Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip with Hot Honey Drizzle Recipe
Introduction
This Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip with Hot Honey Drizzle is a delightful blend of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors with a subtle spicy kick. Perfect for entertaining or as a flavorful snack, it comes together quickly with no baking required.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces feta cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup cranberry sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
- Crackers or pita chips, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Make the hot honey by warming the honey gently with the minced garlic and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Step 2: In a food processor or blender, combine the feta cheese, cream cheese, lemon juice, and olive oil. Blend until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Step 3: Spoon the whipped feta mixture onto a serving dish. Top evenly with cranberry sauce.
- Step 4: Drizzle the hot honey over the dip, then garnish with fresh thyme leaves. Serve immediately with crackers or pita chips.
Tips & Variations
- For a smoother dip, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before blending.
- Add a pinch of black pepper for additional warmth and flavor complexity.
- Substitute fresh cranberries cooked with sugar if cranberry sauce is unavailable.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey to create a different sweet profile.
Storage
Store the dip covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Serve chilled or allow it to come to room temperature, or warm slightly before serving for a softer texture. Drizzle with fresh hot honey just before serving to maintain the flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip a day in advance and refrigerate it. Add the cranberry sauce, hot honey, and thyme garnish just before serving for the freshest presentation.
What can I serve with this dip?
This dip pairs wonderfully with crackers, pita chips, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetable sticks like cucumber and bell pepper for a light and flavorful appetizer.
PrintCranberry Whipped Feta Dip with Hot Honey Drizzle Recipe
This Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip with a Hot Honey Drizzle is a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for gatherings and cozy nights in. Creamy whipped feta and cream cheese blend seamlessly with bright lemon juice and olive oil, while a sweet and spicy hot honey drizzle topped with tart cranberry sauce and fresh thyme adds depth and excitement. Serve chilled or slightly warmed, accompanied by crackers or pita chips for a crowd-pleasing treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: No-Bake Appetizers
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dip Ingredients
- 4 oz feta cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Hot Honey Drizzle
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Toppings and Serving
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
- Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
- Crackers or pita chips, for serving
Instructions
- Make Hot Honey: In a small saucepan, gently warm the honey with minced garlic and red pepper flakes over low heat, stirring occasionally. Cook just until fragrant and warmed through, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly so flavors meld.
- Whip Feta Mixture: In a blender or food processor, combine the feta cheese, cream cheese, lemon juice, and olive oil. Blend until the mixture is smooth, fluffy, and well combined, scraping down the sides as needed for an even texture.
- Assemble the Dip: Spoon the whipped feta mixture into a serving bowl. Spoon cranberry sauce generously over the top, then drizzle the cooled hot honey evenly over the cranberries.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the assembled dip for a fragrant, herbal note. Serve immediately with crackers or pita chips. The dip can be served chilled or slightly warmed according to preference.
Notes
- Store any leftover dip covered in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Serve chilled for a refreshing appetizer or warm slightly to enhance the honey’s aroma.
- Adjust red pepper flakes in the hot honey to control spiciness.
- Fresh thyme adds a wonderful aroma but can be substituted with rosemary or omitted if preferred.
Keywords: whipped feta dip, hot honey drizzle, cranberry dip, easy appetizer, no bake dip, party snack, holiday appetizer
