Whipped Feta with Cranberries & Walnuts

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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.

Active Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
25 mins
Servings:
8
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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