Dreamy Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe for Your Table

Creamy textures and baked cranberry cream cheese dip collide in a festive appetizer that promises delightful flavor surprises.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, creating a vibrant spread perfect for holiday gatherings.

Tangy cranberries provide a bright counterpoint to smooth, rich cream cheese.

Warm, golden edges hint at the delectable experience waiting for you.

Elegant yet simple, this recipe requires minimal preparation and delivers maximum satisfaction.

Chilled or warm, the dip pairs wonderfully with crisp crackers or toasted baguette slices.

Dive into this irresistible starter that will instantly become your new party favorite.

Cream Cheese Dip with Cranberries and a Golden Crust

• Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up this creamy dip in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious appetizer without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Combo: Tangy cream cheese blends beautifully with sweet sugared cranberries, creating a mouthwatering appetizer that'll impress guests at parties or holiday gatherings.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this warm, gooey dip with crackers, crostini, or even as a spread on fresh bread, making it a flexible addition to any snack or appetizer spread.
• Festive Holiday Charm: The vibrant red cranberries and golden-brown cheese create a stunning visual appeal that's perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or winter celebrations.

Baked Cranberry Dip with Golden Crust Ingredients

• Cream Cheese: Soft and creamy foundation for the dip.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy richness to the mixture.
• Mozzarella: Provides smooth melting texture.
• White Cheddar: Brings sharp cheese flavor.

• Cranberries: Tart and vibrant fruit layer.
• Sugar: Sweetens and coats the cranberries.

• Parsley: Fresh green herb for final touch.
• Crackers, Crostini: Crunchy serving accompaniments.

Making Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 375°F, creating the perfect baking environment for your delightful dip.

Step 2: Create Creamy Goodness

• Softened cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Mozzarella cheese
• White cheddar cheese

Stir until everything is silky smooth and perfectly combined.

Step 3: Sugar Coat The Cranberries

Toss fresh cranberries in sugar, ensuring each berry gets a sweet, sparkling coating.

Step 4: Layer The Deliciousness

Spread the creamy cheese mixture into a baking dish, creating an even layer that promises delectable bites.

Gently sprinkle the sugar-coated cranberries across the top, allowing them to peek through the cheesy surface.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for 15-20 minutes.

Watch for the magical moment when the edges bubble and cranberries start to burst with juicy intensity.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Pull the dip from the oven and shower it with freshly chopped parsley.

Serve immediately with crispy crackers or golden crostini, inviting everyone to dive in and enjoy.

Dip Tips That Highlight Cranberry Cream Cheese Balance

• Select Cheese Wisely: Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother blending and easier mixing with other ingredients.
• Prevent Cranberry Sinking: Gently fold sugared cranberries on top of cheese mixture to keep them from completely submerging during baking.
• Control Sweetness Level: Adjust sugar amount for cranberries based on their natural tartness and your preference for sweet or tangy flavor profile.
• Serve at Optimal Temperature: Let dip rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow flavors to settle and achieve perfect spreading consistency.
• Enhance Presentation: Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme right before serving to add vibrant color and fresh herbal aroma.

Store Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Easily

• Store leftover dip in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing.
• Transfer dip to a freezer-safe container, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month, leaving some space for expansion.
• Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Warm dip in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning and maintain moisture.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Flavor Matches

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy dip's richness and cut through the tangy cranberry sweetness.
• Serve with Rustic Bread Selection: Offer toasted baguette slices, whole grain crackers, and herbed crostini to provide varied textures and enhance the dip's creamy profile.
• Match with Sparkling Aperitif: Choose a light prosecco or champagne to add effervescence and brighten the dip's dense cheese base, creating a festive appetizer experience.
• Accompany with Fresh Herb Garnish: Add chopped rosemary or thyme sprigs alongside the parsley to introduce subtle aromatic notes that complement the cranberry and cheese flavors.

Cranberry Cheese Dip Baked Combos

• Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace sugar with stevia or erythritol, use full-fat cream cheese, and serve with low-carb almond flour crackers for a ketogenic-friendly option.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap cream cheese with cashew cream cheese, use coconut milk instead of sour cream, and choose dairy-free mozzarella alternatives for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Serve with gluten-free crackers or vegetable sticks like cucumber and bell pepper slices to accommodate gluten-sensitive guests.
• Herb Infusion Variation: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the cheese mixture for an aromatic herb-enhanced flavor profile that complements the cranberries.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just thaw and pat them dry before coating with sugar to prevent excess moisture.

• What type of cheese works best for this dip?

Use soft cream cheese and a mix of mozzarella and white cheddar for the best creamy texture and flavor. Avoid hard or aged cheeses.

• How can I make this dip less sweet?

Reduce the sugar coating on cranberries or use tart cranberries. You can also add a pinch of black pepper or fresh thyme to balance the sweetness.

• Is this dip suitable for vegetarian diets?

Yes, this dip is vegetarian-friendly. It contains dairy products like cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese but no meat ingredients.

Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy cranberry cream cheese dip brings festive comfort to holiday gatherings with its tangy sweetness. Warm, rich layers of cream cheese and zesty cranberry sauce create an irresistible appetizer you’ll want to share at every celebration.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) shredded white cheddar cheese

Fruit and Herbs:

• 1 cup (100 grams) fresh cranberries

Seasoning and Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) sugar
• 2 tablespoons (8 grams) fresh parsley, chopped

Serving Suggestion:

• Crackers, breadsticks, or crostini

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a welcoming oven environment by heating to 375°F (190°C), creating the perfect warm backdrop for this creamy cranberry delight.
2. Craft a luxurious cheese foundation by whisking together softened cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, and white cheddar until the mixture achieves a smooth, harmonious consistency.
3. Transform fresh cranberries into glistening jewels by gently tumbling them in sugar, ensuring each berry receives a delicate sweet coating.
4. Artfully spread the velvety cheese blend across a baking dish, creating an even canvas that will serve as the base for the vibrant cranberry topping.
5. Elegantly scatter the sugar-kissed cranberries over the cheese mixture, allowing them to nestle into the creamy landscape.
6. Slide the dish into the preheated oven, allowing the dip to transform for 15-20 minutes until the edges bubble enthusiastically and cranberries begin to burst with juicy intensity.
7. Extract the bubbling masterpiece from the oven and crown it with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, adding a verdant touch of color and herbaceous brightness.
8. Present immediately while warm, accompanied by crisp crackers or toasted crostini, inviting guests to dive into this decadent appetizer.

Notes

• Always use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth, lump-free base that blends seamlessly.
• Gently fold cranberries to prevent breaking them before baking, maintaining their beautiful whole appearance.
• For a low-carb version, swap sugar with a sugar-free alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener when coating cranberries.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like goat cheese or sharp cheddar to create unique flavor profiles that suit your taste preferences.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 155
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg