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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- Cooling Preparation: Remove sauce from heat, allow complete cooling, and refrigerate in an airtight container while preparing the remaining components.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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