Imagine the creamy, tangy delight of whipped feta mingling with the sweet burst of dried cranberries.
This Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip is a breeze to make, offering a taste of indulgence with minimal effort.
As the smooth feta and cream cheese blend with honey and lemon, a luscious transformation unfolds, creating a dip that’s both comforting and elegant.
Let’s bring this dish to life and elevate your appetizer game!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Food processor
- 1 Medium mixing bowl
- 1 Serving dish
- 1 Spatula
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Feta cheese, crumbled
- 4 ounces Cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon Honey
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper, ground
- 1/2 cup Dried cranberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley, chopped
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing the Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip, you can follow this timeline:
- Reading & Preparation Time (5 minutes)
- Read through the entire recipe to understand the process and gather all the necessary equipment and ingredients.
- Prep Time (10 minutes)
- 0:00 – Begin by placing the feta cheese and cream cheese in the food processor and blend until smooth.
- 2:00 – Add olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and black pepper to the food processor and blend until fully combined.
- 4:00 – Transfer the whipped feta mixture to a medium mixing bowl.
- 6:00 – Gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries using a spatula.
- Resting Time (30 minutes)
- 10:00 – Cover the dip with plastic wrap and refrigerate it.
Use this time to clean up the work area, prepare garnishes, or prepare any additional accompaniments like toasted bread or vegetable sticks.
4. Final Preparation (5 minutes)
- 40:00 – Once the dip has rested, transfer it to a serving dish.
- 42:00 – Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Place the feta cheese and cream cheese in a food processor and blend until smooth.
Add olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and black pepper to the food processor and blend until fully combined.
Transfer the whipped feta mixture to a medium mixing bowl.
Gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries using a spatula.
Cover the dip with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Once rested, transfer the dip to a serving dish.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Serving Tips
- Toasted Pita Bread: The crispiness of toasted pita bread complements the creamy texture of the dip perfectly.
- Vegetable Sticks: Serve with an assortment of carrot, celery, and cucumber sticks for a revitalizing and healthy option.
- Crackers: A variety of crackers can add a satisfying crunch to the soft and tangy dip.
- Apple Slices: The sweetness of apple slices pairs well with the savory and slightly tart flavors of the dip.
- Grilled Flatbread: The slight char and warmth from grilled flatbread enhance the overall flavor experience.
Storage
To store Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For ideal freshness, make certain the dip is kept in an airtight container.
Freezing
To freeze Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip, store it in an airtight container.
Thaw in the refrigerator and stir well before serving.
Note: texture may slightly change upon freezing.
Reheating
Reheating Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip isn’t recommended as it’s best enjoyed chilled.
If needed, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before serving.
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip is a delightful appetizer that combines creamy and tangy flavors.
This American dish is easy to prepare, requiring only 10 minutes of prep time and no cooking.
This dip pairs well with toasted bread or vegetable sticks and can be customized with your favorite herbs or spices.
Enjoy this creamy and flavorful appetizer at your next gathering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Fresh Cranberries Instead of Dried Cranberries in the Dip?
You can swap fresh cranberries for dried ones, but chop them finely for better texture. Fresh cranberries add a tangy kick, so balance it with a bit more honey. This tweak makes your dish invigoratingly vibrant!
Is There a Substitute for Cream Cheese for Lactose Intolerance?
You can substitute cream cheese with lactose-free cream cheese or a dairy-free alternative like almond-based cream cheese. These options maintain the creamy texture while accommodating lactose intolerance, ensuring everyone enjoys the dish without discomfort.
How Long Can the Dip Be Stored in the Refrigerator?
You can store the dip in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make certain it’s in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Before serving, give it a good stir to restore its creamy texture and flavor.
What Other Garnishes Can Complement the Dip Besides Parsley?
You can enhance the dip by garnishing it with toasted walnuts for a nutty crunch, a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and tartness, or fresh mint leaves for a revitalizing twist.
Can This Dip Be Made Vegan-Friendly With Alternative Ingredients?
You can make this dip vegan-friendly by swapping feta and cream cheese with vegan versions. Use agave instead of honey. Keep olive oil, lemon juice, cranberries, and parsley. It’s delicious with plant-based ingredients!
Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip
Equipment
- 1 food processor
- 1 medium mixing bowl
- 1 Serving dish
- 1 Spatula
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Feta cheese crumbled
- 4 ounces Cream cheese softened
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon Honey
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper ground
- 1/2 cup Dried cranberries chopped
- 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Place the feta cheese and cream cheese in a food processor and blend until smooth.
- Add olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and black pepper to the food processor and blend until fully combined.
- Transfer the whipped feta mixture to a medium mixing bowl.
- Gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries using a spatula.
- Cover the dip with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Once rested, transfer the dip to a serving dish.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
