The Perfect Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe for Any Party

Baked cranberry cream cheese dip converts ordinary appetizers into extraordinary moments of culinary delight.

Creamy textures mingle with vibrant fruit, creating a sensational blend that sparks instant conversation.

The warmth of the oven elevates each ingredient, coaxing out complex flavor profiles.

Tangy cranberries dance against smooth cream cheese, offering a playful contrast that excites taste buds.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this dip bridges gourmet and comfort food effortlessly.

Rich and indulgent, it promises to be the unexpected star of any gathering.

Prepare to wow friends with a recipe that feels both familiar and innovative.

Tips for Perfect Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

• Soften Cream Cheese Perfectly: Allow cream cheese to sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free blending.
• Control Cranberry Consistency: Simmer cranberry sauce slowly to prevent burning, stirring occasionally for even cooking and natural burst of berries.
• Prevent Over-Browning: Loosely tent with aluminum foil if cheese browns too quickly, protecting the surface while allowing even heating.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Grate fresh nutmeg just before serving to release intense, aromatic notes that elevate the overall taste profile.
• Serve at Optimal Temperature: Let dip rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and flavors to meld, ensuring the perfect creamy texture.

Storing and Reheating Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

• Refrigeration Method: Transfer the cooled dip into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with a lid to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Reheating Technique: Warm the dip gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, covering with aluminum foil to prevent excessive drying. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and maintain the creamy texture. For quicker results, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.
• Freezing Option: Pack the dip in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Pairing Ideas for Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enjoy a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the creamy richness of the dip, balancing its tangy cranberry notes with bright, zesty undertones.
• Match with Rustic Bread Selection: Grab a variety of artisan breads like sourdough, rosemary focaccia, or multigrain crostini to provide delightful textural contrast and enhance the dip's complex flavors.
• Complement with Sparkling Beverage: Select a light prosecco or dry champagne that brings effervescence to the creamy texture, while its subtle acidity harmonizes with the cranberry's tartness.
• Serve Alongside Charcuterie Accents: Include prosciutto, salami, or smoked almonds to add savory depth and create a sophisticated appetizer experience that elevates the entire dish.

Fun Variations of Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

• Spicy Jalapeño Cranberry Dip: Incorporate finely diced jalapeños into the cream cheese mixture for a zesty kick that adds heat and complexity to the original recipe.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Mix in chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano to transform the dip with aromatic Mediterranean flavors that complement the tangy cranberries.
• Smoky Bacon Cranberry Blend: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits throughout the dip and on top for a savory, smoky element that elevates the creamy base and adds textural contrast.
• Maple Pecan Cranberry Version: Drizzle pure maple syrup over the dip and sprinkle toasted chopped pecans on top to introduce a rich, nutty sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tart cranberries.

Why Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Is the Perfect Party Dip

• Craft an Irresistible Party Starter: This baked cranberry cream cheese dip delivers a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines sweet-tangy cranberries with rich, creamy cheese, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers.
• Enjoy Effortless Gourmet Preparation: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, home cooks can create a restaurant-quality dish in under 30 minutes, transforming basic ingredients into a sophisticated and delicious appetizer that looks impressive yet requires minimal culinary expertise.
• Savor Complex Flavor Combinations: The recipe brilliantly balances sweet cranberry sauce, sharp cheddar, and optional warm nutmeg, creating a multi-layered taste experience that tantalizes the palate with its creamy texture and bright, fruity undertones.
• Celebrate Versatile Serving Options: Easily pair this dip with crostini, crackers, or pita chips, making it adaptable for various occasions from game day gatherings to elegant cocktail parties, ensuring there's always a delicious way to enjoy this crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Key Ingredients for Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

Main Ingredients:

• Cream Cheese: Soft, rich base that provides creamy texture and tangy flavor for the dip.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds depth and melty richness to the overall dish.

• Fresh Cranberries: Tart fruit that brings bright, seasonal flavor and textural contrast to the dip.
• Sugar: Balances cranberrys natural tartness and helps create a smooth sauce.

• Orange Juice: Adds subtle citrus sweetness and helps cook down cranberry sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Provides additional brightness and helps balance flavors.
• Water: Helps create proper consistency for cranberry sauce.

• Nutmeg: Warm, aromatic spice that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dip.
• Cooking Spray: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking in baking dish.

How to Make Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

Step 1: Prepare Cranberry Sauce

• Separate of cranberries
• In a small saucepan, combine remaining cranberries with
• Sugar
• Orange juice
• Lemon juice
• Water

Heat mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves and some cranberries burst open.

Step 2: Cool and Store Cranberry Sauce

Allow sauce to cool completely. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate.

Step 3: Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) or 350°F (175°C) for convection oven. Lightly spray a 1 1/2-quart baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 4: Mix Cheese Base

• Softened cream cheese
• Grated cheddar cheese (reserve for topping)
• Optional: Nutmeg (1/8 to )

Step 5: Combine Cranberry Mixture

• Homemade cranberry sauce
• Reserved fresh cranberries

Step 6: Assemble Dip

Spread mixture evenly in prepared baking dish. Top with reserved cheddar cheese.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

• Check for bubbly center
• Look for golden edges
• Cover with foil if browning too quickly

Step 8: Final Cheese Topping

Few minutes before finishing, sprinkle extra grated cheddar on top. Remove foil to allow browning.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

• Crostini
• Crackers
• Pita chips

Optional: Grate fresh nutmeg over the surface before serving.

Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip brings holiday cheer with its tangy sweet profile and festive red hue. Winter gatherings sparkle when you serve this simple yet elegant appetizer that combines rich cream cheese with zesty cranberry goodness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Dairy Ingredients:

• 2 cups extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated (divided)
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, room temperature (full-fat or Neufchatel)

Fruit and Fruit-Based Ingredients:

• ½ cup fresh cranberries (frozen cranberries can be substituted, do not thaw)
• ¼ heaping cup cranberry sauce (canned, leftover, or homemade)

Spice and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/8 to ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, fresh or ground)

Optional Homemade Cranberry Sauce Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) fresh or frozen cranberries (do not thaw)
• 1 cup sugar (natural cane sugar or white sugar)
• 3 tablespoons orange juice (fresh squeezed or store-bought)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh is best)
• ¼ cup water

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant cranberry sauce by combining the bulk of fresh cranberries with sugar, orange juice, lemon juice, and water in a small saucepan.
2. Simmer the mixture over medium-low heat, gently stirring until sugar dissolves and cranberries begin to burst and create a glossy consistency.
3. Remove cranberry sauce from heat and allow to cool completely, then transfer any remaining sauce to an airtight container for refrigeration.
4. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) or 350°F (175°C) for convection settings, and lightly coat a 1 1/2-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
5. In a mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese and grated cheddar cheese, reserving approximately of cheese for topping.
6. Incorporate the cooled homemade cranberry sauce and reserved fresh cranberries into the cheese mixture, adding a delicate touch of nutmeg for enhanced flavor.
7. Evenly distribute the creamy mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
8. Sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese over the top, creating an inviting golden layer.
9. Bake for 18-23 minutes in a standard oven or 15 minutes in a convection oven, watching for a bubbly center and golden edges.
10. If browning occurs too quickly, loosely tent with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
11. During the final moments of baking, add an extra sprinkle of grated cheddar for additional richness.
12. Serve the dip warm, accompanied by crostini, crackers, or pita chips, and garnish with a light dusting of freshly grated nutmeg for an elegant touch.

Notes

• Capture the festive spirit of holiday entertaining with this irresistible cranberry cream cheese dip that transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
• Homemade cranberry sauce brings vibrant tartness and deep ruby color, creating a stunning contrast against the creamy cheese base.
• Cooking the cranberries with orange and lemon juices develops a complex, bright flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and aromatic depth, complementing the tangy cranberries and rich cream cheese perfectly.
• Customize your dip by adjusting cheese ratios or experimenting with different cheese varieties like gouda or fontina for unique taste experiences.
• Serve immediately after baking to enjoy the maximum melty texture and gorgeous golden-brown edges that make this appetizer absolutely irresistible.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg