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
  • This festive, creamy cranberry dip is ready for noshing in 25 minutes.
  • Using whole-wheat baguettes for dipping adds fiber for a more nutrient-dense option.  
  • If you don't like walnuts or don't have them on hand, feel free to use whatever nuts you prefer.
the ingredients to make the Whipped Feta with Cranberries & Walnuts

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

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings

  • 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 ( 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.

EatingWell.com, December 2023

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

204 Calories
14g Fat
14g Carbs
6g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Serving Size about 3 Tbsp. dip & 3 crostini
Calories 204
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 14g 5%
Dietary Fiber 1g 5%
Total Sugars 7g
Added Sugars 2g 4%
Protein 6g 13%
Total Fat 14g 18%
Saturated Fat 7g 34%
Cholesterol 33mg 11%
Vitamin A 74µg
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 1mg 6%
Folate 18µg
Vitamin K 4µg
Sodium 293mg 13%
Calcium 146mg 11%
Iron 1mg 4%
Magnesium 23mg 5%
Potassium 89mg 2%
Zinc 1mg 10%
Vitamin B12 0µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.