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Light & Creamy Cranberry Pecan Baked Feta Dip

cranberry pecan baked feta dip - featured image
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A light and creamy baked feta dip with tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a touch of honey. Perfect for holiday parties or any gathering, this easy appetizer comes together in about 25 minutes with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces feta cheese, drained and patted dry
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen, not thawed)
  • 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped and toasted
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • For serving: Crusty bread, crackers, sliced apples, pear slices, or celery sticks

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Toast the pecans: Place chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir constantly for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Immediately transfer to a plate to cool.
  3. Prepare the cranberry mixture: In a small bowl, combine fresh cranberries, honey, balsamic vinegar, chopped rosemary, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir and let sit while preparing the cheese.
  4. Mash the feta: In a medium mixing bowl, add drained feta cheese. Use a fork or potato masher to break it into small crumbles.
  5. Add the cream cheese: Add softened cream cheese to the bowl with feta. Mash together until well combined, leaving some tiny feta crumbles for texture.
  6. Season the cheese mixture: Add a pinch of black pepper and stir. Go easy on salt as feta is already salty.
  7. Assemble the dip: Spread the feta-cream cheese mixture evenly into a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Spoon the cranberry mixture over the cheese, spreading to cover most of the surface.
  8. Bake: Place dish in preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes until cranberries have softened and started to burst, and edges are bubbling slightly.
  9. Add the pecans: Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle toasted pecans over the top. Let cool for 3-5 minutes before serving.
  10. Serve warm: Place dish on a serving board surrounded by dippers. Garnish with extra fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary if desired.

Notes

Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for 30 minutes before starting. Don’t skip toasting the pecans for best flavor. Start checking dip at 18 minutes to avoid overbaking. Can be assembled (minus pecans) up to 24 hours in advance; add 5 minutes to baking time if starting from cold. Dried cranberries are not recommended as they won’t soften properly.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked feta dip, cranberry pecan dip, holiday appetizer, easy appetizer, creamy dip, party dip, baked cheese dip

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/light-and-creamy-cranberry-pecan-baked-feta-dip-best-easy-appetizer/