Name: Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip with Hot Honey Drizzle
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 200g (7 oz) feta cheese, drained; 2 tbsp olive oil; 100g (3.5 oz) cream cheese, softened; 3 tbsp honey, divided; 2–3 tbsp cranberry jam or sauce; 1 smashed garlic clove; 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional); 1/2 tsp red chili flakes; Fresh thyme leaves, for topping; Crackers or pita chips, to serve

Description

This creamy and tangy creation combines the rich flavors of feta cheese and cream cheese, rounded out with a touch of sweetness and spice that makes every bite utterly irresistible.

Ingredients

Scale

200g (7 oz) feta cheese, drained
2 tbsp olive oil
100g (3.5 oz) cream cheese, softened
3 tbsp honey, divided
2–3 tbsp cranberry jam or sauce
1 smashed garlic clove
1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
1/2 tsp red chili flakes
Fresh thyme leaves, for topping
Crackers or pita chips, to serve

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Instructions

Start by infusing a small pan with flavor. Heat 2 tablespoons of honey over medium-low heat, adding the smashed garlic and red chili flakes. Allow the mixture to warm for about 2 to 3 minutes. The goal is to release the flavors from the garlic and the heat from the chili flakes while ensuring the honey doesn’t burn. After this short simmer, remove the pan from heat and stir in another tablespoon of honey. Set this mixture aside to cool while you prepare the feta base; this will infuse the honey with a delicious spicy element.
In your food processor, add the drained feta cheese, softened cream cheese, and the optional lemon juice. The lemon juice brightens the dip’s flavor, balancing its richness. Blend the mixture until it reaches a smooth consistency. While blending, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. This step is crucial; it not only helps to create a fluffy texture but also adds a rich mouthfeel to the dip. Keep blending until all the ingredients are well combined and fluffy.
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Scoop the whipped feta into a serving bowl, giving it a gentle swirl on top to create an inviting presentation. With the honey infusion cooling, drizzle it across the surface of your dip, ensuring that each swirl combines a bit of heat and sweetness. Finally, add the cranberry jam or sauce to the center of the dip. This colorful addition not only enhances the flavor but also makes for a lovely visual presentation. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top for a herbaceous finish. Serve immediately with a selection of crackers or pita chips for dipping and enjoy the delightful medley of flavors!

Notes

Allow the dip to come to room temperature for the best flavor and serve with assorted crackers or pita chips.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Appetizer

Nutrition

Calories: 250 kcal
Sodium: 500 mg
Protein: 7 g