Name: Whipped Feta With Cranberries and Walnuts Holiday Appetizer
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 8 oz high-quality feta cheese (block style, Greek preferred); 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (reserve 1 tbsp for finishing); 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 clove garlic, finely minced; 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or fresh, chopped); 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves; Zest of 1/2 lemon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this appetizer blends bold, Mediterranean-inspired ingredients with festive holiday touches. The feta and cream cheese whip up into a smooth, airy base that feels luxurious without being heavy. The toppings add texture and brightness, making each bite dynamic and flavorful. It’s incredibly versatile—I can pair it with anything from warm pita bread to crisp veggies—and it’s just as good for casual get-togethers as it is for formal dinners.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Whipped Feta Base:

8 oz high-quality feta cheese (preferably block-style Greek feta)
4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (reserve 1 tablespoon for drizzling)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
1 clove garlic, finely minced
1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

For the Toppings:

1/2 cup dried cranberries (or fresh, roughly chopped)
1/2 cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
Zest of 1/2 lemon

Directions

I let all the ingredients sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before starting. I also pat the feta dry with paper towels to remove excess brine.
In a food processor, I combine feta, cream cheese, 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. I process the mixture for 2–3 minutes, scraping the sides once, until it’s smooth, fluffy, and lump-free.
I add the black pepper and pulse briefly, then taste the mixture. If needed, I adjust with a little extra lemon juice or olive oil.
I transfer the whipped feta to a serving bowl and swirl it with the back of a spoon to create little valleys for the toppings.
I scatter the cranberries and walnuts on top, drizzle with honey, and finish with fresh thyme, lemon zest, and the last tablespoon of olive oil.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes enough for 8 people (about 2 tablespoons per serving). Prep takes just 10 minutes, with another 5 minutes for assembly. It’s perfect for last-minute entertaining or when I want a beautiful dish without spending all day in the kitchen.

Variations

I like swapping in goat cheese for a slightly milder flavor or using dried cherries or pomegranate seeds instead of cranberries. Toasted pecans or pistachios work great in place of walnuts. If I’m going dairy-free, I use a cashew-based cream cheese and vegan feta substitute. For an extra burst of flavor, I sometimes add fresh oregano or basil to the whipped base.

Storage/Reheating

I store the whipped feta (without toppings) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, though it’s best within 48 hours. When I’m ready to serve, I let it come to room temperature for 15 minutes so it spreads easily. If I’ve made the base ahead, I add the toppings just before serving to keep the nuts crunchy and the cranberries fresh. I also freeze the whipped base (without toppings) for up to a month, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then re-whip quickly to bring back the smooth texture.

FAQs

Can I make this without a food processor?

Yes, I can use a hand mixer or an immersion blender instead. I just make sure the cheeses are very soft for smoother results.

Why is my whipped feta grainy?

That usually happens if the ingredients are too cold or if I over-process the mixture. I always let the cheeses come to room temperature and pulse gently until just smooth.

Can I use fresh cranberries?

I can! I roughly chop them and might add a little more honey to balance the tartness of the fresh berries.

How do I stop the honey from crystallizing?

I always use room-temperature liquid honey and drizzle it just before serving. If it starts to crystallize, I warm it gently until it’s smooth again.

What should I serve this with?

I like to serve it with warm pita triangles, seedy crackers, toasted baguette slices, or even veggie sticks like cucumbers and endive. It’s also great on a charcuterie board or as a sandwich spread.

Conclusion

This Whipped Feta With Cranberries and Walnuts is one of those appetizers I come back to year after year. It’s festive, flavorful, and takes almost no time to prepare. The combination of creamy feta, tart cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and sweet honey never fails to impress. Whether I’m hosting a holiday party or just craving something special, this dish always delivers with elegance and ease.