Description
Cranberry whipped feta dip brings Mediterranean charm to holiday gatherings with its creamy texture and festive flavors. Guests will savor this elegant appetizer that balances tangy cheese and sweet-tart cranberry compote, creating a perfect bite for entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup (237 ml) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 8 ounces (226 grams) feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup (120 ml) plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup (60 ml) orange juice
- ¼ cup (60 ml) maple syrup
Seasoning and Spices:
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Zest of 1 orange
Garnish:
- ¼ cup (60 ml) chopped pistachios
- 12 tablespoons (180 ml) honey
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Craft the vibrant cranberry compote by combining whole cranberries, fragrant orange juice, rich maple syrup, delicate orange zest, and warm nutmeg in a saucepan. Elevate the heat and coax the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a soft simmer.
- Allow the cranberries to dance and burst, stirring occasionally, until the concoction transforms into a luscious, jam-like texture. This process typically requires 6-10 minutes of patient cooking.
- Remove the cranberry mixture from heat and permit it to cool completely, letting the flavors meld and intensify at room temperature.
- Transfer feta cheese, creamy Greek yogurt, fruity olive oil, and optional fiery red pepper flakes into a food processor. Pulse and blend until the mixture achieves a silky, whipped consistency.
- Carefully spread the airy feta mixture across a serving vessel, creating an elegant base for the vibrant topping.
- Gently cascade the cooled cranberry compote over the whipped feta, creating a stunning color contrast.
- Sprinkle roughly chopped pistachios across the surface for a delightful crunch and nutty dimension.
- Drizzle golden honey in elegant swirls and garnish with delicate fresh thyme leaves for an aromatic finish.
- Present immediately alongside crisp crostini, rustic crackers, or warm pita bread for an irresistible appetizer experience.
Notes
- Customize the cranberry sauce by adjusting sweetness with maple syrup or swapping orange juice for water or wine for deeper flavor complexity.
- Ensure feta is at room temperature before blending to achieve ultra-smooth, creamy texture without lumps.
- Swap dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like vegan feta and coconut yogurt for a dairy-free version that maintains rich, tangy profile.
- Prepare components separately in advance and assemble just before serving to keep crisp textures and prevent soggy presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 256
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg