Description
Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is the perfect festive appetizer — creamy, tangy, and bursting with sweet-tart cranberry flavor. This easy holiday dip combines softened cream cheese with a vibrant homemade cranberry sauce, orange zest, and a touch of cinnamon for warmth. It’s a crowd-pleasing Christmas classic you can prepare ahead and bake just before serving.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or mint (optional)
- Crackers, baguette slices, or pretzels for serving
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
- 1 tablespoon Boursin or goat cheese for tang
- Puff pastry for wrapping (for a baked brie-style presentation)
Equipment:
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or whisk
- 8x8-inch (20×20 cm) baking dish
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Make the Cranberry Sauce: In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and orange zest. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 8–10 minutes until cranberries burst and the mixture thickens slightly. Stir in vanilla extract. Let cool.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer: Beat softened cream cheese with honey and cinnamon until smooth and fluffy. Spread evenly into an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Assemble: Spoon the cooled cranberry mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading evenly.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden at the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with chopped rosemary or mint and optional nuts. Serve warm with crackers, pretzels, or toasted bread slices.
Notes
- Always use room-temperature cream cheese for smooth blending.
- Let the cranberry mixture cool before spreading over the cheese to prevent separation.
- Make-ahead: Assemble a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
- Add nuts or herbs for extra flavor and texture.
- For a twist, substitute brie or goat cheese for the cream cheese base.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days; reheat gently at 300°F for 10 minutes.
- Best served warm for a creamy, festive presentation!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip, Christmas Appetizer, Festive Holiday Dip, Cranberry Boursin Dip, Sweet and Savory Cheese Dip, Easy Holiday Recipes