Cranberry-Jalapeño Whipped Feta Dip
Get ready to meet the appetizer that will be the undisputed star of your holiday table. This Cranberry-Jalapeño Whipped Feta is one of the most stunning, vibrant, and ridiculously delicious things you will ever make. It looks like a festive masterpiece, but it comes together in about 15 minutes.
We start by whipping block feta with a little cream cheese until it’s unbelievably smooth, creamy, and cloud-like. Then comes the “sprinkle”—a jewel-toned relish made from fresh cranberries, a little jalapeño for a surprising kick, cilantro, and lime juice. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy spooned over that cool, creamy feta. Served with crackers or crusty bread, this is the appetizer that will have everyone gathered around the bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Stunning Holiday Colors: The deep red of the cranberries against the bright white feta is incredibly festive and beautiful.
- The Perfect Flavor Balance: It’s the ultimate party dip! Creamy, salty, sweet, spicy, and tangy all in one perfect bite.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can make both the whipped feta and the relish a day or two in advance, then just assemble it right before your guests arrive.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Let’s make the most festive dip ever. Here’s how.
First, let’s gather our beautiful, colorful ingredients.
Next, make the cranberry-jalapeño relish. This is our sweet and spicy “sprinkle.” We’ll just pulse everything in a food processor until it’s finely chopped. It’s that simple!
Now, for the “whip!” In that same food processor (no need to wash it!), we’ll whip the feta and cream cheese together until it’s ridiculously smooth and creamy. This is the secret to the perfect, cloud-like texture.
Finally, assemble your masterpiece. Spread that beautiful whipped feta into a shallow bowl, using the back of a spoon to create a nice swoosh. Spoon the vibrant cranberry relish right into the center. That’s it!
Ava’s Notes
- Use Block Feta: For the creamiest texture, use a block of feta cheese packed in brine, not the pre-crumbled kind.
- Control the Spice: If you’re sensitive to heat, be sure to remove all the seeds and membranes from your jalapeño. For a bigger kick, leave a few seeds in!
- What to Serve with It? This is amazing with sturdy crackers, toasted baguette slices, or even crisp pita chips.
Cranberry-Jalapeño Whipped Feta Dip
8-10
servings15
minutes0
minutes15
minutesA stunning and festive holiday appetizer featuring a cloud of creamy whipped feta topped with a sweet, spicy, and tangy cranberry-jalapeño relish.
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Ingredients
- For the Cranberry-Jalapeño Relish:
1 c fresh cranberries
1 jalapeño, seeds and membrane removed, roughly chopped
1/4 c fresh cilantro leaves
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
a pinch of salt
- For the Whipped Feta:
1 8 oz block feta cheese, drained and crumbled
1 4 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
1 tbsp olive oil
crackers or toasted baguette, for serving
Directions
- Make the Relish: In the bowl of a food processor, combine the fresh cranberries, chopped jalapeño, cilantro, sugar, lime juice, and salt. Pulse 8-10 times, until the mixture is finely chopped but still has some texture. Transfer the relish to a small bowl and set aside
- Make the Whipped Feta: Add the crumbled feta, cream cheese, and olive oil to the now-empty food processor bowl (no need to wash it). Blend on high for 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed, until the mixture is completely smooth, creamy, and airy.
- Assemble and Serve: Spread the whipped feta into a shallow serving bowl or on a platter, using the back of a spoon to create a decorative swoosh. Spoon the cranberry-jalapeño relish into the center of the feta.
- Serve: Serve immediately with your favorite crackers or toasted bread for dipping. The components can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored separately in the refrigerator. Assemble just before serving.
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