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Creamy cranberry whipped feta dip topped with a nutty browned butter and sage cranberry compote.

Festive Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip

Rebecca Blumer
A festive Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip that balances creamy whipped feta with a tart cranberry compote and crunchy pistachios. The perfect holiday centerpiece appetizer.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 185 kcal

Equipment

  • Food processor
  • Medium saucepan

Ingredients
 

For the cranberries:

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

For the whipped feta:

  • 225 g block of feta cheese in brine
  • 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
  • 1/4 tsp chili flakes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Garnishes:

  • 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
  • 1 tbsp honey to drizzle
  • 1 fresh thyme

Instructions
 

Simmer the cranberry compote

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, maple syrup, orange zest, orange juice, and ground nutmeg. Set the pan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a lively boil.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 6 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the berries have burst and the compote has thickened into a glossy jam, remove from heat and let it cool completely.

Whip the feta until airy

  • Place the block of feta, Greek yogurt, chili flakes, and olive oil into a food processor. Blend on high speed until the mixture is silky smooth and lightly aerated.

Assemble and finish

  • Spread the whipped feta into a low, shallow bowl, creating a smooth swoosh with the back of a spoon. Top with the cooled cranberry compote, then garnish with chopped pistachios, a drizzle of honey, and fresh thyme leaves.

Notes

Ingredient Tip: Always use a block of feta cheese in brine rather than pre-crumbled varieties. The brine and higher fat content ensure a silky, creamy emulsion that won't turn grainy.
Texture Fix: If the whipped feta becomes too firm after being refrigerated, pulse it in the food processor for 10 seconds with a teaspoon of olive oil or reserved feta brine to restore its airy texture.
Make-Ahead Advice: You can prepare both the whipped feta and the cranberry compote up to 2 days in advance. Store them in separate airtight containers and assemble just before serving to keep the colors vibrant and the pistachios crunchy.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.

Nutrition

Calories: 185kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 6gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 5.5gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 440mgPotassium: 115mgFiber: 2gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 4IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 175mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip, Festive Dip, Holiday Appetizer, Whipped Feta
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