Holiday Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip with Fresh Rosemary
This Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip is a quick, indulgent appetizer with just the right balance of sweet and savory, creamy and light, that’s sure to make your holiday spread merry and bright!
Festive Holiday Appetizer
You guys, are you feeling the festive spirit yet? Because I am in the mood to cozy up and savor every moment of this magical holiday season. And this cranberry whipped feta dip is tailor-made to shine at all your festive gatherings.
Here’s the secret: we’re keeping it easy by using spruced-up canned whole cranberry sauce (or leftover Thanksgiving cranberry sauce—ideal!). Think tangy cranberry with a hint of orange, rosemary, and maple syrup, layered over whipped feta, cream cheese, and garlic. Topped with fresh rosemary, it’s as festive as it is delicious!
Serve it up with some toasted bread, crostini, or crackers and you’ve got a quick and easy appetizer with a fabulous blend of flavors and textures that’s both festive and indulgent.
Whether it’s the star at your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast or you’re just treating yourself to some festive indulgence, this cranberry feta dip is the perfect addition to your holiday table.
For a fun twist on this recipe, try our quick and easy cranberry tartlets with whipped feta. Similar flavors, similar festive flair!
Looking for more easy crowd-pleasing party appetizers? Check out our delightful baked brie with spiced pears, savory artichoke dip bites, our creamy whipped ricotta dip with garlic and herbs, and our decadent truffle burrata dip.
Ingredient Notes
*Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
For the Cranberry Topping
- Cranberry Sauce: Choose canned whole berry cranberry sauce (avoid the jelly kind) for the best flavor and texture. It’s a great shortcut for this recipe, but if you enjoy making your own, feel free to do so.
- Maple Syrup: This liquid gold adds a touch of caramel-y sweetness that complements the tart cranberries. Look for pure maple syrup for that rich, natural flavor.
- Balsamic Vinegar: A secret weapon to enhance the depth of flavors. It adds a delightful tang that marries beautifully with the sweetness of the sauce.
- Fresh Rosemary: Don’t underestimate the power of fresh herbs. Fresh rosemary sprigs add a pleasing fragrant essence, creating an inviting aroma and adding a pop of festive visual elegance.
- Orange Liqueur: While orange liqueur like Grand Marnier adds a luxurious touch, you can easily opt for freshly squeezed orange juice and/or orange zest to add that delightful citrusy zing.
For the Whipped Feta
- Feta Cheese: Opt for a block of feta cheese and crumble it yourself. Avoid pre-crumbled feta, which often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture and flavor.
- Cream Cheese: To achieve that dreamy, creamy texture, use cream cheese at room temperature. It blends smoothly with the feta, creating the perfect consistency.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the dip with a subtle hint of savory goodness. Adjust the amount to your taste, but a little goes a long way.
- Olive Oil: High-quality extra-virgin olive oil adds a silky richness to the dip. It’s worth investing in a good bottle for that extra layer of flavor.
Variations
Make this Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip your own with these easy tweaks!
- Leftover Cranberry Sauce: Perfect way to use up leftover Thanksgiving cranberry sauce.
- Homemade Cranberry Sauce: Got fresh cranberries? Swap in 12 oz. (about 3 cups) fresh cranberries for canned sauce, adjust maple syrup to 1/2 cup, and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Citrus Twist: Grate fresh orange or lemon zest into the dip for brightness.
- Add Crunch: Top with toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds for texture.
- Alternative Bases: Layer cranberry sauce over baked brie, whipped ricotta, or serve with a charcuterie board.
Step-By-Step Directions
- Make the cranberry sauce. Add the cranberries to a sauce pan over medium heat. Stir in the maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and rosemary sprig (image 1). Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to low and simmer for 3 minutes stirring occasionally (image 2). Off heat; remove the rosemary sprig and stir in orange liqueur. Set aside and let fully cool to room temperature.
- Make the whipped feta. Crumble the feta into the bowl of a food processor (image 3). Add the cream cheese, garlic, and olive oil. Process until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed (image 4), about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Plate and serve. Spread the whipped feta onto a serving plate (image 5) then spread the cooled cranberry sauce over the top (image 6). Arrange additional fresh rosemary sprigs around the plate (image 7) if desired. Serve with toasted bread, crostini or crackers (image 8).
Pro Tips
For perfectly smooth, velvety whipped feta every time:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Use softened feta and cream cheese for easier blending and a smoother texture.
- Drizzle in Olive Oil: Slowly add olive oil while mixing to create a rich, whipped consistency.
- Scrape the Bowl: Pause to scrape down the sides, ensuring everything is fully incorporated.
- Whip Until Smooth: Keep blending until it’s light, creamy, and airy.
- Chill If Needed: If the dip gets too soft, a short chill in the fridge will firm it up.
Flavor Adjustments: Taste and adjust with vinegar or maple syrup to balance the sweetness and tartness. Rosemary can be a strong flavor, so simmer until it reaches your desired flavor strength.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prep the cranberry topping and whipped feta in advance, storing each in the fridge. When ready to serve, let them sit at room temp briefly before assembling. Stir the cranberry sauce just before plating to prevent liquid separation.
FAQs
Serving Suggestions
- Crusty Bread: Freshly baked crusty bread or baguette slices are a classic and simple pairing for scooping up the dip.
- Crostini: Create crostini with toasted baguette slices and a drizzle of olive oil, adding a sprinkle of sea salt and cracked black pepper for extra flavor.
- Assorted Crackers: Choose a selection of your favorite crackers, from plain to whole wheat or multigrain or rosemary-flavored varieties.
- Fruit Platter: Pair it with a fresh fruit platter that includes apples, pears, grapes, and figs for a balance of sweet and savory.
- Savory Tarts: Use it as a filling or topping for sweet and savory tarts or puff pastry creations.
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Holiday Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip with Fresh Rosemary Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 14 ounces canned whole cranberry sauce
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 handful fresh rosemary sprigs (1 sprig for the sauce plus more for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons orange-flavored liqueur (Grand Marnier, Cointreau, Triple Sec, etc.)
- 8 ounces feta cheese (drained if packaged in brine)
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened at room temperature
- 1 clove garlic
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Add the cranberries to a sauce pan over medium heat. Stir in the maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and 1 sprig of rosemary. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Off heat; remove the rosemary sprig and stir in the orange liqueur. Set aside and let fully cool to room temperature.
- Crumble the feta into the bowl of a food processor. Add the cream cheese, garlic, and olive oil. Process until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Spread the whipped feta onto a serving plate then spread the cooled cranberry sauce over the top (you might not need all of it). Arrange additional fresh rosemary sprigs around the plate if desired. Serve immediately with toasted bread, crostini or crackers.
Video
Recipe Notes
- This recipe is great for using up any leftover cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving.
- Of course if you have some fresh cranberries, all the better! Make your own homemade sauce by substituting 12 oz. (about 3 cups) fresh cranberries for the canned sauce and adjust the amount of maple syrup to a 1/2 cup total. And then just add a bit more to the cooking time to cook the fresh cranberries down, about 10-15 minutes total.
- Leftover dip can be refrigerated for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
- It will be a bit stiff from the refrigeration so bring it to room temperature before serving.
- Make your presentation more festive by displaying some holiday decorations like ornaments, tinsel, bows, pine greens, holly, and mistletoe around your dip spread. There are so many possibilities to get creative so go for it!
Nutrition
*Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Maplevine Kitchen makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
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