🧀🍯 Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip with Hot Honey Drizzle
A creamy, sweet, and spicy Mediterranean-inspired appetizer
This Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip with Hot Honey Drizzle is the perfect balance of salty, tangy, sweet, and gently spicy flavors. Inspired by Mediterranean mezze platters, this dish combines creamy whipped feta with bright cranberries and a warm drizzle of chili-infused honey. It’s elegant enough for entertaining and simple enough for everyday snacking.
The Mediterranean diet celebrates fresh herbs, quality olive oil, natural sweetness, and balanced flavors — and this dip captures all of that beautifully.
🌿 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Ready in 15 minutes
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No baking required
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Naturally gluten-free
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Perfect for gatherings, Ramadan iftar spreads, or tea parties
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A healthy balance of protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants
🛒 Ingredients
For the Whipped Feta:
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200g block feta cheese (preferably sheep or sheep/cow blend)
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120g Greek yogurt (full-fat for best texture)
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1–2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
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1 small garlic clove (optional)
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½ teaspoon lemon zest
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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Black pepper to taste
For the Cranberry Layer:
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¾ cup fresh or dried cranberries
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1 tablespoon honey (or date syrup for Mediterranean touch)
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1 tablespoon orange juice
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½ teaspoon fresh rosemary (finely chopped)
For the Hot Honey:
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¼ cup raw honey
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½–1 teaspoon red chili flakes
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Tiny pinch sea salt
Garnish:
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Chopped pistachios or walnuts
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Fresh thyme or mint
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Extra drizzle olive oil
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cranberry Mixture
If using fresh cranberries:
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Add cranberries, honey, and orange juice to a small saucepan.
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Simmer 5–7 minutes until softened and slightly jammy.
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Stir in rosemary and cool completely.
If using dried cranberries:
Soak in warm orange juice for 10 minutes, then pulse slightly for a chunky texture.
Step 2: Whip the Feta
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Add feta, Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and black pepper to a food processor.
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Blend until smooth and creamy (about 1–2 minutes).
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Adjust texture with a little extra olive oil if needed.
Step 3: Prepare Hot Honey
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Warm honey gently (do not boil).
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Stir in chili flakes and pinch of salt.
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Let sit for 5 minutes to infuse.
Step 4: Assemble
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Spread whipped feta onto a shallow serving plate.
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Spoon cranberry mixture over the top.
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Drizzle with hot honey.
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Garnish with nuts and fresh herbs.
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Finish with a light drizzle of olive oil.
Serve with:
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Warm pita bread
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Toasted sourdough
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Cucumber slices
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Crackers
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Carrot sticks
🥗 Mediterranean Health Benefits
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Feta & Greek yogurt → rich in protein & probiotics
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Olive oil → heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
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Cranberries → antioxidants & immune support
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Honey → natural antimicrobial properties
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Herbs & garlic → anti-inflammatory benefits
This dip is indulgent yet balanced — perfect for mindful Mediterranean eating.
🔥 Flavor Variations
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Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes instead of cranberries
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Swap cranberries for pomegranate seeds
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Add toasted sesame seeds for Middle Eastern flair
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Mix in a spoon of labneh for extra tanginess
❓ Q & A
Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the whipped feta and cranberry mixture up to 2 days in advance. Assemble and drizzle hot honey just before serving.
Q2: Can I make it less spicy?
Absolutely. Reduce chili flakes or skip them entirely for a sweet-only honey drizzle.
Q3: Can I make it dairy-free?
You can substitute feta with a plant-based feta alternative and use coconut yogurt or almond yogurt.
Q4: How long does it last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it lasts 3–4 days.
Q5: Can I freeze it?
Not recommended — the texture of whipped feta may become grainy after thawing.
🌟 Serving Tip
For special occasions, spread the feta in a shallow bowl and create swirls with the back of a spoon before adding cranberries and honey — it looks beautiful and restaurant-style!
