Zesty Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip Recipe for Holiday Joy

Crafting a delightful baked cream cheese cranberry dip transforms ordinary gatherings into memorable culinary adventures.

Cold winter evenings call for warm, comforting appetizers that spark conversation.

Tangy cranberries dance perfectly with rich, creamy cheese, creating a stunning contrast of flavors.

Each bite promises a delectable journey through sweet and savory landscapes.

Guests will find themselves returning to this irresistible dish, scooping up every last morsel with enthusiasm.

Soft crackers or crisp vegetables become magical companions to this crowd-pleasing starter.

You won’t want to miss experiencing this simple yet sophisticated recipe that brings people together.

Why You’ll Love Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip

• Savor Quick Comfort: This dip delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious appetizers without complex preparation.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: Guaranteed to impress guests with its creamy texture and sweet-tangy cranberry twist, making it ideal for gatherings, game nights, or holiday celebrations.
• Versatile Serving Options: Adaptable to various occasions – serve as a warm appetizer, game day snack, or elegant party treat that pairs wonderfully with crackers, toasted bread, or fresh fruit slices.
• Customize with Ease: Allows simple ingredient swaps like different nuts or adding extra spices, giving home chefs creative freedom to personalize the recipe to their taste preferences.

Ingredients For Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip

• Cream Cheese: A smooth and rich foundation that provides a luxurious texture to the dip.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps create a creamy consistency.
• Mayonnaise: Contributes to the rich and smooth texture of the dip.

• Brown Sugar: Provides a subtle caramel-like sweetness to balance the tangy ingredients.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm and comforting flavor depth.
• Cinnamon: Introduces a warm, aromatic spice that complements the other ingredients.

• Dried Cranberries, Pecans: Add a delightful combination of sweet-tart fruit and nutty crunch to the creamy dip.

Steps To Make Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C), getting ready for a warm and delightful treat.

Step 2: Create A Creamy Mixture

• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon

Whisk everything together until the mixture transforms into a silky, smooth blend that looks absolutely irresistible.

Step 3: Add Delicious Texture

Gently stir in the dried cranberries and chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the creamy base to create bursts of flavor and crunch.

Step 4: Prepare For Baking

Transfer the entire mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out smoothly so every spoonful will be equally delectable.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for 15-20 minutes. Watch for the edges to become bubbly and the top to develop a slight golden glow.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Pull out the hot dip and immediately serve with an array of crispy crackers or soft, fresh bread. Invite friends and family to dive right in while it’s warm and inviting.

Tips For Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip

• Soften cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture.
• Choose high-quality dried cranberries for a more intense burst of flavor in the dip.
• Add extra crunch by toasting pecans before mixing them into the cream cheese base.
• Experiment with different nuts like walnuts or almonds for unique variations of the recipe.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently to maintain the creamy consistency.

Tasty Twists On Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip

• Holiday Spice Fusion: Add pumpkin pie spice and nutmeg for a festive winter warmth, creating a seasonal flavor profile that enhances the cranberry's tanginess.
• Savory Herb Remix: Incorporate fresh rosemary and thyme to transform the dip into a sophisticated appetizer with Mediterranean-inspired undertones.
• Tropical Cranberry Splash: Mix in diced pineapple and coconut flakes for a bright, unexpected combination that balances the rich cream cheese base.
• Spicy Cranberry Kick: Blend in diced jalapeños and a dash of cayenne pepper to introduce a zesty heat that complements the sweet cranberries.

What Goes Well With Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip

• Pair Perfectly with Festive Crackers: Select buttery, crisp crackers like butter thins or rosemary-infused water crackers that complement the creamy dip's rich texture.
• Elevate with Wine Selection: Choose a crisp white wine like Riesling or Gewürztraminer, whose slight sweetness and fruity notes harmonize beautifully with the cranberry and cream cheese flavors.
• Match with Appetizer Companions: Serve alongside toasted baguette slices, apple wedges, or mild cheddar cheese to enhance the dip's sweet and tangy profile.
• Boost with Sparkling Beverage: Opt for a light prosecco or sparkling apple cider that adds effervescence and cuts through the dip's creamy richness.

How To Store Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cover the dip with plastic wrap to prevent moisture and preserve freshness.
• Transfer cooled dip to a freezer-safe container. Seal tightly and freeze for maximum 1 month. Prevent freezer burn by removing excess air from the container.
• Thaw refrigerated dip in the fridge overnight. Warm in a preheated 350F oven for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to maintain creamy consistency.
• Reheat small portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent separation.

Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip FAQs

• Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dip mixture up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Just bake it right before serving to ensure it’s warm and creamy.

• Is it possible to use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries can make the dip too watery. Stick with dried cranberries for the best texture and concentrated flavor.

• What type of cream cheese works best?

Full-fat cream cheese provides the richest and smoothest result. Avoid low-fat or fat-free versions as they might affect the dip’s consistency.

• Can I substitute pecans with another nut?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or sliced almonds work great as alternatives and provide similar crunch and nutty flavor.

Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy “baked cream cheese cranberry dip” brings festive cheer to holiday gatherings with its tangy-sweet profile. Warm, inviting flavors meld perfectly, offering guests a delightful appetizer that sparks conversation and celebrates seasonal comfort.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup (113 grams) dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) chopped pecans

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Creamy Base Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) mayonnaise

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Instructions

1. Prepare a medium-sized ceramic baking dish and preheat the oven to 350F (175C).
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
3. Incorporate dried cranberries and chopped pecans, gently folding them into the creamy mixture to distribute evenly.
4. Transfer the blended mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface with a spatula to ensure an even layer.
5. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, monitoring until the edges become slightly golden and the center appears bubbly and thoroughly heated.
6. Remove from the oven and let the dip rest for 2-3 minutes to stabilize its temperature.
7. Serve immediately while warm, accompanied by an assortment of crisp crackers, toasted baguette slices, or rustic bread for delightful dipping.

Notes

• Enhance creaminess by letting cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smoother, more spreadable texture.
• Consider swapping pecans with alternative nuts like almonds or walnuts for different flavor profiles or to accommodate nut allergies.
• Transform this appetizer into a low-carb option by serving with vegetable sticks instead of traditional crackers, maintaining the delicious taste while reducing carbohydrate intake.
• Create a make-ahead friendly version by preparing the dip mixture a day in advance and refrigerating, then baking just before serving to save time during entertaining.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 110 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg