Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
There’s just something magical about the way sweet, tart cranberries mingle with creamy, melty cheese, and this Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip captures that magic in every scoop. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for holidays and gatherings, with a beautiful ruby-red topping and irresistible aroma of rosemary and orange. Whether you’re hosting a festive party or looking for a quick, impressive appetizer, this dip delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll want to make Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip part of every celebration!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is that it relies on a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in the final dish. From the creamy base to the jewel-bright cranberry topping, every item brings its own special flair to the table.
- Cream Cheese (8-ounce block, softened): The creamy, tangy base that turns luxuriously melty in the oven—be sure it’s softened for easy baking.
- Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce (1 cup): Use your favorite canned variety or leftover homemade sauce for the perfect blend of sweet and tart.
- Orange Zest (½ teaspoon): Adds a fresh, zippy citrus note that brightens up the entire dip.
- Ground Cinnamon (¼ teaspoon): Brings a subtle warmth and cozy spice that pairs beautifully with cranberries.
- Chopped Pecans (¼ cup, optional): For a little crunch and nutty richness—totally optional, but highly recommended for texture.
- Chopped Fresh Rosemary (1 tablespoon, or 1 teaspoon dried): Infuses the dip with earthy, aromatic flavor; fresh is best, but dried works in a pinch.
- Pinch of Salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
- Crackers or Baguette Slices: For serving, and for scooping up every last bit of that luscious dip.
How to Make Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get things going. You want it nice and hot so the cream cheese turns soft and spreadable, and the cranberry topping gets bubbly and fragrant.
Step 2: Mix the Cranberry Topping
In a small mixing bowl, combine the whole berry cranberry sauce, orange zest, ground cinnamon, rosemary, chopped pecans (if you’re using them), and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until evenly mixed—the orange and rosemary should be beautifully fragrant!
Step 3: Assemble the Dip
Place your softened block of cream cheese in a small oven-safe baking dish or a sturdy cast iron skillet. If you prefer a smoother dip, feel free to whip the cream cheese first and spread it in the dish. Spoon the cranberry mixture evenly over the top so every bite will be bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Bake
Pop the assembled dip into your preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cream cheese is heated through and the cranberry topping is bubbling gently around the edges. The kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove the dish from the oven (it will be hot!) and let it cool for just a minute. Serve the Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip warm with plenty of crackers or toasted baguette slices. Watch it disappear in moments!
How to Serve Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh rosemary, a little more orange zest, and a handful of extra chopped pecans make the Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip look as festive as it tastes. For a gorgeous finish, you can also add a few whole cranberries or a drizzle of honey right before serving.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs perfectly with an array of dippers—think buttery crackers, crisp baguette slices, pretzel thins, or even sturdy vegetable sticks like celery and sliced bell peppers. If you want to make it extra special, lightly toast your bread or crackers for a warm, satisfying crunch that complements the creamy dip.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip into a centerpiece by serving it in a mini cast iron skillet or a rustic ceramic dish. For parties, try spooning individual portions into small cups or bowls so guests can grab their own. You can even surround the dip with a colorful platter of fresh fruit, nuts, and assorted crackers for a build-your-own snacking experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers (it’s rare!), let the dip cool completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more, making the Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip taste just as delicious the next day!
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this dip, as the cream cheese can become grainy once thawed and the cranberry topping may release extra moisture. For best results, enjoy it freshly baked or store it in the fridge for short-term enjoyment.
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover the leftover dip with foil and warm it in a 325°F oven until heated through (about 10–15 minutes). You can also microwave individual servings for 30–45 seconds until warm, but the oven method keeps the texture best.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cranberry sauce instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade cranberry sauce gives the Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip even more vibrant flavor and texture. Just make sure it’s a whole berry style so it holds up as a topping.
Is there a way to make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dip (just don’t bake it), cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, bake as directed and enjoy it fresh and hot.
Can I make this nut-free?
Definitely. Simply leave out the pecans if you’re serving anyone with nut allergies or prefer a smoother texture. The dip will still be wonderfully creamy and flavorful.
What can I use instead of rosemary?
If you’re not a fan of rosemary, try using fresh thyme or even a pinch of dried sage. Both herbs add a savory note that complements the cranberries beautifully.
How can I make the dip extra creamy?
For an even creamier texture, whip the cream cheese before baking and spread it in the dish. This makes the Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip ultra-smooth and easy to scoop.
Final Thoughts
It’s truly amazing how a few simple ingredients come together to make something as festive and delicious as Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip. Whether you’re a seasoned host or just starting out, I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and share it with friends and family. It’s destined to become a new favorite at your table!
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Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is a delicious and festive appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or any party. Creamy, tangy cream cheese is topped with a sweet and aromatic whole berry cranberry sauce, enhanced with orange zest, cinnamon, and fresh rosemary. Optional pecans add a delightful crunch. Served warm with crackers or baguette slices, this dip is easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Dip Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- ½ teaspoon orange zest
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- Pinch of salt
To Serve
- Crackers or baguette slices
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the dip evenly.
- Prepare the cranberry mixture: In a small mixing bowl, combine the whole berry cranberry sauce, orange zest, ground cinnamon, chopped fresh rosemary, chopped pecans if using, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to blend all ingredients evenly.
- Arrange the cream cheese: Place the softened block of cream cheese in a small oven-safe baking dish or a cast iron skillet to serve as the base of your dip.
- Top with cranberry mixture: Spoon the prepared cranberry sauce mixture evenly over the top of the cream cheese block, spreading gently to cover the surface.
- Bake: Put the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the dip is heated through and starts to bubble slightly around the edges.
- Serve warm: Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving with crackers or toasted baguette slices for dipping.
Notes
- For a smoother dip texture, whip the cream cheese before spreading it in the baking dish, then top with the cranberry mixture.
- Using leftover homemade cranberry sauce can add extra depth and freshness to the flavor.
- Optionally, substitute pecans with walnuts or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
