Zesty Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe for Festive Snacking

Dive into a world of creamy, tangy bliss with this irresistible cranberry cream cheese dip that promises to be the star of any gathering.

Festive cranberries dance through a silky smooth cream cheese base, creating a vibrant spread that’s both elegant and comforting.

The rich, velvety texture melts on your tongue, delivering a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.

Every spoonful brings a burst of holiday cheer that’ll have guests asking for the recipe.

Serve this crowd-pleasing dip with crisp crackers, warm pita chips, or fresh vegetables for an instant appetizer sensation.

The combination of classic ingredients transforms a simple dip into a memorable culinary experience that celebrates seasonal flavors.

Prepare to wow your guests with this simple yet sophisticated cranberry cream cheese dip that takes snacking to a whole new level.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 142 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredient Breakdown for Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

• Cream Cheese: Provides rich, velvety texture and tangy backdrop for the dip, ensuring smooth consistency.
• Sour Cream: Adds extra creaminess and subtle tang, lightening the overall density of the dip.

• Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce: Delivers vibrant seasonal flavor, natural sweetness, and beautiful ruby-red color to the dip.

• Pecans: Introduces delightful nutty crunch, complementing the smooth cream cheese with rustic texture and earthy undertones.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all flavor notes, lifting the entire dip's taste profile.

Tools to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Effortless

• Hand mixer: Essential for whipping cream cheese and sour cream to a light, fluffy consistency.
• Medium mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients smoothly and efficiently.
• Serving dish: Wide, flat surface to showcase the beautiful layered dip and make it easy to scoop.
• Spatula or spreader: Helps distribute cream cheese mixture and cranberry sauce evenly.
• Measuring cups/spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient proportions for the best flavor.

Simple Steps for Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

• Creamy Cheese Base Preparation

Grab your mixing bowl and blend cream cheese with sour cream until the mixture becomes silky smooth and light. Sprinkle in some chopped pecans and a tiny dash of salt to add depth and crunch.

• Dish Arrangement

Scoop the fluffy mixture into your favorite serving dish, spreading it out with gentle sweeps to create an even surface that looks inviting and professional.

• Cranberry Crown

Drizzle whole berry cranberry sauce across the top, allowing the ruby-red fruit to cascade beautifully over the creamy white base. The contrast will make your dip look absolutely stunning.

• Serving Suggestion

Arrange crisp crackers around the dip, creating an irresistible appetizer that will have guests coming back for more. This crowd-pleasing treat works perfectly for gatherings, game nights, or casual snacking moments.

Flavor Tips for Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Variations

• Lightly toast the pecans in a dry skillet before adding them to the cream cheese mixture for an enhanced nutty flavor and extra crunch.
• Prepare this dip up to 2 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors will blend beautifully, making it even more delicious when served.
• Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon or orange zest into the cream cheese mixture for a warm, festive twist that complements the cranberry perfectly.
• Try this dip with graham crackers, apple slices, or vanilla wafers for a variety of delightful taste combinations that will keep guests coming back for more.
• Experiment with different types of cranberry sauce – try a homemade version or a spiced holiday cranberry relish to add your personal touch to this crowd-pleasing appetizer.

How to Serve Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Creatively

• Festive Party Platter: Arrange this dip as a centerpiece surrounded by an assortment of colorful crackers, crisp vegetable sticks, and toasted baguette slices for a stunning appetizer spread that'll wow your guests.
• Holiday Breakfast Companion: Spread this creamy cranberry dip on warm, freshly toasted bagels or english muffins for a delightful morning treat that transforms an ordinary breakfast into something special.
• Thanksgiving Table Star: Serve as a delectable side alongside turkey platters, using it as a unique condiment that adds tangy sweetness to traditional holiday meals, giving your guests a delicious flavor surprise.
• Elegant Charcuterie Addition: Incorporate this dip into your next cheese board, nestling it between sharp cheddar, soft brie, and savory cured meats for a sophisticated appetizer that balances sweet and creamy flavors.

Save and Store Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Smoothly

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store this delightful dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, maintaining its fresh and creamy texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cream cheese base one day in advance to let the flavors meld and intensify, giving you a head start on party prep.
• Smart Serving Suggestion: Keep crackers or sliced baguettes in a separate sealed container to prevent sogginess and maintain their crisp texture when serving.
• Temperature Tips: Always serve chilled directly from the refrigerator to keep the dip's consistency smooth and prevent separation of ingredients, ensuring a perfect appetizer experience.

Creamy Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Decadent cranberry cream cheese dip emerges as a festive appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Creamy Philadelphia cream cheese blends with tart cranberries, creating a smooth spread that delights guests and complements crackers or bread.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 14 oz (397 grams) whole berry cranberry sauce
• 8 oz (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (120 milliliters / 4 fluid oz) chopped pecans
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters / 2 fluid oz) sour cream
• 1 small pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Liberate cream cheese from refrigeration, allowing it to reach room temperature for seamless integration and velvety consistency.
2. Blending: Consolidate softened cream cheese, sour cream, finely chopped pecans, and a whisper of salt in a medium mixing bowl, employing a hand mixer to whip the ingredients into a cloud-like texture for approximately 2 minutes.
3. Plating: Elegantly transfer the creamy composition to a serving vessel, using a spatula to sculpt an even foundation that promises a luxurious base.
4. Cranberry Cascade: Unleash whole berry cranberry sauce, allowing its ruby-hued essence to flow gracefully across the cream cheese landscape, then gently distribute with the back of a spoon to create a mesmerizing marbled effect.
5. Serving: Artfully arrange an assortment of crisp crackers surrounding the dip, transforming this culinary creation into an irresistible appetizer that marries creamy, tangy, and crunchy elements into a harmonious flavor symphony.

Notes

• Prep Smart: Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to achieve smooth, lump-free consistency.
• Whip with Care: Use a hand mixer on medium speed for exactly 2 minutes to create a light, airy texture without overbeating.
• Layer Like a Pro: Pour cranberry sauce gently to create attractive marbled swirls, ensuring even distribution across the surface.
• Serve Fresh: Prepare dip just before serving and keep chilled until guests arrive to maintain optimal flavor and texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 142
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 95 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg