This whipped Feta Dip is an easy and delicious appetizer, side or snack that comes together with a creamy feta, Greek-style yogurt and lemon, topped with a sweet homemade cranberry sauce. Serve with your favorite gluten-free crackers, crusty bread or crostini.
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Easy Whipped Feta Dip
Whipped feta is an easy appetizer, snack or light lunch that everyone can’t get enough of. It’s so easy to make with just 3 ingredients and there are tons of amazing toppings you can add to it. A few topping ideas include roasted tomatoes, roasted balsamic strawberries or a homemade cranberry sauce during the holidays.
With this versatile dip recipe in your toolbox, you’ll have endless ways to serve it up at any barbecue or party! We like use vegan feta and serve it with grain-free crackers to keep this dish dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan but you can use any bread and feta you have on hand. Depending on the ingredients you use, this recipe can easily accommodate any dietary restrictions you’re working with. It’s time to take your appetizer game to the next level!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
- Fresh Cranberries
- Maple Syrup: Or use your preferred liquid sweetener.
- Orange juice: Use fresh orange juice for best results.
Creamy Whipped Feta Dip:
- Vegan feta cheese: We like Violife. Regular feta works too if not dairy-free.
- Dairy-free greek-style yogurt: We like Kite Hill. Regular plain greek yogurt works too.
- Fresh lemon juice: To brighten up the creamy feta dip.
For Garnish:
- Chopped fresh basil: For flavor and garnish.
- Freshly finely chopped mint: Adds freshness and for garnish.
- Candied or toasted pecans: Roughly chopped for some crunch.
How to make Cranberry Feta Dip
- Make the cranberry sauce: Add the cranberries, orange juice and maple syrup into a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 6-8 minutes until broken down and thickened into a sauce. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Blend the Feta: Meanwhile, make the whipped feta by adding the feta cheese, yogurt and olive oil to a food processor. Blend for 2-3 minutes or until smooth, while scraping down the sides periodically with a spatula as needed.
- Chill to set then top with cranberry sauce: Transfer the dip to a shallow plate or a bowl and chill in the fridge for about 10-20 minutes to firm up slightly or until ready to serve. Once ready, top with spoon the feta onto a plate and spread with the back of a spoon. Top with cranberry sauce and gently swirl.
- Serve and enjoy: Scatter with chopped pistachios and serve with an assortment of toasted baguette slices and crostini or crackers on the platter. Spread some whipped feta on the toasted baguette.
Tips for Success
We have a few little tips and suggestions that will help you make the perfect whipped feta. Here they are!
- Simmer with Care: When preparing the cranberry sauce, simmer it gently to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.
- Season Your Feta: Want to add extra flavor to your feta cheese? Feel free to throw in some grated vegan parmesan and a touch of nutmeg or black pepper before you whip it.
- Chill for Perfection: Let the dip chill in the fridge for 10-20 minutes to achieve the ideal firmness before serving.
- Perfect Texture: Blend the feta, yogurt, and olive oil until the mixture reaches a smooth and fluffy consistency.
- Balancing Act: Adjust the sweetness of the cranberry sauce to your liking by gradually adding maple syrup and tasting as you go.
Variations and Substitutions
- Herb Infusion: Elevate the dip with a touch of freshness by adding chopped mint, basil, or thyme.
- Spice it Up: For a kick, incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes into the cranberry sauce.
- Cheese Medley: Mix in a blend of feta and goat cheese for an extra layer of complexity.
- Citrus Twist: Experiment with different citrus juices like grapefruit or lemon for a unique flavor profile.
Crave-Worthy Topping Combinations
Don’t be afraid to get creative when you’re adding toppings to your vegan feta dip– sweet and savory flavors both taste great with it! Below you’ll find some of our favorite ways to finish it off.
- Tomato Basil: Make a true Italian dish by topping your toast with sliced grape or cherry tomatoes and a few fresh basil leaves. You can chop up the basil and sprinkle it on if preferred.
- Almond Fig: Try adding sliced figs, slivered almonds and some maple syrup to your toast! Any liquid sweetener that works with your diet can be used in place of the maple syrup, such as agave or honey.
- Blueberry Bliss: If you happen to have some fresh blueberries in your fridge, I highly recommend using them to top your feta dip. Drizzle on your favorite liquid sweetener while you’re at it!
- Honey Nut: You can never go wrong with chopped walnuts, sliced almonds and a drizzle of your favorite sweetener. The crunchy-creamy combo is divine!
- Berry Blast: Juicy blackberries and strawberries hold a special place in our hearts. We love adding them to this toast along with a little bit of maple syrup for good measure.
What to Serve with Creamy Feta
This Feta Dip is a versatile star that shines with various accompaniments:
- Toasted baguette slices: Be sure to have some regular and gluten-free / grain-free crostini for any guests with dietary restrictions.
- Crackers: Use your favorites, have regular and gluten-free / grain-free crackers for any guests with dietary restrictions.
- Fresh Fruit Platter: Serve with slices of apple or pear for a sweet and savory contrast.
- Vegetable Crudites: Embrace a healthier option with colorful veggie sticks like bell peppers, carrots, and cucumbers.
Storage, Make-ahead and Freezer Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover whipped feta in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last up to 3 days. Transfer any leftover cranberry sauce in a separate airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cranberry sauce a day ahead and store it separately. Combine with the feta mixture just before serving for optimal freshness.
- Freeze in Portions: Portion the dip into small containers before freezing, allowing for convenient thawing and individual servings.
- Cranberry Sauce Popsicles: Freeze leftover cranberry sauce in popsicle molds for a refreshing, tangy treat on a hot day.
More heathy appetizers you will love:
This whipped Feta Dip is an easy and delicious appetizer, side or snack that comes together with a creamy feta, Greek-style yogurt and lemon, topped with a sweet homemade cranberry sauce. Serve with your favorite gluten-free crackers, crusty bread or crostini.
- ¾ cup fresh cranberries , frozen works too but be sure to thaw and drain beforehand
- ¼ cup maple syrup , or preferred sticky liquid sweetener such as vegan honey, date syrup or for a lower sugar option you can use Lakanto sugar-free maple syrup, allulose or yacon syrup.
- ⅛ cup fresh orange juice
- 7 oz vegan feta , such as Violife. You can also use regular feta or even cottage cheese for a higher protein option.
- 2 tbsp plain thick Greek-style yogurt or thick plain coconut-based yogurt , such as Kite-Hill, Culina or Cocojune
- ¼ cup olive oil , or preferred oil
- ¼ cup toasted pistachios , roughly chopped - for topping
- Add the cranberries, orange juice and maple syrup into a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-heat and cook for 6-8 minutes until broken down and thickened into a sauce. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
Meanwhile, place the feta, yogurt and olive oil in a food processor. Blend until smooth and fluffy. Stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. Transfer the dip to a shallow plate or a bowl and chill in the fridge for about 10-20 minutes to firm up slightly or until ready to serve.
- Spoon the feta onto a plate and spread with the back of a spoon. Top with cranberry sauce and gently swirl. Scatter with chopped pistachios and serve with your favorite crackers or toasted baguettes.
How to make ahead
You can whip your feta a day or two ahead of time and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge.
You can also make the homemade cranberry sauce the day before and store them in a separate airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days as well.
How to store
Store any leftover whipped feta in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last up to 3 days.
Store any leftover cranberry sauce in a separate airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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