Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is a warm, creamy, and festive appetizer that brings together the tangy sweetness of cranberries with rich cream cheese and a touch of herbs. It’s the perfect holiday party dip , bursting with flavor, beautiful in presentation, and irresistibly creamy once baked.
The combination of tart cranberry sauce and smooth cream cheese makes every bite melt in your mouth. The warm dip pairs perfectly with crackers, baguette slices, or even crisp apple wedges. Whether served at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a winter gathering, this recipe is simple to prepare, requires just a few ingredients, and will disappear fast from your holiday table!
Ingredients
For the Cranberry Topping:
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker texture)
For the Cream Cheese Base:
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Garnish (optional):
- Fresh rosemary or thyme
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Crackers, crostini, or apple slices for serving
Preparation
Step 1: Make the Cranberry Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and cinnamon.
- Cook over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until cranberries burst and mixture thickens.
- If using cornstarch, mix with 1 teaspoon of water and stir it into the sauce for extra thickness.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Base
- In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add sour cream, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
- Mix until creamy and well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Dip
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly into a small baking dish or pie plate.
- Spoon the prepared cranberry sauce over the top.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 15–18 minutes, until the dip is warm and bubbly around the edges.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with fresh rosemary, thyme, and chopped nuts if desired.
- Serve warm with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh fruit.
Variations
- Cranberry Jalapeño Dip: Add finely chopped jalapeño for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Savory Version: Replace honey with a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle with herbs.
- Nutty Cranberry Dip: Add toasted pecans or walnuts on top for extra crunch.
- Mini Appetizers: Serve in individual ramekins or puff pastry cups for party servings.
Cooking Notes
- You can use homemade or canned cranberry sauce , both work beautifully.
- Make the cranberry topping a day ahead to save time.
- Let the dip rest for 5–10 minutes after baking to set slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with buttery crackers, crostini, pita chips, or apple slices.
- Serve as an appetizer alongside charcuterie or cheese boards.
- Drizzle with extra honey for added sweetness before serving.
- This dip also tastes great cold the next day , perfect for leftovers!
Tips
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture.
- Don’t overbake , it should be warm and soft, not browned.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a subtle flavor twist.
- To make it extra festive, sprinkle with pomegranate seeds before serving.
Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, about ¼ cup)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 120mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I make Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip ahead of time?
- Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake right before serving.
Q2: Can I use canned cranberry sauce?
- Absolutely! Just spoon it over the cream cheese base and bake as directed.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
- Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Q4: Can I freeze this dip?
- It’s best served fresh, but you can freeze the cranberry topping separately.
Q5: What herbs go best with cranberries?
- Rosemary, thyme, and sage complement the flavor beautifully.
Conclusion
Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet , the kind of appetizer that instantly adds warmth to any holiday gathering. Simple yet elegant, it’s an easy make-ahead recipe that delivers big on flavor and presentation. Whether paired with crackers, bread, or fruit, this festive dip is sure to become a seasonal favorite year after year.