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Donnamarie Giles

Hot Honey Cranberry-Jalapeño Whipped Feta Dip

Creamy whipped feta marbled with a thick cranberry-jalapeño topping and finished with hot honey. This colorful, make-ahead holiday dip serves 12 and delivers the perfect combination of creamy, sweet, tart and spicy flavors.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling Time 20 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American, American Party Food

Ingredients
  

For the Whipped Feta
  • 2 8 oz blocks feta cheese, drained and patted dry
  • 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbl extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest
  • 1 tbl fresh lemon juice
  • 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
For the Cranberry-Jalapeño Topping
  • 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup hot honey, divided
  • 1 medium jalapeño, seeded and very finely diced, divided
  • 1/4 tsp teaspoon kosher salt

Method
 

  1. Add the cranberries, orange juice, brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of the hot honey, half of the diced jalapeño and kosher salt to a medium saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
  2. Reduce the heat and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally and gently press some of the cranberries against the side of the pan as they burst. The finished mixture should look thick, glossy and jammy. Remove the cranberry-jalapeño mixture from the heat and let it cool completely. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
  3. Add the feta, softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice and garlic to a food processor. Process for 60 to 90 seconds, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed, until the whipped feta is creamy and spreadable.
  4. Spoon the whipped feta into a wide, shallow serving bowl. Use the back of a spoon to spread it into an even layer with a few natural swirls across the surface. Spoon approximately half of the cooled cranberry mixture over the whipped feta. Gently swirl it into the surface two or three times. Do not completely mix the two layers together. Spoon the remaining cranberry mixture over the top. Finish with the remaining diced jalapeño and drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of hot honey.
  5. Serve with sturdy butter crackers, crostini, pretzel crisps or sliced pears.

Notes

Recipe Notes

  • Cool the cranberry mixture completely before adding it to the whipped feta.
  • Block feta produces a creamier result than pre-crumbled feta.
  • Remove the jalapeño seeds and pale inner ribs for milder heat.
  • The cranberry topping and whipped feta can be prepared up to two days ahead and refrigerated separately.
  • Let the assembled dip sit at room temperature for approximately 20 minutes before serving.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
  • Freezing is not recommended because the dairy base may become watery or grainy after thawing.