Name: Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces feta cheese (in the brine, brought to room temp); 4 ounces cream cheese (softened); ½ cup whole cranberry sauce; ¼ cup pistachios (chopped); 2 tablespoon honey

This cranberry whipped feta dip pairs salty, creamy whipped feta with tart whole berry cranberry sauce and a crunchy nutty topping. It’s the appetizer people crowd the kitchen for at a Friendsgiving potluck, and it looks gorgeous on a Christmas open house spread. You can whip the feta base ahead of time and top it right before guests arrive. It takes 10 minutes and makes 8 servings.

Jump to Recipe

I’ll never forget the Thanksgiving I brought this cranberry whipped feta dip. I didn’t even make it to the table. People crowded the kitchen and started digging in before I could set it down. (Rude. But also flattering.)

It’s salty feta whipped with cream cheese and honey until it’s fluffy, then piled with tart cranberry sauce and crunchy pistachios. And it’s the best thing you can do with that leftover cranberry sauce hanging out in your fridge after Thanksgiving. It’s just as good at Christmas.

Serve it in a bowl on its own or make it the centerpiece of your holiday charcuterie board. Toss on a few extra pistachios and a sprig of fresh rosemary and it looks like you tried way harder than you did.

For something sweet to close out the night, make a batch of these cranberry white chocolate bars.

More Party Dips

25 Easy Party Dips – hot, cold and crock pot dips for game day and the holidays
Hot Cocoa Dip – hot chocolate you can dip a pretzel in
Greek Feta Dip – feta whipped with Greek yogurt, lemon and fresh dill
Hot Beer Cheese Dip (Bread Bowl) – beer cheese baked in a round loaf you tear apart for dipping
Crock Pot Lasagna Dip – actual lasagna noodles, beef and ricotta in the crock pot

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simple ingredients like tart homemade cranberry sauce

See recipe card for complete information on ingredients and their quantities.

Ingredient Notes

Feta: Buy the block packed in brine, not the pre-crumbled stuff. Crumbled feta is drier and usually coated in an anti-caking powder, so it won’t whip up smooth. Let it come to room temp and drain it well, but save a splash of that brine in case you need to thin the dip later.

Cranberry sauce: Use whole berry cranberry sauce, not the jellied can. You want those chunks of berries sitting on top. Homemade or canned both work, and Thanksgiving leftovers are perfect here.

Pistachios: Toast them gently before adding them to bring out their flavor more.

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How To Make Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Recipe

feta cheese and honey in a food processor

Drain the feta. Add the feta and cream cheese to the bowl of a food processor and pulse until combined.

Add ¼ cup of the cranberry sauce and the honey. Pulse again until smooth.

Spread the whipped feta on a serving platter or in a shallow bowl.

Top with the rest of the cranberry sauce and the chopped pistachios. Serve with toasted bread or crackers.

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

sprinkle cranberry whipped feta dip with toasted pistachios for crunch!

Storage and Make Ahead

Make ahead. Whip the feta base up to 2 days in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Add the cranberry sauce and pistachios right before serving, or no more than 30 minutes before guests show up.

Leftovers: If there happens to be any left, you can keep it tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to 2 more days. I like to mix mine all together and use it as a spread on sandwiches!

hand with crostini and cranberry whipped feta dip

Variations

Hot honey: Swap the regular honey for hot honey and drizzle a little extra on top right before serving. Sweet heat and tart cranberries are a very good combo.

Orange zest. Grate a little fresh orange zest over the top to brighten it up.

Red pepper flakes. Sprinkle some on top, instead of the honey, if you want heat without the extra sweetness.

What To Serve With Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip

Crackers and toasted crostini are the classic move, and soft pita bread or pita chips are great for scooping. Sliced apples and pears are a nice fresh option if you want a break from all the bread.

Pour a pitcher of cranberry sangria on the side and you’ve got yourself a party.

cranberry whipped feta dip on a crostini

Recipe Tips & Tricks

Soften the cream cheese to room temp before you start, or you’ll end up with little lumps.
If the dip is too thick, thin it with a splash of the reserved feta brine or a little olive oil.
Use roasted pistachios and chop them lightly so you get real crunch in every bite.
Garnish with extra pistachios and a sprig of fresh rosemary for a festive look.

More Cranberry Appetizers

Cranberry Jalapeño Meatballs – sweet heat party meatballs in a cranberry jalapeño sauce
Cranberry Salsa – a bright holiday salsa made for tortilla chips
Cranberry Ricotta Crostini – honey roasted cranberries piled on creamy ricotta toasts
Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip – a sweet and tangy spread for crackers

This cranberry feta cheese dip recipe is one of my favorite recipes for the holidays. A simple dip with a creamy texture and tart cranberries.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please leave us a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ five-star review in the comment section below. Thanks!