There’s something magical about the combination of cream cheese and cranberries. Imagine a warm, gooey dip that feels like a cozy hug on your taste buds, bursting with sweet and tart flavors. The aroma wafting from the oven will have your family and friends flocking to the kitchen, eagerly awaiting their first taste of this Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
- How can I make it spicier?
- What can I serve with this dip?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This delightful dish is perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual game nights. As you scoop it up with crispy crackers or fresh veggies, you’ll experience a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible. Trust me; this dip will have everyone asking for seconds, and maybe even thirds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is incredibly easy to prepare, making you look like a culinary genius without breaking a sweat
- Its sweet and savory flavor profile pairs perfectly with a variety of dippers, ensuring everyone finds something they enjoy
- Visually striking with its vibrant colors, it adds a festive touch to any gathering
- Plus, this versatile dip can be served warm or at room temperature, making it ideal for potlucks or parties
I remember the first time I made this dip for my friends’ annual holiday party. Their eyes lit up as they took their first bite, and I felt like a rock star in the culinary world.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture and richest flavor.
Dried Cranberries: Opt for sweetened dried cranberries to enhance the dip’s overall sweetness.
Fresh Herbs: Chopped fresh rosemary or thyme adds an aromatic touch that elevates the flavor.
Shredded Cheese: A blend of sharp cheddar or mozzarella gives it an extra cheesy goodness.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Sweeten it up just right; honey adds depth while maple syrup offers a unique twist.
Chopped Nuts (optional): Walnuts or pecans add crunch and complexity to each bite if you like some texture.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and give it a light spray of nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Mixing it Up: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese with honey or maple syrup until smooth. The mixture should be creamy and free of lumps, resembling fluffy clouds.
Add Some Flavor: Fold in dried cranberries and chopped herbs into the cream cheese mixture. The vibrant colors will cheerfully blend together as you mix.
Cheese Please: Spread half of your shredded cheese into the bottom of your prepared baking dish before adding the cranberry mixture on top. Top everything off with the remaining cheese for that ooey-gooey finish.
Bake Away: Place your dip in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Keep an eye on it; you want it hot but not burnt!
Serve It Up: Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly before serving. Pair with your favorite crackers, bread slices, or veggie sticks for dipping perfection.
Now that you know how to make this delicious Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip, get ready to impress your guests!
You Must Know
- Baked cranberry cream cheese dip is a festive delight; its creamy texture and tangy flavor balance perfectly with savory crackers or veggies
- This dish is an instant crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to disappear faster than you can say ‘holiday party’
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Mix cream cheese and cranberries until smooth, then bake for 20 minutes until bubbly. Serve warm for maximum gooeyness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cranberries for other fruits like figs or peaches. Add chopped nuts or herbs for an extra crunch and flavor layer.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother mixing
- Don’t overbake; it should be creamy, not dry
- Garnish with fresh herbs for an elegant touch before serving
Sharing this dip at my last gathering was a hit! Friends couldn’t believe how easy it was to make and begged for the recipe.
FAQ
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese works, but it may alter the dip’s texture slightly.
How can I make it spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to bring some heat into the mix.
What can I serve with this dip?
Serve with pita chips, crackers, or fresh veggie sticks for a delightful contrast.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x
Description
Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is a crowd-pleasing delight that combines creamy, sweet, and tangy flavors in one irresistible dish. Perfect for holiday parties, game nights, or any gathering, this warm dip is easy to prepare and pairs beautifully with crackers or fresh veggies. Your guests will be captivated by its vibrant colors and delicious aroma, making it a must-have at your next event.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sweetened dried cranberries
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (rosemary or thyme)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and honey until smooth.
- Fold in the dried cranberries and chopped herbs until well mixed.
- Spread half of the shredded cheese in the bottom of the baking dish, then layer the cranberry mixture on top. Finish with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving with crackers or veggie sticks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
