Introduction

Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is a warm, creamy appetizer that perfectly balances rich cheese with the tartness of cranberries. It’s simple to prepare and makes a delightful addition to any festive gathering or casual get-together.

The image shows a white round dish filled with a layered cranberry dip. The bottom layer is bright red cranberry sauce with a smooth texture. On top, there is a thick layer of melted white cheese with lightly browned spots and some bubbly areas. Bright red whole cranberries are scattered on the cheese, adding color and texture. Small bits of green herbs are sprinkled on top for contrast. Around the dish, there are golden round crackers and some fresh cranberries on a white marbled surface, with a soft holiday decoration blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup whole cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Assorted dippers (crackers, baguette slices, or vegetable sticks)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
Step 4: Add the cranberry sauce, chopped nuts (if using), brown sugar, vanilla extract, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until evenly distributed.
Step 5: Spread the mixture evenly into a baking dish or pie plate.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and golden on top.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Optionally, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color.
Step 8: Serve the dip warm with your choice of dippers.

Tips & Variations

Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor that complements the cranberries.
Use reduced-fat cream cheese if you prefer a lighter dip without sacrificing creaminess.
Substitute pecans or walnuts with toasted almonds or chopped hazelnuts for a different crunch and taste.
For a savory twist, mix in cooked and crumbled sausage or bacon before baking.
Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a more aromatic dip suitable for holiday occasions.
Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to bring a spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. You can also freeze the assembled dip (before baking) in the baking dish tightly covered; thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed when ready to serve.

How to Serve

The image shows a white round bowl filled with a baked dish that has a top layer of melted cheese, golden brown in some spots, covered with whole red cranberries and small green herbs scattered on top. The dish has a thick layer of red sauce around the edges under the cheese. The bowl is surrounded by round golden crackers and some red cranberries, with a sprig of green rosemary lying next to them. The background is a white marbled surface with blurred Christmas ornaments in red and gold in the back. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?

Yes, but you will need to cook the fresh cranberries with sugar and water until they form a sauce-like consistency before adding them to the dip.

How can I make this dip less sweet?

Simply reduce or omit the brown sugar, as the cranberries themselves provide a natural tartness and slight sweetness.

Is this dip gluten-free?

The dip ingredients are gluten-free, but make sure to choose gluten-free crackers or dippers if catering to dietary restrictions.

Can I use cheese other than cheddar?

Absolutely! Creamy cheeses like gouda or pepper jack work well and add unique flavors to the dip.

How long can I keep leftovers?

Leftovers stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat before serving to enjoy the dip warm again.