Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

Introduction

The holidays are a time for festive gatherings, and one of the best parts about these events is the food. When I first made this Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip for a family gathering, it was an immediate hit. The creamy, cheesy base combined with the tart sweetness of the cranberries created the perfect balance of flavors, and the fresh parsley garnish added a pop of color that made it look as beautiful as it tasted. The dip was gone in minutes, and everyone kept asking for the recipe. It’s the kind of dish that becomes the star of your appetizer spread, pairing wonderfully with crackers, crostini, or breadsticks. It’s an easy recipe to prepare, and the result is a crowd-pleasing treat that will have your guests talking long after the party’s over.

This Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is incredibly versatile, delicious, and full of holiday cheer. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or looking for a dish to bring to a family gathering, this creamy delight is sure to make an impression. Let’s dive into how you can recreate this festive favorite!

Ingredients

To make this creamy and savory dip, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded white cheddar cheese
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
• Crackers, breadsticks, or crostini for serving

These ingredients come together to create a dip that is both savory and sweet, with a creamy base and a burst of color and flavor from the cranberries. The cheeses give it a rich texture while the sugar helps balance the tartness of the cranberries, making every bite irresistible.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip:

1. Preheat the oven: Begin by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready to bake the dip.
2. Mix the dip base: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, and white cheddar cheese. Use a hand mixer or spoon to blend everything together until smooth and well-combined.
3. Prepare the cranberries: In a separate small bowl, mix the fresh cranberries with sugar. Toss gently to coat the cranberries in the sugar. This will help bring out their natural sweetness and balance the richness of the cheese.
4. Assemble the dip: Transfer the creamy cheese mixture into a baking dish and spread it evenly. Top it with the sugared cranberries, making sure to distribute them evenly across the dip.
5. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the cranberries have started to burst. This will give the dip a warm, gooey texture and a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors.
6. Garnish: Once the dip is out of the oven, sprinkle it with freshly chopped parsley to add a burst of color and freshness.
7. Serve: Serve the dip warm with crackers, breadsticks, or toasted crostini. Enjoy the delightful flavors of this festive dish!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Each serving of this Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip contains:

• Servings: 8-10
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

These values are approximate and can vary depending on the exact ingredients used and portion size.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

This dish is quick to prepare, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s the perfect dish for last-minute holiday gatherings or when you want a festive appetizer without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Serve

This Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• Crackers: Serve with your favorite crackers for a crunchy contrast to the creamy dip.
• Breadsticks: Light, crispy breadsticks are perfect for dipping into the creamy mixture.
• Crostini: Toasted crostini works wonderfully to soak up the dip and add some extra texture.
• Vegetables: For a healthier option, serve the dip with sliced vegetables like carrots, celery, or cucumber.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to help make your Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip even more delicious:

1. Use room temperature cream cheese: Ensure that the cream cheese is softened to room temperature so it blends easily with the other ingredients and creates a smooth dip.
2. Fresh cranberries are key: Using fresh cranberries gives the dip the right tartness. If you only have dried cranberries, you can substitute them, but the texture and flavor will be different.
3. Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the dip while it’s baking. It’s done when it’s bubbly and golden on top, but you don’t want it to dry out.
4. Make ahead: Prepare the dip the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve!
5. Add nuts: For extra texture, you can add toasted walnuts or pecans on top of the dip before baking.

Recipe Variations

This Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is easy to customize to suit your taste. Here are a few variations to try:

• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the cranberry mixture for a spicy twist.
• Carmelized onions: For an extra layer of flavor, top the dip with caramelized onions before baking.
• Herb variations: You can mix in other herbs like thyme or rosemary into the cream cheese mixture for an added savory depth of flavor.
• Swap the cheeses: If you prefer, use gouda, goat cheese, or even blue cheese to give the dip a different flavor profile.
• Sweetened cranberries: If you prefer a sweeter dip, use a bit more sugar or honey to coat the cranberries, creating a sweeter contrast to the creamy base.

Serving Suggestions

This dip is perfect for various occasions, and here are some ways to serve it:

• Holiday appetizer: This dip is ideal for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any holiday gathering. It’s easy to make, and the cranberries give it a festive touch.
• Game day snack: Serve this dip as a snack at a Super Bowl or tailgating party. It’s sure to be a hit with guests.
• Brunch: This dip works wonderfully for a holiday brunch or morning gathering. Pair it with mimosas or a festive cocktail.
• Part of a charcuterie board: Include this dip on a charcuterie board, surrounded by an assortment of crackers, cheeses, and meats for a well-rounded spread.

Freezing and Storage

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), here’s how to store or freeze the dip:

• Storage: Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Freezing: If you want to make this dip in advance, you can freeze the unbaked dip. Assemble everything and wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, remove it from the freezer and bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
   Yes, but fresh cranberries provide a burst of flavor and texture that dried cranberries can’t match.
2. Can I make this dip in advance?
   Yes, you can prepare the dip the night before and bake it right before serving.
3. What can I serve this dip with?
   Crackers, crostini, breadsticks, and vegetables like carrots or celery are great options.
4. Can I freeze this dip?
   Yes, you can freeze the dip before baking it. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
5. How long will leftovers last?
   Leftovers will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
6. Can I add nuts to this dip?
   Yes, adding toasted walnuts or pecans would add a nice crunch and additional flavor.
7. Is this dip vegetarian?
   Yes, this dip is vegetarian.
8. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   Yes, you can swap the mozzarella or cheddar for other cheeses like gouda, goat cheese, or even brie.
9. Can I make this dip dairy-free?
   You can try substituting with dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream, though the texture and taste may differ slightly.
10. How spicy can I make this dip?
    You can add red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick. Adjust the amount to your taste.

Conclusion

Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is a show-stopping appetizer that’s perfect for the holiday season. With its creamy texture, sweet and tart cranberries, and festive touch, it’s sure to be the highlight of any gathering. This dip is easy to make, full of flavor, and looks beautiful on your holiday spread. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for something special to bring to a gathering, this dip is the perfect way to dip into the holiday spirit!

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