Whipped Feta with Cranberries & Walnuts

5.0
(3)
2 Reviews

This festive whipped feta dip is the perfect appetizer for any gathering. If the feta seems too thick, add 1 teaspoon water at a time until loosened. Walnuts provide a nice crunchiness, but you could easily swap in another nut like pecans or pistachios. If you have leftover cranberry sauce, try a dollop in some yogurt or oatmeal for an easy breakfast.

By
Melissa Gray
Melissa Gray
Melissa Gray

A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Melissa Gray trained in traditional French-style cooking, restaurant and front-of-house management. Since transitioning to recipe development and food styling in 2015, Melissa has developed over 1,500 original recipes and styled in over 300 photo shoots.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on December 21, 2023
Tested by
Catherine Jessee
Catherine Jessee
Tested by Catherine Jessee

Catherine Jessee is a test kitchen assistant at the Dotdash Meredith Food Studios. She has tested recipes for brands including Allrecipes, EatingWell, Food & Wine, Real Simple, People and Southern Living.

Meet the EatingWell Test Kitchen
Reviewed by Dietitian
Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD
Emily Lachtrupp Headshot
Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD

Emily Lachtrupp is a registered dietitian experienced in nutritional counseling, recipe analysis and meal plans. She's worked with clients who struggle with diabetes, weight loss, digestive issues and more. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying all that Vermont has to offer with her family and her dog, Winston.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Active Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
25 mins
Servings:
8
Nutrition Profile:
Sesame-Free Soy-Free Vegetarian Egg-Free
the ingredients to make the Whipped Feta with Cranberries & Walnuts

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Ingredients

  • 4 ounces crusty whole-wheat baguette, thinly sliced on the bias 

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

  • 1 (6-ounce) package feta cheese in brine, drained and crumbled (1½ cups)

  • 1/3 cup reduced-fat cream cheese

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 large clove garlic

  • 1/4 cup canned whole-berry cranberry sauce

  • 2 teaspoons cold water

  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted (see Tip)

  • 1 tablespoon honey

  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves

  • Flaky sea salt (optional)

  • Freshly ground black pepper (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush both sides of baguette slices with melted butter; place in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet. Bake, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy, 10 to 12 minutes.

    a baking sheet of the baguette slices crispy from the oven

    Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

  2. Meanwhile, add feta, cream cheese, oil and garlic to a food processor; process until a smooth whipped dip forms, 2 to 4 minutes, stopping to scrape down sides as needed. Transfer to a serving bowl.

    a food processor with the feta, cream cheese, oil and garlic blended smoothly

    Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

  3. Whisk cranberry sauce and water together in a small bowl until smooth; spoon over the feta. Sprinkle with walnuts, drizzle with honey and sprinkle with rosemary. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Serve with the crostini.

a recipe photo of the Whipped Feta with Cranberries & Walnuts

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

To make ahead

Make crostini (Step 1) and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Refrigerate dip (Step 2) in an airtight container for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, let the dip come to room temperature, then whisk it until smooth (or pulse it a few times in the food processor). Proceed with Step 3.

Tip

For the best flavor, toast nuts before using in a recipe. To toast chopped nuts, place in a small dry skillet and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant, 2 to 4 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size: about 3 Tbsp. dip & 3 crostini

Calories 194, Fat 12g, Saturated Fat 6g, Cholesterol 26mg, Carbohydrates 14g, Total Sugars 7g, Added Sugars 2g, Protein 6g, Fiber 1g, Sodium 303mg, Potassium 20mg

EatingWell.com, December 2023

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