Name: Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Dip:; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional); For the Cranberry Topping:; 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries; 1/4 cup sugar; 2 tablespoons orange juice; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

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If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s easy to make and full of flavor, look no further than this Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip. Imagine the creamy richness of cream cheese, paired with the tart sweetness of cranberries, all baked to golden perfection. It’s the perfect dish for holiday parties, family gatherings, or any time you need a crowd-pleasing dip that will disappear before your eyes. You can serve it warm with crackers, pita chips, or even sliced baguette. Trust me, this dip is a keeper!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

What’s not to love about this dip? It’s got everything you need—creamy, cheesy goodness with a sweet and tangy cranberry topping that balances it out perfectly. Plus, it’s baked until bubbly and golden, making it the perfect warm dip for cold weather get-togethers. This recipe is so easy to throw together, and yet, it tastes so impressive that everyone will think you spent hours in the kitchen. Whether you serve it as a holiday appetizer or a quick snack, it’s bound to be a hit!

Ingredients

For the Dip:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional, for crunch)

For the Cranberry Topping:

1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons orange juice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

You can find the full list of ingredients below.

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish (an 8×8 or 9-inch dish works well) or you can line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, sour cream, mayonnaise, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. This is the base of your dip, and it should be creamy and rich. If you want to add a little crunch, fold in the chopped pecans at this stage.

3. Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Make sure it’s spread out to the edges so that it bakes evenly. This creamy layer forms the base of your dip, and it’s already starting to look delicious!

4. Make the Cranberry Topping

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and cinnamon. Stir occasionally and cook until the cranberries begin to burst and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes. If you like your topping a little thicker, you can continue cooking for a few more minutes until it reduces into a syrupy consistency. Once the cranberries have softened and the mixture has thickened, remove from heat.

5. Assemble the Dip

Spoon the cranberry topping over the cream cheese mixture, spreading it evenly across the top. The tartness of the cranberries will pair beautifully with the creamy richness below, and the orange juice and cinnamon will give the dip a festive, warming flavor.

6. Bake the Dip

Place the assembled dip in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. The edges of the cream cheese mixture should start to turn a light golden brown, and the cranberry topping should be soft and caramelized.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Once the dip is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve it warm with your choice of crackers, pita chips, sliced baguette, or even apple slices for a refreshing contrast. Everyone will love the creamy, tart, and sweet combination!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: This helps the dip come together smoothly without any lumps. So, be sure to let the cream cheese sit out for a bit before mixing it in.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the cream cheese base and cranberry topping a day in advance, and then assemble and bake it right before your gathering. This saves you time on the day of your event.
Cranberry Sauce Alternative: If you’re in a pinch, you can swap the fresh cranberries with canned cranberry sauce. Just cook it down a bit with the sugar, orange juice, and cinnamon to give it that fresh, homemade feel.
Try Different Nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can easily swap them out for walnuts or almonds for a different texture and flavor.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Add Bacon: If you’re a fan of sweet and savory combinations, try adding crumbled cooked bacon to the cream cheese mixture for a smoky twist.
Dairy-Free Version: For a dairy-free alternative, use dairy-free cream cheese and mayonnaise. Swap the mozzarella with dairy-free shredded cheese, and you can still enjoy a similar flavor and texture.
Use Frozen Cranberries: If fresh cranberries aren’t in season, you can easily use frozen cranberries. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This dip is perfect for any holiday table or casual get-together. Pair it with an assortment of crackers, pretzels, or toasted baguette slices. If you want to add a touch of freshness, serve it alongside apple or pear slices for a sweet and crunchy contrast. A glass of chilled white wine or a festive spritz would complement the tangy cranberry topping nicely.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through, or microwave in 30-second intervals. The dip might not be as crispy on top after reheating, but it will still taste amazing!

4 FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Yes, frozen cranberries work just fine! Just make sure to thaw them and drain off any excess liquid before using them in the topping.

2. Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dip up to 24 hours in advance. Just store the cream cheese mixture and cranberry topping separately in the fridge, then assemble and bake right before serving.

3. Can I serve this dip cold?

While the dip is best served warm, it can be served cold as well. If you choose to serve it cold, the texture will be more firm, but the flavors will still be delicious.

4. How can I make this dip spicier?

If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped jalapeño to the cranberry topping for a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the sweetness.

Conclusion

Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is a total crowd-pleaser, bringing together the best of both worlds: creamy and cheesy with a pop of tart cranberry goodness. It’s easy to make, super flavorful, and a guaranteed hit at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just craving something delicious to snack on, this dip will never disappoint. Try it out, and I’m sure it’ll become one of your new favorite recipes!

Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Category: Appetizers, Holiday Recipes
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip combines creamy cream cheese, sweet and tangy cranberry topping, and a touch of cinnamon for a festive and delicious appetizer. It’s perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or any time you need a crowd-pleasing dip.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8 or 9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, sour cream, mayonnaise, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. If desired, fold in chopped pecans.
Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared dish.
Make the Cranberry Topping: In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and cinnamon. Cook on medium heat for 5-7 minutes until cranberries burst and mixture thickens.
Assemble the Dip: Spoon the cranberry topping over the cream cheese mixture.
Bake the Dip: Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until top is golden and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the dip cool slightly before serving with crackers, pita chips, or sliced baguette