Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Recipe
This vibrant Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip combines the tartness of fresh or frozen cranberries cooked down into a sweet and tangy compote with the creamy, spicy whipped feta base. Enhanced with orange zest, nutmeg, chili flakes, and a touch of honey, this dip is perfect for holiday gatherings or as an elegant appetizer paired with crackers or fresh vegetables.
- Author: Ella
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Cranberry Compote
- 2 cups frozen or fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- Zest and juice of one orange
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Whipped Feta Dip
- 225 g (8 oz) block of feta cheese in brine, drained
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
- 1–2 tbsp honey, for drizzling
- Fresh thyme leaves, optional
- Prepare the cranberry compote: In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, maple syrup, orange zest, orange juice, and ground nutmeg. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a medium-low simmer. Cook 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 completely.
- Whip the feta dip: While the compote cools, place the drained feta cheese, Greek yogurt, chili flakes, and olive oil into a food processor or a bowl if using an immersion blender. Blend on high speed until the mixture becomes smooth, creamy, and well combined.
- Assemble the dip: Spoon the whipped feta mixture into a shallow serving bowl. Layer the cooled cranberry compote on top evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped pistachios over the top. Drizzle with honey for added sweetness and scatter fresh thyme leaves if desired for a fragrant finish. Serve with crackers, pita bread, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries according to availability; both work well.
- Ensure the feta cheese is well drained to avoid a watery dip.
- You can adjust the sweetness by varying maple syrup and honey quantities.
- For a spicier kick, increase the chili flakes or use smoked paprika as an alternative.
- This dip can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated; bring to room temperature before serving.
Keywords: cranberry dip, whipped feta, holiday appetizer, easy dip recipe, cranberry compote, festive dip, Greek yogurt dip