Description
Creamy cranberry cream cheese dip elevates holiday gatherings with its rich, tangy flavor profile. Warm, golden-crusted goodness promises to delight guests while adding festive cheer to your appetizer spread.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 1 (8 ounces / 226 grams) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
- 1/2 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Seasoning and Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for added sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Garnish and Serving Suggestions:
- Fresh rosemary for garnish (optional)
- Crackers, bread slices, or veggies for serving
Instructions
- Prepare an inviting appetizer by warming the oven to a precise 375°F, ensuring an ideal baking environment for this creamy delicacy.
- Create a luxurious base by whisking the cream cheese, sour cream, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan into a silky, uniform mixture that promises rich flavor complexity.
- Craft a vibrant cranberry topping by gently blending the cranberry sauce with aromatic honey, zesty orange zest, and warming cinnamon until thoroughly incorporated.
- Transfer the velvety cheese blend into a generously greased baking vessel, smoothing the surface to create an even canvas for the upcoming layers.
- Artfully distribute the crimson cranberry mixture across the cheese foundation, ensuring a balanced and visually appealing presentation.
- Slide the prepared dish into the preheated oven, allowing the ingredients to meld and transform for 15-20 minutes until the edges develop a tantalizing golden hue and the interior becomes delightfully bubbly.
- Elevate the visual appeal by delicately garnishing with fragrant fresh rosemary sprigs, then serve immediately alongside crisp crackers, toasted bread slices, or an assortment of fresh vegetable crudités for a stunning appetizer experience.
Notes
- Cream cheese softening is crucial for a smooth, lump-free texture; let it sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing.
- Homemade cranberry sauce works best, providing a fresher and more vibrant flavor compared to store-bought versions.
- Consider swapping dairy for vegan alternatives like cashew cream cheese and plant-based sour cream to make the recipe dairy-free and suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Experiment with additional herbs like thyme or sage instead of rosemary for a different aromatic profile that complements the cranberry and cheese combination.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg