Try this Baked Feta Cheese Dip with Cranberries for a simple, festive appetizer. Minimal ingredients, easy cleanup, and so much holiday flavour!
If baked feta has a special place in your heart, you are going to be obsessed with this holiday edition. This Baked Feta Cheese Dip with Cranberries comes out warm, tangy, sweet, and lightly spicy, with the cranberries turning jammy in the oven and pairing perfectly with the creamy feta and honey.
I am all about appetizers that look impressive with very little effort. My Greek Yogurt Buffalo Chicken Dip and Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Spinach Dip are always favourites for that reason, and this dip fits the same vibe with a more seasonal twist. It is easy, delicious, and guaranteed to disappear fast off the table!
Why This Recipe Is Dietitian Approved
- Easy holiday recipe. This dip comes together quickly with simple steps, making it a stress-free option for holiday hosting.
- Minimal ingredients. Made with a short, wholesome ingredient list that still delivers big flavor.
- No mess. Everything bakes in one dish, keeping prep and cleanup easy while still offering a festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Baked Feta Cheese Dip with Cranberries Recipe
Ingredients
Feta cheese. I recommend using full fat (not light) feta cheese- for the softest baked cheese!
Cranberries. A great source of antioxidants! fresh or frozen cranberries both work- please note if you do decide to use frozen the dip may be slightly more liquid!
Honey. For natural sweetness- we replace the sugar normally used in cranberry sauce with honey!
Orange juice and zest. I recommend using freshly squeezed orange juice for the freshest flavour! Using the orange juice and zest adds a flavourful liquid to create the base of our cranberry sauce
Olive oil. The olive oil is crucial to help the feta bake without becoming overly dry!
Chili flakes. For a little sweet and savory combination!
Rosemary. Fresh rosemary pairs perfectly with cranberries for a touch of freshness.
Cream cheese. To create a creamy cranberry dip!
The complete ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F. Prepare a 9x6" baking dish by lightly oiling all sides.
- To the dish add cranberries, 2 tablespoon honey, orange juice, orange zest and half of the rosemary. Toss to combine.
- To the center of the cranberries at the block of feta. Drizzle with olive oil (ensuring all sides of the feta are full covered). Top with remaining 1 tablespoon of honey and sprinkle with black pepper, chili flakes and remainder of rosemary.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Before removing from the oven- broil for 5 minutes to slightly brown the cheese.
- For a sliced feta cranberry option: drain any excess liquid from the cranberries, slice feta and serve as is with crackers of choice!
- For a creamy cranberry feta dip: after removing the feta and cranberries from the oven, mix in cream cheese, gently mashing the feta and cranberries.
Substitutions and Variations
To make gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten free.
To make dairy-free: Use a dairy free feta cheese option such as Miyokos in place of the feta!
To make nut-free: this recipe is naturally nut free!
For a little crunch: add some crushed pistachios in with the cranberries!
Equipment
Storage
I recommend eating this baked feta cheese dip with cranberries fresh for best results! If you have leftovers you may store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend heating in the microwave before enjoying it.
Top Tips for Success
There are two options for this dip! You can either slice the feta after baking and serving with the softened cranberries for a classic "cheese and crackers style" or you can mix in cream cheese to create a creamy dip!
Frequently Asked Questions
I personally love using raincoat crisp crackers for this recipe! The slight sweetness of the crackers pairs perfectly with the dip.
Feta is a lower fat, lower moisture cheese meaning it won't get as creamy as a cream cheese or Boursin cheese will get. This is why I give the option to add cream cheese into the recipe after baking if you are looking for a creamy dip.
More Holiday Recipes
If you liked this baked feta cheese dip with cranberries, try these recipes perfect for the holiday season:
See you in the kitchen!
PS. I love seeing my recipes in action! If you decide to make this baked feta cheese dip with cranberries, don't forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram- @nourishedbynic or leave a comment and rating below letting me know how you liked it!
📖 Recipe
Baked Feta Cheese Dip with Cranberries
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen
- 3 tablespoon honey, divided
- ¼ cup orange juice
- zest of ½ an orange
- 2 springs rosemary, finely chopped
- 7 oz full fat feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes
- 3 tablespoon cream cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F. Prepare a 9x6" baking dish by lightly oiling all sides.
- To the dish add cranberries, 2 tablespoon honey, orange juice, orange zest and half of the rosemary. Toss to combine.
- To the center of the cranberries at the block of feta. Drizzle with olive oil (ensuring all sides of the feta are full covered). Top with remaining 1 tablespoon of honey and sprinkle with black pepper, chili flakes and remainder of rosemary.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Before removing from the oven- broil for 5 minutes to slightly brown the cheese.
- For a sliced feta cranberry option: drain any excess liquid from the cranberries, slice feta and serve as is with crackers of choice!
- For a creamy cranberry feta dip: after removing the feta and cranberries from the oven, mix in cream cheese, gently mashing the feta and cranberries.
Brittany says
What a great dip! The flavor is phenomenal, and it's super easy to make!
Nicole Addison says
A holiday dip EVERYONE will love! I hope you enjoy.