A creamy, tangy whipped feta base topped with sweet-tart cranberry compote and a spicy hot honey drizzle. This festive dip is a show-stopping appetizer perfect for holidays and gatherings.
Author:Ava DiMio
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes
Total Time:20 minutes
Yield:8 servings
Category:Appetizer
Method:No-Bake
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Feta Cheese: 8 ounces – Adds bold tangy flavor and creamy texture when whipped.
Cream Cheese: 4 ounces – Softens the sharpness of the feta and adds silkiness.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons – Helps blend and smooth the cheese mixture.
Honey: 3 tablespoons – Adds a touch of sweetness and balances the tart cranberries.
Red Pepper Flakes: 1 teaspoon – Infuses the honey with a warm, spicy kick.
Fresh Cranberries: 1 cup – Bright and tart, they become jammy and rich when cooked.
Orange Zest: 1 teaspoon – Adds citrusy brightness that lifts the cranberries.
Orange Juice: 2 tablespoons – Enhances the fruitiness and brings the cranberries together.
Sugar: 2 tablespoons – Balances the tartness of the cranberries.
Salt: A pinch – Enhances the flavors across the board.
Chopped Walnuts or Pistachios (optional): 2 tablespoons – For a final crunch and visual flair.
Instructions
Preheat Your Equipment: No oven needed, but get your food processor and a small saucepan ready on the counter.
Combine Ingredients: In your food processor, add feta, cream cheese, and olive oil. Blend until smooth and fluffy, scraping down as needed.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, orange juice, zest, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cook until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens—about 10 minutes.
Assemble the Dish: Spread the whipped feta in your serving dish. Let it chill in the fridge while you prepare the honey.
Cook to Perfection: In a small pan, gently warm the honey and red pepper flakes for 2 minutes. Let steep, then strain if desired.
Finishing Touches: Top the chilled whipped feta with cranberry compote. Drizzle generously with hot honey. Sprinkle chopped nuts or herbs if using.
Serve and Enjoy: Bring out with crackers, crostini, or veggie sticks. Trust me, you’re going to love this.
Notes
Use room temperature cheeses for smoother blending.
Chill whipped feta before assembling to maintain structure.
Make cranberry compote and hot honey a day ahead for deeper flavor.
Garnish with fresh herbs or pomegranate seeds for extra flair.