Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip

Introduction

During the holiday season, it seems there’s a never-ending list of gatherings and celebrations to attend. One dish that has become a staple at our family events is the Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip. This recipe is a showstopper, combining the creamy goodness of cheeses with the tartness of fresh cranberries, creating a flavor explosion that is hard to resist. My family absolutely loves it, and it’s always the first dish to disappear from the table. The warm, gooey dip paired with crunchy crackers or breadsticks is the perfect combination for a festive appetizer. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

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

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prepare the Cheese Base:

1. In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, and white cheddar until well combined.

Coat Cranberries:

1. In a separate bowl, toss the cranberries with sugar until evenly coated.

Assemble:

1. Spread the cheese mixture evenly into a baking dish.
2. Top with the sugared cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Bake:

1. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the cranberries begin to burst.

Garnish and Serve:

1. Remove the dip from the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve warm with your choice of crackers or crostini.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 8
• Calories per serving: Approximately 210

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Active Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 15-20 minutes

How to Serve

• Warm: Serve the dip straight from the oven while it’s warm and gooey.
• With Dippers: Offer a variety of dippers, such as:
• Crackers
• Breadsticks
• Crostini
• Vegetable sticks for a healthier option
• Garnish: Top with extra fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Additional Tips

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing.
2. Fresh Cranberries: If fresh cranberries are unavailable, you can use frozen cranberries, but do not thaw them before baking.
3. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheese blends, such as gouda or pepper jack, for a unique flavor twist.
4. Make Ahead: Prepare the cheese mixture and cranberries ahead of time, then assemble and bake just before serving.
5. Adjust Sweetness: Taste the cranberries after coating with sugar; you can add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter dip.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Cranberry Dip: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Herbed Version: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the cheese mixture for added flavor.
• Nutty Crunch: Mix in some chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, before baking for an added crunch.
• Creamy Spinach Dip: Combine chopped spinach with the cheese mixture for a spinach artichoke dip twist.
• Fruit Medley: Substitute cranberries with other fruits like chopped apples or pears for a different taste.

Serving Suggestions

• Holiday Parties: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s gatherings.
• Game Day Snacks: Great for football season; serve it with your favorite beer or cocktail.
• Casual Get-Togethers: Ideal for casual brunches or potlucks with friends.
• Buffet Style: Serve alongside a charcuterie board for an elegant presentation.
• For Kids: Pair with fun, colorful dippers like veggie sticks or cheese crackers.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This dip can be frozen before baking. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will keep well for about a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

• Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used, but it may affect the creaminess of the dip.

1. What can I use instead of sour cream?

• Greek yogurt can be a good substitute for sour cream.

1. How can I tell when the dip is done?

• The dip should be bubbly and the cranberries will start to burst when it’s ready.

1. Can I make this dip in advance?

• Yes, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time and bake it just before serving.

1. What type of cheese works best?

• Mozzarella and white cheddar give a great flavor, but you can mix it up with your favorites.

1. Can I use dried cranberries?

• Fresh cranberries are recommended for their tartness, but dried cranberries can work if soaked in water to soften them.

1. What’s the best way to serve leftovers?

• Reheat in the oven and serve warm again with fresh crackers.

1. Is this dip gluten-free?

• Yes, as long as you serve it with gluten-free crackers or dippers.

1. How spicy is this dip?

• The dip is not spicy unless you add jalapeños or red pepper flakes; it’s primarily creamy and tart.

1. Can I add more herbs?
   • Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite herbs for additional flavor.

Conclusion

Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip is a delightful addition to any gathering, providing a perfect balance of creamy and tart flavors that everyone will love. It’s easy to prepare and can be customized to fit your taste preferences, making it a versatile recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply looking for a comforting appetizer for a cozy night in, this dip is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, whip up this delicious dip, and get ready to enjoy compliments from your family and friends!

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