recipe

Whipped Feta: Holiday Edition

By: Eleni Saltas

Building on the creamy perfection of my classic whipped feta and thyme dip, this seasonal rendition takes you on a festive journey with a delicious cranberry sauce that bursts with flavors. Spread this dip just like you spread holiday cheer—because joy and good food are meant to be shared!

Prep Time:

5min

Total Time:

25min

Servings:

4-6

Good For:

Appetizer/Meze

Ingredients

16 ounces Greek feta cheese (preferably in brine)
8 ounces cream cheese, brought to room temperature
¼ cup fresh lemon juice, or more to taste
Zest of one lemon
3 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil, or more if needed
3 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish
Homemade cranberry sauce (recipe below)
¼ cup crushed pistachios for garnish
Greek honey, for drizzling

For the cranberry sauce:
1 cup fresh cranberries
Zest of one orange (reserve a pinch for garnish)
Juice of half an orange
¼ cup sugar
¼ cup port wine (or water), or more if needed
¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1

For the cranberry sauce: combine cranberries, orange zest, and orange juice, sugar, port, and cinnamon in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 10 to 15 minutes. Allow the sauce to cool completely.

Step 2

Meanwhile, make your whipped feta. In a food processor, break the feta into chunks and combine it with the cream cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, and thyme. Blend until well combined. Taste and add extra lemon juice or olive oil for desired taste and texture.

Step 3

Serve whipped feta mixture in a serving bowl or plate and spoon the homemade cranberry sauce over it. Sprinkle with crushed pistachios and a drizzle of honey. Garnish with extra thyme leaves and a pinch of reserved orange zest.