Cozy Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip Recipe for Festive Gatherings

Mixing creamy cheese with tart cranberries creates a delightful party appetizer that sparks conversation.

Soft cream cheese blends perfectly with vibrant ruby-red berries for an irresistible bite.

Seasonal ingredients shine in this simple yet elegant dip.

Chilled or warm, it delivers a crowd-pleasing experience for any gathering.

Quick preparation means you can whip this up in minutes.

Crisp crackers or toasted baguette slices make the ideal companion.

Bring this stunning appetizer to your next potluck, and watch everyone ask for the recipe.

Cranberry Dip That’s Warm, Creamy, and Holiday-Perfect

• Whip Up Effortless Elegance: This creamy dip combines simple ingredients into a stunning appetizer that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, but actually comes together in minutes.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: Perfect for holiday gatherings, game days, or casual get-togethers, this dip offers a delightful blend of tangy cranberries and rich, melted cheeses that will have guests coming back for more.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this warm, gooey dip with an array of dippers like crispy crackers, toasted baguette slices, or crunchy breadsticks, making it adaptable to any snacking preference.
• Quick Prep, Maximum Flavor: With just a few basic ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can create a showstopping appetizer that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.

Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip Ingredients

• Cream Cheese: Creamy and smooth base for the dip.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and richness.
• Mozzarella: Provides stretchy and melty texture.
• White Cheddar: Adds sharp cheese flavor.

• Fresh Cranberries: Tart and vibrant fruit topping.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and coats the cranberries.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds color and fresh herb flavor.
• Crackers, Breadsticks, Crostini: Perfect dipping companions.

Making a Warm Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip for Guests

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Whip the Cheese Blend

• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Mozzarella
• White cheddar

Blend these creamy friends until they’re smooth and dreamy, with no lumps in sight.

Step 3: Sugar-Coat the Cranberries

Toss fresh cranberries in sugar, making sure each berry gets a sweet sparkly jacket.

Step 4: Layer the Goodness

Spread the silky cheese mixture into a baking dish, creating a creamy canvas.

Sprinkle the sugared cranberries across the top like edible jewels.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the hot oven and let magic happen.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese gets bubbly and cranberries start to burst with juicy goodness.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Pull out the masterpiece and dust with fresh chopped parsley.

Serve piping hot alongside crackers, crispy breadsticks, or crunchy crostini.

Prepare for appetizer heaven!

Dip Tips That Make Cream Cheese Cranberry Shine

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use high-quality cream cheese and fresh cranberries for the most vibrant flavor and creamy texture.
• Prevent Cranberry Sinking: Gently fold cranberries on top of the cheese mixture to keep them from completely sinking during baking.
• Adjust Sweetness Level: Reduce sugar coating for tart lovers or increase for those who prefer sweeter notes in the dip.
• Serve Temperature Matters: Enjoy immediately after baking when the cheese is melted and cranberries are warm and slightly bursting for the best taste experience.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the cheese mixture and cranberry topping separately in advance, then combine and bake just before serving to maintain freshness.

Store Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip Easily

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the dip cool and fresh in the refrigerator.
• Transfer the cooled dip to a freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month to preserve its creamy texture.
• Warm individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each burst to ensure even heating and prevent separation.
• Place dip in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 325°F for 10-15 minutes, stirring midway to maintain its smooth consistency.

Cranberry Cheese Dip Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the tangy cranberries and rich cream cheese, cutting through the creamy texture with bright, zesty notes.
• Serve with Crunchy Accompaniments: Toasted rosemary crackers, garlic crostini, or seeded breadsticks provide delightful textural contrast and enhance the dip's creamy consistency.
• Match with Charcuterie Board: Prosciutto, aged salami, and mild gouda cheese create a delicious flavor balance, adding savory depth to the sweet-tart cranberry dip.
• Suggest Sparkling Apple Cider: Non-alcoholic option that mirrors the cranberry's fruity profile while offering a refreshing and light counterpoint to the rich, cheesy base.

Cranberry Cheese Dip Baked Ideas

• Gluten-Free Cranberry Dip: Replace regular crackers with gluten-free crackers or rice crackers for a celiac-friendly version.
• Low-Fat Option: Substitute full-fat cream cheese with reduced-fat or Neufchâtel cheese, and use low-fat sour cream to cut down on calories.
• Vegan Cheese Alternative: Create a dairy-free version using cashew cream cheese, plant-based mozzarella, and dairy-free sour cream substitute. Top with maple-glazed cranberries for extra flavor.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Experiment by adding fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage to the cheese mixture for an aromatic herb-packed dip that elevates the original recipe.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly. Just thaw and pat them dry before coating with sugar to prevent excess moisture.

• What if I don't have all the cheese types mentioned?

You can substitute with similar melting cheeses like fontina or gouda. The key is to maintain a creamy, smooth texture.

• Is this dip suitable for make-ahead preparation?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cheese mixture and coat cranberries in advance, then assemble and bake just before serving to keep it fresh and warm.

• How can I make this dip more flavorful?

Add a pinch of dried thyme, rosemary, or a dash of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for an extra flavor boost.

Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 15 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy “Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip” brings holiday warmth to your gathering with its perfect blend of tangy and sweet flavors. Festive crimson cranberries and rich cream cheese promise delightful moments when shared with friends and family.

---

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 Sweetener:

• 1 cup (100 grams) fresh cranberries
• 2 tablespoons (25 grams) sugar

Herbs and Serving Suggestion:

• 2 tablespoons (8 grams) fresh parsley, chopped
• Crackers, breadsticks, or crostini for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the baking station by heating the oven to a precise 375°F (190°C), ensuring an optimal cooking environment for the creamy dip.
2. Create a luxurious cheese blend by thoroughly whisking cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, and white cheddar until the mixture reaches a silky, uniform consistency without any lumps.
3. Transform the cranberries into a sweet-tart topping by gently tumbling them in granulated sugar, ensuring each berry receives an even, glistening coating.
4. Transfer the velvety cheese mixture into a suitable baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a smooth foundation for the cranberry decoration.
5. Artfully scatter the sugar-coated cranberries across the cheese surface, allowing them to nestle into the creamy base.
6. Slide the dish into the preheated oven, allowing the dip to bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese develops a bubbly texture and the cranberries begin to burst, releasing their vibrant juices.
7. Carefully extract the dip from the oven, finishing with a delicate sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley to add a touch of herbal brightness.
8. Present the warm, inviting dip immediately alongside an assortment of crisp crackers, rustic breadsticks, or toasted crostini for an irresistible appetizer experience.

Notes

• Use full-fat cream cheese for a richer, smoother texture that melts beautifully in the baking process.
• Ensure cranberries are fresh and firm to prevent excess liquid during baking, which could make the dip watery.
• Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing to create a seamless, lump-free base.
• For a low-carb variation, replace sugar-coated cranberries with chopped pecans or swap regular sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg