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Cranberry Walnut Dip

Creamy Cranberry Walnut Dip: The Perfect Sweet and Savory Holiday Appetizer

  • Author: Lyndy
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 10–12 servings 1x

Description

This Creamy Cranberry Walnut Dip is the ultimate sweet and savory holiday appetizer! Blending tangy cranberries, smoky bacon, and crunchy walnuts in a creamy cheese base, it’s the perfect make-ahead dip for Christmas parties and gatherings. Serve it chilled or warm with crackers, crostini, or apple slices for a crowd-pleasing festive treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) mayonnaise
  • 1 cup (100g) dried cranberries (or chopped canned cranberry sauce)
  • 1/2 cup (60g) chopped toasted walnuts
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 green onions, finely sliced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the base: In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Stir or beat until smooth and creamy.
  2. Season: Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to incorporate flavors.
  3. Add mix-ins: Gently fold in dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, and crumbled bacon until evenly distributed.
  4. Freshen it up: Stir in half the sliced green onions for color and texture.
  5. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  6. Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with remaining green onions and parsley, and enjoy with crackers or sliced fruit.

Notes

  • Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smoother texture.
  • Toast the walnuts to enhance their nutty aroma.
  • Chill before serving for the best flavor blend.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit bacon or use smoky paprika for flavor.
  • This dip can be served warm—bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until bubbly.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Holiday, Dip
  • Method: No Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Cranberry Walnut Dip, Bacon Cranberry Dip, Holiday Appetizer, Cream Cheese Dip, Christmas Dinner Dips, Small Party Appetizers, Sweet and Savory Dips, Easy Holiday Recipes, Cranberry Appetizer Recipes

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Find it online: https://lyndyskitchen.com/cranberry-walnut-dip/