Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is a delightful appetizer that never fails to impress at gatherings. This creamy, tangy dip combines the rich flavors of cream cheese with the tartness of cranberries, creating a perfect balance that tantalizes the taste buds. Originating from the heart of American holiday traditions, this dish has become a staple at festive celebrations, bringing warmth and joy to every table. I love how the smooth texture of the cream cheese melds beautifully with the sweet and slightly tart cranberry sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser for both casual get-togethers and elegant soirées.
People adore Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip not only for its delicious flavor but also for its convenience. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the company of friends and family rather than slaving away in the kitchen. Whether served with crispy crackers, fresh veggies, or warm bread, this dip is sure to be a hit. Join me as we dive into this simple yet scrumptious recipe that will elevate your next gathering!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Crackers, baguette slices, or vegetable sticks for serving
Preparing the Dip Mixture
- First, I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the dip will bake evenly and get that lovely golden color.
- In a large mixing bowl, I combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, I blend them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is crucial because it creates the base of our dip.
- Next, I add in the shredded cheddar cheese, sugar, chopped green onions, vanilla extract, salt, and black pepper. I mix everything together until well combined. The sweetness from the sugar balances the tartness of the cranberries, while the green onions add a nice crunch and flavor.
- If I’m using pecans, I fold them into the mixture at this point. They add a delightful texture and nutty flavor that complements the creaminess of the dip.
Preparing the Cranberry Layer
- In a separate bowl, I toss the cranberries with a tablespoon of olive oil and a sprinkle of sugar. This helps to coat the cranberries and enhances their natural sweetness.
- If I’m using frozen cranberries, I make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid. This prevents the dip from becoming too watery.
- Once the cranberries are ready, I gently fold them into the cream cheese mixture. I want to ensure that the cranberries are evenly distributed throughout the dip, so I take my time with this step.
Baking the Dip
- Now it’s time to transfer the dip mixture into a baking dish. I usually use a 9-inch pie dish or a similar-sized oven-safe dish. I make sure to spread the mixture evenly in the dish.
- I place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. I keep an eye on it, and I know it’s done when the edges are bubbly and the top is lightly golden brown.
- Once baked, I remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to serve.
Assembling and Serving
- Before serving, I like to garnish the dip with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. It also adds a nice herbal note that complements the richness of the dip.
- I serve the baked cranberry cream cheese dip warm, alongside an assortment of crackers, baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks. The contrast of the warm, creamy dip with the crunchy dippers is simply irresistible!
- As my guests dig in, I enjoy watching their reactions. The combination of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors is always a hit, and it’s a perfect appetizer for any gathering.
Tips for the Perfect Dip
- If you want to make this dip ahead of time, you can prepare the mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
- For a little extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cranberry layer. It adds a warm, cozy note that’s perfect for fall and winter gatherings.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add a dash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños to the cream cheese mixture.
- Feel free to experiment with different
Conclusion:
In summary, this Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to impress their guests or simply indulge in a delicious treat. The creamy texture combined with the tartness of the cranberries creates a delightful balance that is sure to please any palate. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, a casual get-together, or just enjoying a cozy night in, this dip is the perfect addition to your appetizer spread. For serving suggestions, I love pairing this dip with an assortment of crackers, toasted baguette slices, or even fresh fruit like apple slices and pear wedges. You can also get creative with variations by adding chopped nuts for a bit of crunch, or mixing in some herbs like rosemary or thyme for an extra layer of flavor. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip a try and experience the joy it brings to your table. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any tweaks you made, or even a photo of your creation. Let’s spread the love for this delightful dip together! Print
Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip: A Delicious Holiday Appetizer Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Description
This Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip combines creamy, tangy flavors with sweet cranberries and sharp cheddar, making it a perfect appetizer for gatherings. Serve it warm with crackers or vegetable sticks for a delightful treat that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
Scale- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Crackers, baguette slices, or vegetable sticks for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese, sugar, chopped green onions, vanilla extract, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- If using pecans, fold them into the mixture.
- In a separate bowl, toss the cranberries with olive oil and a sprinkle of sugar.
- If using frozen cranberries, thaw and drain any excess liquid.
- Gently fold the cranberries into the cream cheese mixture.
- Transfer the dip mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are bubbly and the top is lightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish the dip with fresh parsley.
- Serve warm with an assortment of crackers, baguette slices, or vegetable sticks.
Notes
- You can prepare the dip mixture ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
- For added flavor, consider a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the cranberry layer.
- For a spicy kick, add hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the cream cheese mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
