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Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 144 reviews

Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is a warm, creamy, and tangy appetizer perfect for any festive occasion or casual gathering. This delightful dip combines softened cream cheese with shredded cheddar, whole cranberry sauce, and a blend of spices, baked until bubbly and golden. Topped optionally with fresh parsley and nuts, it offers a harmonious balance of sweet, savory, and tart flavors that pair wonderfully with crackers, baguette slices, or vegetable sticks.

Ingredients

Scale

Main 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

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the dip evenly and thoroughly.
  2. Mix Cream Cheese: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer or hand mixer until it becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring a good base for the dip.
  3. Add Cheddar Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese thoroughly to combine the flavors and texture.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Add the cranberry sauce, chopped nuts if using, brown sugar, vanilla extract, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix everything well so that the dip has an even distribution of ingredients.
  5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the mixture evenly into a 9×9 inch baking dish or a pie plate, smoothing the surface with a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
  6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the dip is bubbly and golden on top, which indicates it is fully heated and ready to serve.
  7. Garnish: Remove the dip from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Optionally sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness.
  8. Serve Warm: Serve the dip while warm alongside your choice of dippers such as crackers, baguette slices, or vegetable sticks for a delightful appetizer experience.

Notes

  • For additional flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to complement the cranberries.
  • You can use reduced-fat cream cheese for a lighter version that still maintains creaminess.
  • Customize the nuts with toasted almonds or hazelnuts for unique texture and taste.
  • Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • You can freeze the prepared dip before baking; just thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.
  • If using fresh cranberries, cook them down with sugar and water to create a sauce before adding.
  • To decrease sweetness, reduce or omit brown sugar as cranberries provide natural tartness.
  • Substitute cheddar with other creamy cheeses like gouda or pepper jack to change flavor profiles.

Keywords: Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip, holiday dip, baked dip recipe, creamy cranberry dip, appetizer, Christmas dip, cheese dip, party dip

Find it online: https://cookwithlea.com/baked-cranberry-cream-cheese-dip-recipe/