Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip is a quick and easy holiday appetizer with sweet and savory flavors. Make this creamy Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip for the holidays. Or any time you need a good winter party appetizer.
Your guests will enjoy a delicious blend of tangy feta, sweet cranberries, and honey. This elegant, festive appetizer can be ready in just 15 minutes. Serve with crackers or crostini for an irresistible holiday appetizer.
This flavor explosion balances sweet and savory in every bite. The creamy base of whipped feta and cream cheese gives it a luxurious mouthfeel, while the homemade cranberry topping adds a refreshing burst of brightness. With a drizzle of honey or olive oil and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios or rosemary there are many different appealing flavors and textures.
Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Flavor Variations:
One of the best parts about making Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip is how adaptable it is. Feta cheese comes in a surprising range of flavors and textures, and choosing the right one can completely transform your dip. So don’t worry about getting bored with this dip. Just choose different flavor combinations for your feta and garnishes to keep it interesting all winter long.
Different Feta Cheeses with a variety of flavors are found at most grocery stores—like Safeway, Trader Joe’s, Fred Myers or Whole Foods. Read on for more ideas on how to enjoy this holiday appetizer.
1. Traditional Greek Feta (Classic and Salty)
This is the standard block-style feta made from sheep’s milk or a mix of sheep and goat’s milk. It’s crumbly, briny, and tangy—perfect for a balanced dip that complements the sweetness of the cranberries.
Garnish Idea: Drizzle lightly with olive oil and top with fresh thyme or rosemary to enhance its Mediterranean flavor.
2. Danish Creamy Feta (Mild and Smooth)
Danish-style feta is creamier and less salty than Greek feta, which gives the dip a luscious, buttery texture. It’s ideal if you prefer a mellow flavor or are serving guests who aren’t fans of strong cheeses.
Garnish Idea: Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, then sprinkle chopped pecans or candied walnuts for a sweet twist.
3. Mediterranean Herb Feta (Infused Flavor)
For a Mediterranean vibe, Garnish your Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip with pomegranate seeds, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or a sprinkle of za’atar seasoning.
Some cheese brands offer feta pre-seasoned with herbs like oregano, basil, or garlic. These flavored varieties make it easy to add complexity without extra effort.
Garnish Idea: Skip the herbs on top and instead add a few sun-dried tomato pieces or olive slices for a savory Mediterranean flair.
4. Garlic or Pepper Feta (Bold and Zesty)
If you love bolder flavors, try feta blended with black pepper, cracked chili, or roasted garlic. These versions bring a savory punch that pairs beautifully with the sweet-tart cranberry topping.
Garnish Idea: Add a light drizzle of chili-infused olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
5. Goat’s Milk Feta (Tangy and Bright)
Goat’s milk feta is tangier and slightly softer, giving the dip a more pronounced flavor. It works especially well if you like the contrast between sharp cheese and sweet cranberry.
Garnish Idea: Try topping it with pomegranate seeds, fresh mint, or a few drops of balsamic glaze for a festive, gourmet finish.
Tip: You can also blend two varieties—like traditional Greek and creamy Danish—for a perfectly balanced base. Just be careful to taste before you serve to make sure the blend is just right.
Serve Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip with a variety crackers, crostini, or warm pita chips. Or use it as a spread for sandwiches and wraps. It’s festive enough for special occasions but easy enough for everyday entertaining. Let us know in the comments section below what you do with yummy appetizer recipe.
Cranberry whipped feta dip
The creamy base of Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip is whipped feta and cream cheese. Rch, salty and creamy. The homemade cranberry topping adds a refreshing burst of sweet tart brightness. The drizzle of honey or olive oil and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios or rosemary take it over the top both visually and in taste.
Ingredients
For the whipped feta:
- 8 oz feta cheese (block style, not crumbled)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1-2 Tbsp honey (to taste)
- Zest of ½ lemon
- 1–2 Tbsp lemon juice (optional for tang)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the cranberry topping:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2-3 Tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 Tbsp orange juice (or water)
- ¼ tsp cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
To serve:
- Drizzle of olive oil or honey
- Chopped pistachios or pecans
- Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
- Crackers, crostini, or pita chips
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, honey (or maple syrup), orange juice, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Simmer over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens slightly.
- Let it cool while you prepare the feta base.
For The Cranberry Topping:
Whipped Feta Base:
- Add feta, cream cheese, olive oil, honey, lemon zest, and lemon juice to a food processor
- Blend for 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides, until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust with more honey or lemon to balance saltiness.
- Spread the whipped feta into a shallow bowl or small platter. Spoon the cooled cranberry mixture on top.
- Drizzle lightly with olive oil or honey, then sprinkle chopped pistachios and herbs on top for color.
- Serve immediately with garnish and crackers, crostini or warm peta bread wedges.
- You can prep the cranberry topping up to 3 days in advance.
The whipped feta base also holds well refrigerated for 2–3 days.
Assemble the dip:
Garnish::
If you’re making it ahead:
To Store several days ahead of serving:
- Store the cranberry topping and Feta base SEPARATELY in air tight containers in fridge with no garnish.
- To serve after storing: Bring topping and base to room temp before serving (do Not microwave the cheese base) Garnish as desried and serve with crackers, crostini or warm pita.
Notes
How to Store Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Leftovers:
This will be pimperfect, but do the best you can. Scraping the cranberry topping off is problematic. You will have some mixing. Just do the best you can.
1. Store the cranberry topping separately from the cheese base. Keeping them separate prevents the cranberry topping from weeping or thinning the cheese layer over time.
Whipped feta base: Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Cranberry topping: Store in its own container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
To serve leftovers:
Bring both topping and base to room temperature separately before serving (about 30 minutes).
Gently stir or whip the feta base again if it firms up slightly in the fridge.
Spoon the cranberry topping back on, garnish freshly with nuts, herbs, or a drizzle of honey, and serve with crackers or pita.
Freezing:
Not recommended — freezing changes the texture of the whipped feta, making it grainy after thawing.
Nutrition Information
Yield
12Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 253Total Fat 17gSaturated Fat 6gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 26mgSodium 292mgCarbohydrates 23gFiber 2gSugar 17gProtein 6g
If you’re planning any holiday party and need a Thanksgiving appetizer, Christmas appetizer or winter cocktail party food, this Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip recipe will add flavor, and color to your Appetizer table.
Change it up with hot honey, chili oil, seasonings or different flavored feta and herbs. It’s a crowd-pleasing dip that feels gourmet yet comes together effortlessly. Once you make it, you will return to this recipe again and again all season long.