This Holiday Cranberry Orange Whipped Ricotta is creamy, light, and full of bright seasonal flavor. Sweet, tart cranberries and fresh orange pair perfectly with the smooth whipped ricotta, creating an easy appetizer that comes together with just a few simple ingredients.

The cranberry orange jam mixed into the holiday whipped ricotta.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy. This recipe calls for a few simple ingredients that some together so quickly. Just simmer, blend, layer the jam on top, and enjoy! Your holiday cranberry orange whipped ricotta will be the talk of the holiday party.

Seasonal Flavors. The sweet, tartness of the cranberries and the bright, fresh orange bring together the flavors that make the holidays feel so special. This recipe is the perfect way to enjoy another classic seasonal combination alongside all of your favorite fall and holiday flavors.

A simple recipe that feels fancy. This is a recipe is quick to put together but looks impressive. It all comes down to blending and simmering. Before you know it, you have a delicious holiday appetizer that looks like you put in way more effort than you did.

Tips

Don’t be alarmed by the saltiness of the whipped ricotta. Once the sweet cranberry jam is added on top it will be the perfect salty sweet combination.
If you want the ricotta to also taste sweet, swap out the olive oil with honey.
Swap out the cranberry and orange for seasonal fruits any time of year. This appetizer can be enjoyed all year round.

Dipping a cracker into the holiday cranberry orange whipped ricotta.

Tools You May Need

Ingredients

Here is everything you need to make the Holiday Cranberry Orange Whipped Ricotta.

Ricotta cheese (low fat or whole milk), 15 oz

Olive oil

Salt

Cranberries, 12oz bag

Orange, zest and juice from one orange.

Granulated sugar

Triscuits or crackers

Holiday Cranberry Orange Whipped Ricotta with the cranberry jam mixed through the ricotta.

How to Make Holiday Cranberry Orange Whipped Ricotta

1. Make the Cranberry Orange Jam

In a large pot, add a 12oz bag of cranberries, the zest of one large orange and the juice of half a large orange, and one cup of granulated sugar.

Simmer on low-medium heat until the juice from the cranberries and the melted sugar reduces. The cranberries should prune and the sauce should start to thicken.

Once the jam is made, take it off the heat and allow it to completely cool. If you’re in a hurry, transfer it to a container and put it in the fridge for 15 – 20 minutes.

Cranberry jam and orange zest in a sauce pot ready to simmer.

Cranberry orange jam in a clear bowl sitting on the counter.

2. Whip the Ricotta

In a food processor, add a 15oz container of ricotta cheese. I used low fat but you can use whole milk if you prefer.

Add 10g of salt to the cheese and pulse. While you pulse, slowly add 10g of olive oil to the cheese. This is what is going to smooth everything out.

3. Assemble the Appetizer & Enjoy!

Transfer the whipped ricotta to a bowl then place the cranberry jam on top.

For added citrusy flavor, add more orange zest on top and enjoy with triscuits or any crackers you have on hand.

Cracker dipped in Holiday Cranberry Orange Whipped Ricotta.

Crackers dipped in Holiday Cranberry Orange Whipped Ricotta.

How to Store the Holiday Cranberry Orange Whipped Ricotta

Depending on how many people you are making this appetizer for, you might have some extra ricotta or jam left over. I recommend storing them separately so both will last longer.

Cranberry Orange Jam – I recommend storing the jam in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 – 5 days.

Whipped Ricotta – You can store the whipped ricotta in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Other Ways to Enjoy the Holiday Cranberry Orange Whipped Ricotta

Breakfast – These two recipes are the perfect way to take breakfast to the next level. Add the cranberry orange jam to a yogurt bowl or on sourdough toast. Add a spoonful of whipped ricotta to your yogurt bowls for an extra creamy, rich texture. Top with fresh berries and your favorite toppings for a breakfast that feels a little more special.

Savory – You can also make a savory whipped ricotta appetizer. Instead of adding jam, you could add more savory spices like pepper, garlic powder, and thyme, extra olive oil and top with olives and pistachios for an added crunch. Tailor this to your savory preferences. The base of this whipped ricotta is so flexible.

Holiday Cranberry Orange Whipped Ricotta

Selena Jones

Print Pin

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Cranberry Jam Cool Time 5

Total Time 25

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 6 people

Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

Food processor
Sauce pot
Zester/cheese grater
Silicone spatula
Service bowl

Ingredients

15 oz Ricotta cheese, low fat or whole milk (425g)
2 tsp Olive oil (10g)
1¾ tsp Salt (10g)
12 oz Bag of Cranberries (340g)
Orange zest from one orange
Orange juice from ½ an orange
1 cup Granulated sugar (200g)
Triscuits or crackers