Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip

Introduction

When I first made this Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip for a family gathering, I was blown away by how quickly it disappeared! The combination of creamy cheese and tangy cranberries is simply irresistible. It was the perfect appetizer for the season—festive, rich, and utterly satisfying. The smooth cream cheese base, paired with the slight sweetness of the cranberries and a hint of fresh parsley, made this dip both visually appealing and mouthwatering. Every bite was creamy, tart, and cheesy—just the right balance of flavors. My family couldn’t stop talking about it, and I had to make more to keep up with the demand. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this is one to add to your holiday menu. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, Thanksgiving gathering, or simply having friends over for the weekend, this dip is sure to be a hit!

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

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dip.
2. Prepare the Cheese Base: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, and white cheddar until smooth and well combined. This will create the creamy and cheesy base for your dip.
3. Coat the Cranberries: In a separate bowl, toss the fresh cranberries with sugar. This helps balance the tartness of the cranberries with a bit of sweetness.
4. Assemble the Dip: Spread the cheese mixture evenly into a baking dish. Then, top the cheesy base with the sugared cranberries, making sure they are evenly distributed.
5. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly, and the cranberries begin to burst, releasing their juices.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the dip from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the dip warm with crackers, breadsticks, or crostini for dipping.

Enjoy the creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors of this dip at your next party or family gathering!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – 1/8 of the dip)

• Calories: 200 kcal
• Serving Size: 1/8 of the dip
• Total Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 300mg
• Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 6g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes

How to Serve

• Warm from the oven: Serve this dip hot and bubbly right after it comes out of the oven. The warm cheese and cranberries make it the perfect comfort food.
• With crackers: Serve with your favorite crackers, such as water crackers, multigrain crackers, or even flavored varieties to add a little extra zing.
• Crostini: Serve with crispy crostini for an elegant touch. Simply toast some baguette slices until golden brown.
• Breadsticks: For a more substantial option, offer crunchy breadsticks alongside the dip.
• As a side dish: This dip can also be served as a side dish to complement other holiday dishes.

Additional Tips

1. Use fresh cranberries: Fresh cranberries give the dip a tart, juicy burst of flavor. If you can’t find fresh cranberries, frozen cranberries will work as well.
2. Make it spicier: If you enjoy a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or finely diced jalapeños for a spicy twist.
3. Try different cheeses: While mozzarella and cheddar are classic choices, you can experiment with other cheeses like cream cheese with chives or smoked gouda for a unique flavor profile.
4. Add a drizzle of honey: For added sweetness, drizzle a little honey over the dip after baking. It enhances the balance of flavors between the cheese and cranberries.
5. Make ahead: You can prepare the dip a day in advance. Just assemble the dip, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it in the oven as directed.

Recipe Variations

• Nutty Variation: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the cranberries before baking. The nuts add a delightful crunch and enhance the flavor.
• Vegan Version: Use a plant-based cream cheese, sour cream, and dairy-free cheese options to make this dip vegan-friendly. You can also use coconut-based yogurt as a substitute for sour cream.
• Herbed Cream Cheese: Add a teaspoon of dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the cheese mixture for an aromatic twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with wine: This dip pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Chardonnay or a light sparkling wine like Prosecco.
• At holiday parties: Serve this dip at your next Christmas or Thanksgiving party. It’s festive, colorful, and delicious, making it a perfect holiday appetizer.
• For casual gatherings: This dip is also great for casual get-togethers. Whether you’re watching a game or hosting a movie night, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
• With a salad: Serve as an accompaniment to a fresh green salad for a light, festive meal.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: This dip is best served fresh but can be frozen if necessary. After baking, let it cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes until bubbly.
• Storage: Leftover dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore its creamy, bubbly texture.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
While fresh cranberries are ideal for their tartness, dried cranberries can be used in a pinch. You may want to adjust the sugar to balance the sweetness.

2. Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like goat cheese, brie, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.

4. What can I serve with this dip besides crackers?
Try pairing it with fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or bell peppers for a healthier option.

5. Can I make this dip spicier?
Yes! You can add red pepper flakes or finely chopped chili peppers to give the dip some extra heat.

6. How long does the dip need to bake?
The dip typically needs 15-20 minutes to bake at 375°F (190°C), or until it is bubbly and the cranberries have burst.

7. Can I serve this dip cold?
This dip is best served warm, as the cheese is gooey and creamy when hot. However, you can refrigerate leftovers and enjoy them cold if desired.

8. Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?
While it’s not ideal, you can use store-bought cranberry sauce as a substitute for fresh cranberries. You may want to reduce the sugar in the recipe since the sauce is already sweetened.

9. Can I add a topping to the dip?
Yes, you can sprinkle the top with nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for added texture and flavor.

10. How many servings does this dip make?
This recipe makes about 8 servings, depending on portion size.

Conclusion

This Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and tangy flavors, making it an irresistible appetizer for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, a family gathering, or a casual get-together, this dip will impress your guests and satisfy their taste buds. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to be the star of the party. Serve it warm with crackers or crostini, and watch it disappear in minutes!

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