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Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip

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This cranberry whipped feta dip is an easy holiday appetizer that combines creamy, tangy whipped feta with sweet-tart cranberry sauce, crunchy pistachios, and a drizzle of hot honey. It comes together in minutes using prepared cranberry sauce, making it perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday gathering!

A plate with whipped feta dip topped with a cranberry sauce mixture garnished with crushed pistachios and hot honey. Two pieces of toasted crostini are on the plate. The plate is on a tan counter with bowls of ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip

I love making appetizers for Thanksgiving and Christmas, especially ones that don't require a ton of work. I wanted to try something a little different from the usual holiday dips, and I thought combining whipped feta with cranberry sauce like @what_mollymade in her viral video would be delicious.

I also love finding shortcuts in the kitchen, so instead of cooking fresh cranberries, I used whole-berry cranberry sauce and added some fresh orange juice and zest to brighten it up. The feta is whipped until smooth and creamy, and its tangy, salty flavor balances the sweet-tart cranberries perfectly. I also added chopped pistachios for crunch and a drizzle of hot honey for a little heat. You get a little bit of everything in each bite, and it all tastes amazing scooped up with toasted crostini.

Another reason I love this recipe is how convenient it is for the holidays. You can prepare the whipped feta ahead of time, then add the toppings right before serving. It looks festive on a holiday appetizer spread, and you don't have to turn on the oven to make it!

A plate with whipped feta dip topped with a cranberry sauce mixture garnished with crushed pistachios and hot honey. The plate is on a tan counter with bowls of ingredients.

Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Ingredients

For the cranberry topping:

  • 2 cups whole cranberry sauce, chilled
  • 1 tsp. orange zest
  • 1 tbsp. fresh orange juice

For the whipped feta:

  • 8 oz. block feta cheese packed in brine, drained
  • 2 tbsps. olive oil
  • 3 tbsps. heavy cream
  • 1-2 tbsps. water, if needed

For garnish:

  • ¼ cup roasted salted pistachios, chopped
  • Hot honey, for drizzling
  • Fresh or dried thyme leaves
  • Extra orange zest (optional)
  • Toasted crostini, pita bread, or crackers, for serving

Ingredient Notes

  • Whole-berry cranberry sauce. I use prepared whole-berry cranberry sauce to keep this recipe quick and easy. Make sure it's chilled and thick enough to sit on top of the feta without running off. You can use homemade or canned cranberry sauce.
  • Feta cheese. I recommend using a block of feta packed in brine rather than pre-crumbled feta. It blends into a smoother, creamier dip. Drain it well before using.
  • Heavy cream and olive oil. These help turn the feta into a smooth, spreadable dip. If the mixture is still too thick, add water a little at a time until it's creamy.
  • Orange juice and zest. Fresh orange juice and zest brighten the cranberry sauce and balance its sweetness. I recommend using fresh orange rather than bottled juice.
  • Pistachios. I use roasted, salted pistachios for extra crunch and a little saltiness. Chop them just before serving for the best texture.
  • Hot honey. This adds a touch of sweetness and heat that pairs really well with the tangy feta. Drizzle on as much or as little as you like, depending on your spice preference.

A tan counter with several bowls containing ingredients to make cranberry whipped feta dip including cranberries, feta, orange zest, feta, heavy cream, oil, hot honey, pistachios, and toasted crostini.

How to Make Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip

Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Topping

In a small bowl, combine the 2 cups of chilled whole-berry cranberry sauce, orange zest, and fresh orange juice. Stir until everything is evenly mixed, then set aside while you prepare the feta.

A bowl with a cranberry sauce mixture. A spoon is in the cranberries. The plate is on a tan counter.

Step 2: Make the Whipped Feta Topping

Add the feta cheese and olive oil to a food processor or high-speed blender. Blend until the feta is broken down into small crumbles.

Pour in the heavy cream and continue blending until the mixture becomes smooth, light, and creamy. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides. If needed, add 1–2 tablespoons of water, a little at a time, until the feta reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.

A food processor with whipped feta cheese with cream. The processor is on a tan counter.

Step 3: Spread and Chill

Transfer the whipped feta to a shallow serving bowl. Use the back of a spoon to spread it into an even layer, creating small swirls across the surface. Refrigerate for about 15 minutes to let the whipped feta firm up slightly before adding the toppings.

A plate with whipped feta covering the surface of the plate. The plate is on a tan counter.

Step 4: Add the Cranberry Topping

Remove the whipped feta from the refrigerator and spoon the prepared cranberry mixture evenly over the top. Gently spread it across the feta, leaving some of the creamy white edges visible.

A plate with whipped feta dip topped with a cranberry sauce mixture garnished with crushed pistachios and hot honey. The plate is on a tan counter with bowls of ingredients.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the chopped pistachios and fresh or dried thyme over the cranberry topping. Finish with a drizzle of hot honey and a little extra orange zest, if desired. Serve immediately with toasted crostini, pita bread, or your favorite crackers for dipping. Enjoy!

A plate with whipped feta dip topped with a cranberry sauce mixture garnished with crushed pistachios and hot honey. Two pieces of toasted crostini are on the plate. The plate is on a tan counter with bowls of ingredients.

My Expert Tips for the Best Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip

  • Blend a little longer for a fluffier texture. Once the ingredients are combined, let the food processor run for another 30–60 seconds. This helps break down any remaining bits of feta and creates a lighter, smoother dip.
  • Balance the cranberry and feta layers. Since this recipe makes a generous amount of cranberry topping, I recommend adding it gradually. You want a little creamy feta and cranberry sauce in every bite without one overpowering the other.
  • Don't add extra salt. Between the feta and salted pistachios, this dip already has plenty of saltiness. Taste everything together before adding any additional seasoning.
  • Keep the toppings separate when making ahead. I recommend storing the whipped feta and cranberry mixture in separate containers, then assembling just before serving. This keeps the layers looking fresh and the pistachios crunchy.
  • Serve with sturdy dippers. I especially like toasted baguette slices or pita chips because they hold up well to the thick feta and whole cranberries. Thin crackers can break when scooping.

A plate with whipped feta dip topped with a cranberry sauce mixture garnished with crushed pistachios and hot honey. The plate is on a tan counter with bowls of ingredients.

Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip FAQ

Can I make cranberry whipped feta dip ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the whipped feta and cranberry topping up to 2 days before Thanksgiving or Christmas. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator, then assemble the dip and add the pistachios, thyme, and hot honey just before serving.

Can I use canned cranberry sauce for whipped feta dip?

Absolutely! I actually use prepared whole-berry cranberry sauce for this recipe to save time. Just mix it with fresh orange juice and zest before adding it to the whipped feta. I recommend avoiding jellied cranberry sauce because it doesn't have the same texture.

Can I use leftover Thanksgiving cranberry sauce?

Yes! This is a great way to use leftover homemade cranberry sauce. You'll need 2 cups, and it should be chilled and thick enough to spoon over the feta. It's an easy appetizer to make with Thanksgiving leftovers.

What should I serve with cranberry whipped feta dip?

My favorite way to serve this dip is with toasted baguette slices or crostini. Pita chips, sturdy crackers, and sliced apples or pears are also delicious. The sweet fruit pairs especially well with the salty feta and tart cranberry topping.

Is cranberry whipped feta dip served hot or cold?

I recommend serving it chilled or slightly softened at room temperature. You can take it out of the refrigerator about 10–15 minutes before serving if the feta has firmed up too much. There's no need to heat this dip.

Why is my whipped feta dip runny?

The most likely cause is adding too much water or not draining the feta thoroughly. The cranberry sauce can also release extra liquid. If your whipped feta is too thin, refrigerate it for 15–30 minutes to help it firm up before adding the cranberry topping.

How do I store leftover cranberry whipped feta dip?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cranberry topping may gradually mix into the feta, and the pistachios will soften, so it's best enjoyed within the first day or two. Refrigerate the dip within 2 hours of serving.

Can I freeze cranberry whipped feta dip?

I don't recommend freezing it. The whipped feta can become grainy or watery after thawing, and the cranberry topping may release extra moisture. For the best texture, prepare the components ahead of time and refrigerate them instead.

A plate with whipped feta dip topped with a cranberry sauce mixture garnished with crushed pistachios and hot honey. A toasted crostini is being dipped in the dip. The plate is on a tan counter with bowls of ingredients.

More Holiday Appetizers

Yield: 8 servings

Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip

A plate with whipped feta dip topped with a cranberry sauce mixture garnished with crushed pistachios and hot honey. Two pieces of toasted crostini are on the plate. The plate is on a tan counter with bowls of ingredients.

This cranberry whipped feta dip is an easy holiday appetizer that combines creamy, tangy whipped feta with sweet-tart cranberry sauce, crunchy pistachios, and a drizzle of hot honey. It comes together in minutes using prepared cranberry sauce, making it perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday gathering!

Prep Time 20 minutes
Additional Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

Cranberry topping:

  • 2 cups whole cranberry sauce, chilled
  • 1 tsp. orange zest
  • 1 tbsp. fresh orange juice

Whipped feta:

  • 8 oz. block feta cheese packed in brine, drained
  • 2 tbsps. olive oil
  • 3 tbsps. heavy cream
  • 1-2 tbsps. water, if needed

Garnish:

  • ¼ cup roasted salted pistachios, chopped
  • Hot honey, for drizzling
  • Fresh or dried thyme leaves
  • Extra orange zest (optional)
  • Toasted crostini, pita bread, or crackers, for serving

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine the chilled whole-berry cranberry sauce, orange zest, and fresh orange juice. Stir until combined and set aside.
  2. Add the drained feta cheese and olive oil to a food processor or high-speed blender. Blend until the feta breaks down into small crumbles.
  3. Add the heavy cream and blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. If the mixture is too thick, add water 1 teaspoon at a time, up to 2 tablespoons, until smooth and spreadable.
  4. Transfer the whipped feta to a shallow serving bowl and spread evenly, creating small swirls with the back of a spoon.
  5. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to let the whipped feta firm up slightly.
  6. Gently spoon the cranberry mixture over the chilled feta, spreading it into an even layer without mixing the two together.
  7. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios and thyme leaves. Drizzle with hot honey and garnish with extra orange zest, if desired.
  8. Serve chilled or slightly softened at room temperature with toasted crostini, pita bread, or crackers for dipping.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

⅛ of the dip
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 284Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 303mgCarbohydrates: 32gFiber: 2gSugar: 24gProtein: 7g
© I'm Hungry For That
Category: Appetizer/Snack
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