Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip Recipe for Festive Snacking

Creamy textures meet tangy cranberry magic in this unexpected dip that surprises every palate.

Holiday gatherings demand something special beyond standard appetizers.

Warm cream cheese blends deliciously with tart cranberry notes for an irresistible starter.

Sharp cheddar adds complexity to each delectable bite.

Guests will marvel at the smooth, rich combination that feels both elegant and comforting.

Seasonal ingredients shine in this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

Serve this crowd-pleasing dip and watch everyone reach for another scoop.

Why Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip Steals the Show

• Prepare this festive dip in just 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute gatherings or spontaneous snack cravings.
• Combine tangy cranberry sauce with rich, creamy cheese for a taste sensation that will have guests asking for the recipe.
• Serve as an appetizer at holiday parties, game nights, or casual get-togethers, impressing everyone with minimal effort.
• Bake and serve in one dish, reducing kitchen cleanup and allowing more time to enjoy with friends and family.

What You’ll Need for the Cranberry Dip

• Cream Cheese: Soft, tangy base for the creamy dip, provides rich texture and smooth consistency.
• Sour Cream: Adds extra creaminess and slight tang to the mixture, enhances overall flavor.
• Shredded Cheese: Provides additional cheesy depth and melty texture to the dip.

• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle, aromatic seasoning without raw garlic intensity.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall taste.

• Cranberries, Sugar, Water: Classic combination for creating sweet-tart homemade sauce, whole berries provide texture.
• Orange Zest: Adds bright, citrusy note to the cranberry sauce.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Optional sweetener for additional depth and complexity in sauce.

• Parsley, Green Onions: Fresh herbs for color, brightness, and mild herbal flavor.
• Crackers, Pita Chips, Baguette: Serving suggestions for dipping and enjoying the warm cheese mixture.

Simple Steps for Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip

Step 1: Create Cranberry Magic

• Fresh cranberries
• Sugar
• Water
• Orange zest
• Honey or maple syrup (optional)

Combine cranberries, sugar, water, and orange zest in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until cranberries burst and sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in honey or maple syrup if desired. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Mix Creamy Goodness

• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheese
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Preheat oven to 375°F. In a mixing bowl, blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy. The mixture should look rich and inviting.

Step 3: Layer And Bake

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly in a baking dish. Gently pour the cranberry sauce on top, creating a beautiful marbled effect. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until edges are bubbly and dip is heated through.

Step 4: Finish With Flair

Remove the dip from the oven. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or green onions. Serve immediately with an array of crispy crackers, crunchy pita chips, or sliced baguette for dipping.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Cranberry Dip

• Smooth Cream Cheese Trick: Ensure cream cheese is completely softened at room temperature for a silky, lump-free mixture that blends effortlessly.
• Cranberry Sauce Control: Cook cranberries just until they burst to maintain a vibrant texture and prevent overcooking, which can make the sauce too mushy.
• Cheese Blend Boost: Experiment with different shredded cheeses like sharp cheddar or gruyère to add depth and complexity to the cream cheese base.
• Temperature Timing: Watch the dip closely while baking to prevent over-browning, removing it when edges are bubbly and heated through for the perfect consistency.
• Dietary Swap Options: Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream alternatives for a lactose-free version that's equally delicious and creamy.

How to Store Leftover Cranberry Dip Without Drying Out

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the dip is completely cooled before sealing.
• Warm the dip in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintaining creamy texture.
• Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly and prevent hot spots.
• Note that reheated dip might separate slightly, so gently stir to restore its original creamy consistency before serving.

Best Foods to Serve with Cranberry Dip

• Crisp White Wine
• Uncork a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the creamy, tangy dip. These light wines cut through the richness and balance the cranberry's tartness, creating a delightful flavor harmony.
• Rustic Crunch
• Select artisan sourdough crackers or toasted baguette slices for maximum texture contrast. Their hearty, crisp nature provides the perfect vehicle for scooping the smooth, warm cream cheese mixture.
• Charcuterie Board
• Enhance the dip experience by surrounding it with prosciutto, aged cheddar, and marcona almonds. These savory elements create a sophisticated small plate that elevates the cranberry cream cheese dip from simple snack to gourmet starter.
• Sparkling Cocktail
• Mix a light gin spritzer or prosecco-based aperitif to cleanse the palate between bites. The bubbles and slight acidity will cut through the dip's creamy richness and keep the appetizer feeling fresh and vibrant.

Cranberry Dip Variations to Explore

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream cheese with cashew cream or tofu-based cream cheese. Use coconut yogurt instead of sour cream and nutritional yeast for shredded cheese.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap sugar with erythritol or stevia in cranberry sauce. Use almond flour crackers or vegetable sticks for serving to reduce carbohydrate intake.
• Spicy Cranberry Kick: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture. Incorporate cayenne pepper into the cranberry sauce for extra heat.
• Mediterranean Style: Mix in crumbled feta cheese and dried oregano. Replace orange zest with lemon zest and add chopped fresh mint as a garnish.

Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Irresistible cream cheese cranberry dip promises a festive flavor explosion that sings of holiday cheer. Warm, tangy, and beautifully balanced, you’ll find this appetizer impossible to resist at any gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (150 grams) fresh or frozen cranberries
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
• ½ cup (56 grams) shredded mozzarella or white cheddar cheese

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

• ¼ cup (50 grams) sugar
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) water
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) honey or maple syrup (optional)
• ½ teaspoon orange zest (optional)

Seasonings and Garnish:

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or green onions
• Crackers, pita chips, or baguette slices, for serving

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Instructions

1. Create a vibrant cranberry compote by combining fresh cranberries, sugar, water, and fragrant orange zest in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes, gently crushing the cranberries until they burst and the sauce transforms into a luscious, thickened consistency.
3. Enhance the compote with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, then set aside to cool slightly, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C), preparing a welcoming environment for the upcoming dip.
5. In a mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese with sour cream, introducing shredded cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture achieves a smooth, creamy texture.
6. Transfer the cream cheese blend into a baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform base.
7. Delicately layer the cooled cranberry compote over the cream cheese foundation, ensuring gentle coverage.
8. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for bubbly edges and a thoroughly warmed interior.
9. Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onions.
10. Serve immediately alongside crisp crackers, crunchy pita chips, or sliced baguette for an irresistible appetizer.

Notes

• Adjust sugar levels in cranberry sauce based on desired tartness, using honey or maple syrup for a more nuanced sweetness.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or goat cheese to create unique flavor profiles in the cream cheese base.
• Ensure cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
• Make the cranberry sauce ahead of time and refrigerate, allowing flavors to develop and saving preparation time on serving day.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg