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
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
Instructions
- Prepare the baking station by heating the oven to a precise 375°F (190°C), ensuring an optimal cooking environment for the creamy dip.
- 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.
- Transform the cranberries into a sweet-tart topping by gently tumbling them in granulated sugar, ensuring each berry receives an even, glistening coating.
- Transfer the velvety cheese mixture into a suitable baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a smooth foundation for the cranberry decoration.
- Artfully scatter the sugar-coated cranberries across the cheese surface, allowing them to nestle into the creamy base.
- 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.
- Carefully extract the dip from the oven, finishing with a delicate sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley to add a touch of herbal brightness.
- 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