Fresh Cranberries: The Secret Ingredient You’ll Wish You Had Year-Round

The holidays come and go, but if you’re like me, there’s one seasonal ingredient you shouldn’t let disappear from your kitchen—fresh cranberries!

Sure, you can grab a can of cranberry sauce any time, but let’s be real—canned cranberries just don’t compare to the bright, tart flavor of fresh ones. Plus, if you buy extra now and freeze them, you can enjoy their goodness long after Thanksgiving and Christmas are over.

And today, I’m sharing the best way to use them after the holidays: a creamy, tangy Whipped Feta with Cranberries that’s perfect for gatherings, appetizers, or even a quick snack.

Why You Should Always Buy Extra Fresh Cranberries

✔️ They Freeze Beautifully: Just toss fresh cranberries into a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll last up to a year. No prep needed!
✔️ They Add a Bright, Tart Flavor: Perfect for balancing sweet and savory dishes.
✔️ They’re Packed with Antioxidants: A superfood that boosts your health while making your recipes shine.
✔️ They Elevate Recipes Like This One: This Whipped Feta with Cranberries is proof that fresh cranberries belong in more than just sauce!

Now, let’s get to the good stuff—the recipe!

Holiday Whipped Feta with Cranberries

Ingredients:

🧀 For the Whipped Feta:

• 6 oz feta cheese
• 6 oz cream cheese, at room temp
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 tsp fresh thyme
• 2 Tbsp olive oil

🍒 For the Cranberry Topping:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 2 Tbsp honey, divided
• 1 spring + 2 tsp fresh thyme
• 2 Tbsp toasted chopped pistachios

Instructions:

1️⃣ In a saucepan, whisk orange juice + 1 Tbsp honey until combined, then bring to a boil. Add cranberries + thyme sprig and return to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 7-8 minutes until cranberries become saucy. Remove thyme, stir in orange zest, and let cool.

2️⃣ In a food processor, pulse feta, garlic, red pepper flakes, and thyme until crumbly. Add cream cheese, pulse again, then drizzle in olive oil while blending until smooth & fluffy.

3️⃣ Transfer to a serving bowl, top with cooled cranberry sauce, sprinkle with pistachios, and drizzle with remaining honey. Serve with Butter & Salt Pretzel Chips, crostini, crackers, or veggies.

🎉 Yields: 2 cups of creamy, irresistible goodness!

Ways to Enjoy This Whipped Feta After the Holidays

✨ Spread it on toast for an easy gourmet breakfast
✨ Serve as a dip with crackers & veggies at your next gathering
✨ Use it as a sandwich spread to add a tangy kick
✨ Dollop onto roasted veggies or grain bowls for extra flavor

And the best part? If you stocked up on fresh cranberries and froze them, you can make this anytime—even when they’re out of season!