Creamy Baked Cranberry Cheese Dip: A Festive Holiday Recipe

Creamy, dreamy, and bursting with festive flavor, this baked cranberry cream cheese dip delivers pure holiday magic to your appetizer spread.

Tangy cranberries swirl through rich cream cheese, creating an irresistible blend that sparks conversation at every gathering.

The warm, golden surface promises a delightful experience for your taste buds.

Soft cheese melts into a luxurious texture that beckons hungry guests closer.

Each spoonful carries a perfect balance of sweet and tart notes that dance across your palate.

Serve this crowd-pleasing appetizer with crisp crackers or toasted baguette slices for an instant party sensation.

Prepare to be the star of your next holiday celebration with this simple yet spectacular dish.

Tips for Cream Cheese Dip Perfection

• Select high-quality cream cheese and fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture in your dip.
• Adjust sugar coating on cranberries based on their natural tartness to achieve perfect balance.
• Ensure cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature to create smooth, creamy mixture without lumps.
• Experiment with different dippers like toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or vegetable sticks for variety.
• Prepare cheese mixture in advance and refrigerate, adding cranberries just before baking to maintain optimal consistency.

Cranberry Dip Creative Twists

• Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace sugar with erythritol and use almond flour crackers for serving, keeping the creamy texture while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese and use coconut-based sour cream, maintaining the rich, tangy flavor profile.
• Savory Mediterranean Spin: Add crumbled feta, chopped kalamata olives, and dried oregano to create a Greek-inspired version with Mediterranean herbs and ingredients.
• Vegan Friendly Option: Use plant-based cream cheese, nutritional yeast instead of cheese, and swap cranberries with roasted pomegranate seeds for a similar tart burst of flavor.

Serving Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

• Festive Dipping Delights: Crackers and Toasted Bread: Serve this warm, creamy dip with crispy artisan crackers or freshly toasted baguette slices for a delightful crunch that complements the smooth cheese texture.
• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange the dip in the center of a holiday appetizer board, surrounding it with an assortment of cured meats, olives, and additional fresh herbs to create a stunning and inviting presentation.
• Wine and Cheese Pairing: Match this tangy cranberry dip with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio, enhancing the appetizer's rich and slightly tart flavor profile for an elegant entertaining experience.

Storage Tips for Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the dip is completely cooled before sealing.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month, avoiding potential texture changes.
• Warm small portions on medium power for 30-45 seconds, stirring halfway to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive drying and maintain creamy texture.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just thaw and pat them dry before coating with sugar to prevent excess moisture in the dip.

• Is this dip suitable for people who don't like tart flavors?

The sugar coating on cranberries helps balance the tartness, making it more mild and enjoyable for those who prefer sweeter tastes.

• What cheeses can I substitute if I don't have mozzarella or white cheddar?

You can use similar mild white cheeses like Monterey Jack or provolone to maintain a similar creamy texture and flavor profile.

• How do I know when the dip is perfectly baked?

The dip is ready when it’s bubbly around the edges and the cranberries start to burst, which typically takes 15-20 minutes in the oven.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip—Why It’s a Holiday Must

• Whip up this delightful dip that brings festive cheer to any gathering with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Pair with a variety of dippers like crispy crackers, crunchy breadsticks, or toasted crostini for a flexible appetizer that suits different tastes.
• Combine tangy cream cheese with sweet-tart cranberries for a vibrant holiday dish that captures the essence of winter celebrations.
• Create an impressive appetizer with just a few ingredients and basic mixing techniques, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Ingredients

• Cream Cheese: A smooth and creamy base that provides a rich and tangy foundation for the dip.
• Sour Cream: Adds a delightful tang and helps create a velvety texture.
• Mozzarella: Brings a stretchy and mild cheese element to the dip.
• White Cheddar: Introduces a sharp and bold cheese flavor.
• Cranberries: Fresh or frozen berries that add a vibrant burst of tartness and holiday color.

• Sugar: Helps to sweeten and balance the tartness of the cranberries.

• Parsley: Provides a fresh, green accent to the finished dip.
• Crackers, Breadsticks, Crostini: Perfect for scooping and enjoying the warm, cheesy dip.

Tools for Making Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

• Baking Dish: Medium-sized ceramic or glass dish for even heating and beautiful presentation.
• Medium Mixing Bowls: Two bowls for combining cheese mixture and coating cranberries.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Perfect for mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting Board: For chopping fresh parsley garnish.
• Sharp Knife: To finely chop parsley for elegant topping.

How to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Set your oven temperature to a toasty 375F (190C) so it’s ready for your delicious dip.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cheese Base

• Softened cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Mozzarella cheese
• White cheddar cheese

Blend everything until you have a luxurious, creamy mixture.

Step 3: Sweeten Cranberries

In a separate bowl, gently toss cranberries with sugar, ensuring each berry gets a delightful sugary coating.

Step 4: Layer Cheese Mixture

Spread the creamy cheese blend evenly into a baking dish, creating a perfect canvas for your cranberries.

Step 5: Add Cranberry Topping

Sprinkle the sugar-coated cranberries over the cheese mixture, creating a beautiful and festive appearance.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to become bubbly and the cranberries to start bursting with flavor.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Pull the dip from the oven and shower it with freshly chopped parsley.

Serve immediately with an array of crispy accompaniments like crackers, breadsticks, or crostini.

Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip – A Perfect Holiday Appetizer Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Cranberry cream cheese dip delights holiday gatherings with its tangy and creamy profile. Festive flavors blend seamlessly, creating an irresistible starter you’ll want to serve at every celebration.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
• 1 cup (100 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) white cheddar cheese, shredded

Fruit and Sweetener:

• 1 cup (100 grams) fresh cranberries
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) sugar

Garnish and Serving:

• 2 tablespoons (8 grams) fresh parsley, chopped
• Crackers, breadsticks, or crostini for serving

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring an even heating environment for the dip.
2. Thoroughly blend softened cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, and white cheddar in a mixing bowl until the mixture reaches a smooth, uniform consistency.
3. Separately coat fresh cranberries with granulated sugar, ensuring each berry is evenly covered for a sweet-tart flavor profile.
4. Transfer the creamy cheese mixture into a suitable baking dish, spreading it uniformly to create an even base for the cranberries.
5. Delicately scatter the sugar-coated cranberries across the top of the cheese mixture, creating an attractive and appetizing surface.
6. Slide the prepared dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for the cheese to become bubbly and the cranberries to start bursting, releasing their vibrant juices.
7. Once baked, carefully remove from the oven and immediately garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley to add a bright, herbal note.
8. Serve the dip warm alongside crisp crackers, rustic breadsticks, or toasted crostini for an irresistible holiday appetizer.

Notes

• Soften cream cheese completely at room temperature for smooth, lump-free mixing that ensures a creamy texture.
• Choose fresh, plump cranberries for the best burst of tartness and vibrant color in the dip.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like goat cheese or blue cheese for unique flavor profiles that complement the cranberries.
• Make it gluten-free by serving with gluten-free crackers or vegetable sticks, keeping the dip’s delicious taste accessible to everyone.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg