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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Create a vibrant cranberry compote by combining fresh cranberries, sugar, water, and fragrant orange zest in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes, gently crushing the cranberries until they burst and the sauce transforms into a luscious, thickened consistency.
- Enhance the compote with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, then set aside to cool slightly, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Preheat the oven to 375F (190C), preparing a welcoming environment for the upcoming dip.
- 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.
- Transfer the cream cheese blend into a baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform base.
- Delicately layer the cooled cranberry compote over the cream cheese foundation, ensuring gentle coverage.
- Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for bubbly edges and a thoroughly warmed interior.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onions.
- 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