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Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 69 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6–8 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This baked cream cheese cranberry dip is a festive and crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for holiday parties. It combines creamy softened cream cheese with tangy whole cranberry sauce, accented by warm spices and a hint of orange zest. Topped with nuts and baked until bubbly, it pairs beautifully with crackers, crostini, or pita chips for an easy yet elegant starter.

Ingredients

Scale

Base

  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)

Cranberry Topping

  • 1 cup whole cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
  • ½ teaspoon orange zest
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
  • pinch of salt
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Garnish and Serving

  • fresh rosemary or thyme (for garnish, optional)
  • crackers or toasted baguette slices (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dip.
  2. Prepare Cream Cheese Base: Spread the softened cream cheese evenly on the bottom of a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet to form a smooth base layer.
  3. Mix Topping Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the whole cranberry sauce, orange zest, ground cinnamon, brown sugar if using, pinch of salt, and chopped nuts if desired. Stir gently to evenly incorporate all ingredients without breaking the cranberries.
  4. Assemble the Dip: Spoon the cranberry mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer, spreading it out carefully.
  5. Bake the Dip: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the edges get bubbly and the dip is heated through.
  6. Cool and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Optionally, garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme for a fragrant, festive touch.
  7. Serve: Serve the dip warm alongside crackers, toasted baguette slices, crostini, or pita chips for dipping and enjoying.

Notes

  • The dip can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving, making it perfect for entertaining.
  • This appetizer pairs well with both savory and sweet dippers, offering versatility for your holiday spread.

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Find it online: https://flavorfulmealguide.com/baked-cream-cheese-cranberry-dip-recipe/