Sweet & Tangy Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

Warm gatherings call for irresistible appetizers like this baked cranberry cream cheese dip that sparks instant conversation.

Creamy, tangy, and beautifully festive, this crowd-pleasing starter delivers serious flavor in every delightful bite.

Soft cream cheese blends perfectly with bright cranberry notes, creating a harmonious balance that feels both elegant and comforting.

The dip emerges golden and bubbling from the oven, promising a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone reaching for crackers and bread.

Seasonal ingredients transform this simple recipe into a must-have for holiday parties and casual get-togethers.

Serve it hot and watch as guests devour every last delectable spoonful, making memories around shared deliciousness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients That Make Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

• Extra-Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Delivers bold, tangy flavor that elevates the dip's richness; grate fresh for maximum melting potential and vibrant taste.
• Cream Cheese: Provides creamy, smooth foundation that binds ingredients together; room temperature ensures easy mixing and silky texture.

• Fresh Cranberries, Cranberry Sauce: Introduces bright, tart burst of flavor and festive color; choose plump, firm cranberries for best results.
• Orange Juice, Lemon Juice: Adds citrusy brightness and helps balance sweetness while enhancing overall fruit profile.

• Nutmeg: Brings warm, subtle aromatic notes that complement cranberry's tartness; freshly ground provides more intense flavor.
• Sugar: Balances cranberries' natural acidity and creates harmonious sweet-tart profile; natural cane sugar offers deeper, more complex sweetness.
• Water: Helps create ideal sauce consistency and supports ingredient integration during cooking process.

Tools for Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Success

• Small saucepan: Perfect for making cranberry sauce and dissolving sugar.
• Medium-large mixing bowl: Essential for combining cream cheese and other ingredients.
• 1½-quart baking dish: Ideal for baking and presenting the dip.
• Cooking spray: Helps prevent sticking and ensures easy removal.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and folding ingredients.
• Cheese grater: Needed for preparing cheddar cheese.
• Foil: Useful for covering dish during baking if browning too quickly.
• Oven: Required for baking the creamy dip to perfection.

How to Bake Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Easily

• Cranberry Sauce Creation

Simmer fresh cranberries with sweet and tangy liquid ingredients until they softly burst and transform into a vibrant, glossy sauce. Let the mixture cool completely.

• Cheese Blend Preparation

Mix softened cream cheese with sharp cheddar, creating a creamy base that will hold beautiful fruity swirls. Consider adding a whisper of nutmeg for depth.

• Dip Assembly

Gently fold cooled cranberry sauce into the cheese mixture, ensuring a marbled effect with whole berries scattered throughout. Transfer to a baking dish.

• Baking Magic

Place the dish in a preheated oven, allowing the edges to turn golden and center to become wonderfully bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent over-browning.

• Finishing Touches

Sprinkle additional cheese on top during the final moments of baking, creating a delicate crispy layer. Remove from oven and let rest briefly.

• Serving Suggestion

Present the warm dip alongside crisp crackers or toasted bread. Offer a light dusting of fresh nutmeg for an elegant garnish that elevates the entire experience.

Add-Ons and Twists for Baked Cranberry Dip

• Pair this warm dip with crispy crostini, artisan crackers, or toasted pita chips for maximum flavor and texture contrast.
• Prepare the cranberry sauce and cheese mixture up to two days before baking, storing separately in refrigerator to maintain freshness and save time during party prep.
• Swap cheddar with gouda, gruyère, or monterey jack for different flavor profiles that complement the tangy cranberry base and create unique taste experiences.
• Enhance the dip's complexity by adding fresh thyme, rosemary, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for subtle warmth and depth that elevates the overall taste sensation.
• Use low-fat cream cheese for lighter version, or substitute dairy-free cream cheese alternative to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising delicious results.

Serve Baked Cranberry Dip Hot or Cold

• Festive Party Platter: Create a stunning appetizer board with this creamy dip as the centerpiece. Surround it with an array of crispy crackers, toasted baguette slices, and fresh vegetable sticks for a colorful and inviting spread.
• Holiday Brunch Companion: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, or as a delightful spread on warm breakfast pastries. The tangy cranberry and rich cheese flavors elevate any morning meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Elegant Charcuterie Enhancement: Pair this warm dip with a selection of cured meats, aged cheeses, and dried fruits. The cranberry sauce adds a festive touch that complements various charcuterie board elements perfectly.
• Wine Night Wonder: Match the dip with a crisp white wine or light-bodied red. The creamy texture and fruity notes make it an ideal companion for a relaxed evening of conversation and casual entertaining.

Storing and Reheating Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in an airtight glass container for up to 4 days, keeping the dip's creamy texture and fresh flavor intact.
• Advance Preparation Hack: Mix cheese and cranberry sauce mixture one day before baking to enhance flavor depth and streamline party preparation.
• Freezing Wisdom: Wrap unbaked dip tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing in freezer for maximum 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking.
• Serving Temperature Magic: Reheat refrigerated dip in 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, stirring midway to distribute warmth evenly and maintain original creamy consistency.

Creamy Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Creamy cranberry cream cheese dip promises holiday party magic with its rich blend of tangy and sweet flavors. Guests will devour this festive appetizer that pairs perfectly with crisp crackers or warm bread.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, room temperature (full-fat or Neufchatel)
• 2 cups extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated (divided)
• ½ cup fresh cranberries (frozen cranberries can be substituted, do not thaw)
• ¼ heaping cup cranberry sauce (canned, leftover, or homemade)
• 1/8 to ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, fresh or ground)
• 12 oz (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries (do not thaw)
• 1 cup sugar (natural cane sugar or white sugar)
• 3 tbsps orange juice (fresh squeezed or store-bought)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh is best)
• ¼ cup water

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Instructions

1. Cranberry Sauce Creation: Combine fresh cranberries, sugar, orange juice, lemon juice, and water in a small saucepan, simmering over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves and cranberries burst into a glossy sauce.
2. Cooling Preparation: Remove sauce from heat, allow complete cooling, and refrigerate in an airtight container while preparing the remaining components.
3. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) for standard or 350°F (175°C) for convection settings, lightly spray a 1 1/2-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
4. Cheese Mixture Assembly: Blend softened cream cheese and cheddar cheese in a mixing bowl, reserving some cheese for topping, then gently fold in cooled cranberry sauce, fresh cranberries, and a hint of nutmeg.
5. Baking Composition: Transfer the creamy mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface and sprinkling reserved cheddar cheese on top for a golden layer.
6. Baking Process: Bake for 18-23 minutes in a standard oven or 15 minutes in a convection oven, watching for a bubbly center and golden edges; tent with aluminum foil if browning too quickly.
7. Finishing Touches: Sprinkle additional cheddar during final baking moments, then serve warm with crostini, crackers, or pita chips, garnishing with a light dusting of freshly grated nutmeg.

Notes

• Optimize Cranberry Sauce: Cook slowly to prevent burning, stirring occasionally until berries burst and mixture thickens naturally for perfect consistency.
• Cheese Temperature Matters: Ensure cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature for smooth, lump-free blending with other ingredients.
• Prevent Overbrowning: Watch carefully during final baking minutes, using aluminum foil as a shield if cheese browns too quickly to maintain perfect golden color.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately after baking for maximum flavor and creamy texture, pairing with crisp crackers or toasted bread for best appetizer experience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg