If you are looking for a delicious and creamy dip that everyone will love, look no further! This Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is the perfect appetizer for your gatherings and parties. It combines the tangy flavor of cream cheese with the sweet and tart taste of cranberries, making it a festive treat for any occasion.

Why make this recipe

This dip is not only easy to prepare but also quite impressive. The combination of creamy cheese and juicy cranberries creates a unique flavor that keeps people coming back for more. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover cranberry sauce or fresh cranberries. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy get-together, this dip always hits the spot.

How to prepare Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

Making this dip is simple! Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious dish ready for everyone to enjoy.

Ingredients:

2 cups Extra-Sharp Cheddar cheese (grated, divided)
8 oz cream cheese (room temperature; full fat, or Neufchatel is fine)
¼ heaping cup cranberry sauce (canned, leftover, or homemade)
½ cup fresh cranberries (may substitute with frozen, do not thaw)
⅛-¼ teaspoon nutmeg (fresh or ground, optional)
3 tablespoons orange juice (fresh squeezed is best, from a navel orange, but store bought is fine)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh is best)
¼ cup water

Steps:

Optional Homemade Cranberry Sauce:
- In a pot, mix the 12 ounces of cranberries, 1 cup sugar, 3 tablespoons orange juice, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and ¼ cup water.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens (about 10-15 minutes). Let it cool.
Make the Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and half of the grated cheddar cheese.
- Stir in the cranberry sauce and fresh cranberries. If you like, add a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor.
- Spread the mixture into a baking dish and top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

How to serve Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

Serve this delicious dip hot right out of the oven. Pair it with crostini, crackers, or fresh veggies for dipping. It makes a great addition to your holiday cheese board too!

How to store Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

If you have any leftovers, let the dip cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3-5 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Tips to make Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip perfectly

Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother mixture.
Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite flavor.
Don’t overmix the dip; leave some whole cranberries for texture.

Variations

Try adding chopped nuts for extra crunch.
Substitute the cheddar cheese with mozzarella or pepper jack for a different taste.
Add herbs like thyme or rosemary for an earthy flavor profile.

FAQ

1. Can I use frozen cranberries for this dip?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries without thawing them first!

2. How can I make this dip spicier?
Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to give it a kick!

3. Is there a way to make this dip lighter?
You can use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheese to lower the calorie count.

Enjoy this delightful Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip at your next gathering, and watch as it disappears from the table! Happy cooking!

Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

Print Recipe

A creamy and tangy dip with a sweet and tart cranberry flavor, perfect for gatherings and parties.

Author: tahiriimouhsingmail-com
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups Extra-Sharp Cheddar cheese (grated, divided)
8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
¼ cup cranberry sauce (canned, leftover, or homemade)
½ cup fresh cranberries (may substitute with frozen, do not thaw)
⅛–¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
3 tablespoons orange juice (fresh squeezed)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh)
¼ cup water

Instructions

Optional: In a pot, mix cranberries, sugar, orange juice, lemon juice, and water. Cook until cranberries burst and sauce thickens (10-15 minutes). Let cool.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and half of the grated cheddar cheese.
Stir in cranberry sauce and fresh cranberries, adding nutmeg if desired.
Spread mixture in a baking dish and top with remaining cheddar cheese.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Serve hot with crostini, crackers, or fresh veggies.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother mixture. Experiment with different cheeses for unique flavors.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 250
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: cranberry dip, cream cheese dip, holiday appetizer, baked dip, party food

Best Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe