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A bowl of creamy Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip, topped with a nutty brown butter cranberry compote, orange zest, and pistachios.

Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip

Linda Ekin
An incredibly creamy and festive appetizer, this Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip balances tangy feta, a sweet-tart cranberry topping with a hint of browned butter, and crunchy pistachios. It's the perfect easy yet elegant dip for any holiday gathering.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Appetizer, Dip, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 8 people
Calories 275 kcal

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Food Processor
  • Small skillet

Ingredients
  

For the cranberries:

  • 2 cups frozen or fresh cranberries
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • zest & juice of one orange
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

For the whipped feta:

  • 225 g (8oz) block of feta cheese in brine, drained
  • 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
  • 1/4 tsp chili flakes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Garnishes:

  • 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
  • 1-2 tbsp honey to drizzle
  • fresh thyme, if desired

Instructions
 

Make the Cranberry Topping

  • In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the cranberries, maple syrup, orange zest, orange juice, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 6-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will burst and the mixture will thicken into a glossy, jam-like compote.
  • Remove the saucepan from the heat. Set aside to cool completely before assembling the dip. (This is a crucial step to prevent the feta from becoming runny).

Blend the Whipped Feta

  • In the bowl of a food processor, combine the drained feta cheese block, Greek yogurt, chili flakes, and olive oil.
  • Blend on high for 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until the mixture is perfectly smooth, creamy, and airy. Don't stop blending until it's light and fluffy.

Assemble and Serve

  • Spread the whipped feta into a shallow bowl or plate, using the back of a spoon to create swirls and dips.
  • Spoon the completely cooled cranberry topping over the whipped feta. Garnish with chopped pistachios, a generous drizzle of honey, and a few leaves of fresh thyme, if desired.
  • Serve immediately with crostini, pita chips, sturdy crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks.

Notes

Key to Smoothness: For the silkiest, non-grainy dip, use a block of feta packed in brine, not pre-crumbled feta. Allowing the feta and Greek yogurt to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before blending also helps achieve a smoother texture.
Cooling is Crucial: Do not spoon warm cranberry topping over the feta, as it will cause the dip to loosen and become runny. Ensure the compote is at room temperature or chilled before assembling.
Make-Ahead & Storage: Both the whipped feta and the cranberry topping can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble just before serving. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Serving Tip: If serving from the fridge, let the dip sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften and allow the flavors to bloom.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.

Nutrition

Calories: 275kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 8gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 30IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Christmas appetizer, holiday appetizer, Thanksgiving appetizer
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