Description
Creamy, tangy “baked cream cheese cranberry dip” brings festive cheer to holiday gatherings with its rich blend of sweet and zesty flavors. Warm, rustic comfort awaits as you dive into this irresistible crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Scale
Dairy and Cheese:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
- ½ cup (56 grams) shredded mozzarella or white cheddar cheese
Fruit and Sweeteners:
- 1 cup (100 grams) fresh or frozen cranberries
- ¼ cup (50 grams) sugar
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) water
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
- ½ teaspoon orange zest (optional, for extra flavor)
Seasonings and Herbs:
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or green onions
Serving Suggestions:
- Crackers
- Pita chips
- Baguette slices
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant cranberry sauce by gently simmering fresh cranberries with sugar and water in a small saucepan. Allow the berries to burst and transform into a luscious compote, releasing their natural pectin and creating a rich, glossy texture. Incorporate orange zest for a subtle citrus undertone, and finish with a drizzle of honey for added depth.
- Preheat the oven to a toasty 375F, preparing a welcoming environment for the creamy dip. In a spacious mixing bowl, blend cream cheese until silky smooth, incorporating sour cream, shredded cheese, and aromatic seasonings. Whisk the mixture until it achieves a uniform, velvety consistency that promises rich flavor in every bite.
- Select a rustic baking dish and generously spread the cream cheese mixture, creating an even canvas for the cranberry topping. Delicately ladle the cooled cranberry sauce over the cream cheese, allowing it to create a beautiful marbled effect without fully blending the layers.
- Slide the prepared dish into the preheated oven, letting the heat meld the flavors and create a bubbling, slightly golden surface. After 15-20 minutes, remove the dip when the edges are gently sizzling and the texture appears irresistibly creamy.
- Elevate the presentation by sprinkling freshly chopped herbs across the surface, adding a pop of color and a final layer of fresh flavor. Serve immediately with an array of crisp crackers, rustic pita chips, or thinly sliced artisan baguette for a stunning appetizer that promises to impress.
Notes
- Cranberry sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, saving time during party prep.
- Experiment with different sweeteners like agave or brown sugar to customize the cranberry sauce’s flavor profile.
- Use low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier version of the dip without sacrificing creamy texture.
- For a gluten-free option, serve with vegetable sticks, rice crackers, or gluten-free toast points instead of traditional crackers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg