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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant cranberry sauce by combining the bulk of fresh cranberries with sugar, orange juice, lemon juice, and water in a small saucepan.
- Simmer the mixture over medium-low heat, gently stirring until sugar dissolves and cranberries begin to burst and create a glossy consistency.
- Remove cranberry sauce from heat and allow to cool completely, then transfer any remaining sauce to an airtight container for refrigeration.
- 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.
- In a mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese and grated cheddar cheese, reserving approximately of cheese for topping.
- Incorporate the cooled homemade cranberry sauce and reserved fresh cranberries into the cheese mixture, adding a delicate touch of nutmeg for enhanced flavor.
- Evenly distribute the creamy mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese over the top, creating an inviting golden layer.
- Bake for 18-23 minutes in a standard oven or 15 minutes in a convection oven, watching for a bubbly center and golden edges.
- If browning occurs too quickly, loosely tent with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- During the final moments of baking, add an extra sprinkle of grated cheddar for additional richness.
- 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