing flair.
• Fresh or frozen cranberries: Tart and tangy, they’re the star of the topping—fresh is great, but frozen works perfectly too.
• Thyme: Both fresh sprigs and chopped leaves introduce an earthy herbaceous flavor.
• Feta in brine: Provides salty creaminess—just be sure to drain the brine well!
• Garlic: One clove adds a gentle kick without overpowering.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: They bring subtle warmth, balancing the sweet and tangy perfectly.
• Cream cheese: For silky smoothness and richness to help whip the feta up nice and fluffy.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Blended in for luscious texture and depth.
• Toasted chopped pistachios: My go-to crunchy garnish that adds color and nutty flavor.
• Crackers or crostini: Essential for dipping—choose your favorite sturdy option to scoop every last bit!

Variations

I love how flexible the Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Recipe is—you can easily tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Over time, I’ve tried a few fun variations that might inspire you to make it your own.

• Make it vegan: I swapped cream cheese and feta with plant-based versions, and though the texture’s a bit different, it’s still delicious topped with extra fresh herbs.
• Spice it up: Once, I added a touch more red pepper flakes and even a dash of smoked paprika, giving it a smoky kick my husband loved.
• Nut alternatives: If pistachios aren’t your thing, toasted almonds or walnuts add great crunch.
• Fresh herbs swap: Sometimes I swap thyme for rosemary or add a sprinkle of chopped basil for a different flavor profile.

How to Make Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Recipe

Step 1: Make the Cranberry Orange Sauce

Start by whisking together fresh orange juice and a tablespoon of honey in a small saucepan over medium heat until combined, then bring it to a boil. Add your cranberries and a sprig of thyme, bringing the mixture back up to a boil. Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens—this typically takes about 7 to 8 minutes. Don’t rush this part; the cranberries need time to soften and meld with the orange. Once done, remove the thyme sprig and stir in the orange zest. Set this aside to cool while you prepare the whipped feta.

Step 2: Whip Up the Feta Mixture

Drain the brine from your feta cubes—that salty liquid can make the dip too overpowering if left in. In your food processor, pulse the feta with garlic, red pepper flakes, and chopped thyme until it breaks into small crumbs. Then add the cream cheese and pulse again until everything is combined. With the motor running, drizzle in the olive oil slowly; this step is key to getting the dip nice and fluffy. If you don’t have a food processor, a hand mixer can work too, but you might need to break down the feta by hand first.

Step 3: Assemble and Serve

Transfer the whipped feta to a serving bowl, then spoon the cooled cranberry sauce on top. Sprinkle the toasted pistachios over it and finish with a drizzle of the remaining honey. The contrast of creamy, tart, nutty, and sweet is what makes this such a hit. Serve it alongside your favorite crackers or crostini—the sturdy ones hold up best to this rich dip. You can enjoy it right away or cover and chill it for later; the flavors only get better.

How to Serve Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Recipe

Garnishes

I always go for freshly toasted pistachios on top for that perfect crunch and a pop of green color. Sometimes I sprinkle extra chopped thyme leaves to echo the herbaceous notes in the dip. A light drizzle of honey not only adds sweetness but also makes the presentation gorgeous. These tiny touches make the dip feel special and festive.

Side Dishes

Besides crackers and crostini, this dip pairs wonderfully with crudité like crisp celery sticks, cucumber slices, or radishes—great for dipping and keeping things light. For parties, I like to serve it alongside a cheese board with olives, nuts, and cured meats, so guests have plenty to nibble on.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve spread the dip on a long wooden board and dotted the cranberry sauce in little spoonfuls for a grazing-style presentation. Another time, I layered the whipped feta and cranberry sauce in a glass trifle bowl for a stunning visual. If you’re feeling fancy, serve scoops in small individual bowls with a sprinkle of pistachios and thyme sprigs on top—everyone loves a personal touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge—the dip keeps beautifully for up to 4 days. Before serving again, give it a gentle stir to recombine the fluffy texture. The cranberry sauce can sometimes thicken a bit, so letting the dip come to room temperature for about 15 minutes helps bring back that creamy ease for spreading or scooping.

Freezing

Honestly, I haven’t had great luck freezing this particular dip because the texture changes—the cream cheese and feta can get grainy once thawed. I recommend making it fresh or storing refrigerated if you want to preserve that smooth, whipped consistency.

Reheating

This dip is best served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t really necessary. If you prefer it slightly warmer, I warm it gently in a microwave at low power for short bursts, stirring frequently. Just be careful not to overheat, or it might lose that fluffy texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it always impresses without any fuss. It’s one of those dishes I bring out during the holidays that stops people in their tracks and sparks compliments. I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy all those perfect flavor layers as much as I do. Trust me, once you make it, your kitchen will smell amazing, and your guests will ask for the recipe—just like mine do every time!

Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 84 reviews

• Author: Alvarez
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 – 8 servings
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

A festive and creamy Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip featuring tangy whipped feta blended with cream cheese, garlic, and herbs, topped with a sweet and tart cranberry sauce, toasted pistachios, and a drizzle of honey. Perfect for holiday gatherings served with crackers or crostini.

---

Ingredients

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 oz. 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 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

For Serving

• 2 tablespoons toasted chopped pistachios
• Crackers or crostini

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare Cranberry Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together orange juice and 1 tablespoon honey until combined, then bring to a boil. Add cranberries and thyme sprig, returning to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and become saucy, about 7 to 8 minutes. Remove thyme sprig and stir in orange zest. Set the sauce aside to cool.
2. Make Whipped Feta Mixture: Meanwhile, drain the brine from the feta cheese. In a food processor, pulse the feta cubes, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and chopped thyme leaves until the feta breaks into small crumbs. Add the cream cheese and pulse again until ingredients are combined.
3. Blend Until Smooth: With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil, continuing to blend until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy in texture.
4. Assemble the Dip: Transfer the whipped feta dip to a serving bowl. Spoon the cooled cranberry sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle with toasted pistachios and drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of honey.
5. Serve: Serve the dip immediately alongside crackers or crostini for scooping. Optionally, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

---

Notes

• The dip combines creamy, tangy whipped feta and cream cheese with a bright, tart cranberry topping accented by fresh herbs and sweet honey.
• This recipe can be made 4 days ahead and stored refrigerated in an airtight container for convenience during holiday entertaining.
• Use fresh or frozen cranberries based on availability; the slight tartness adds great balance to the creamy dip.
• To toast pistachios, simply heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant and lightly browned.

---

Nutrition

• Serving Size: About 1/6 to 1/8 of 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