This Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with creamy, cheesy goodness. Perfectly bubbly and warm, this dip is a delicious and festive appetizer that’s easy to make and ideal for parties, especially around the holidays.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and Flavorful: The vibrant cranberries add a beautiful, holiday-inspired touch.
- Simple Yet Delicious: Cream cheese, mozzarella, and white cheddar create a rich, creamy base that complements the tart cranberries perfectly.
- Versatile for Serving: Pair with crackers, breadsticks, or crostini for dipping.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This warm, cheesy dip is perfect for gatherings and will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Crackers, breadsticks, or crostini for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Base
- In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, and white cheddar.
- Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
Step 3: Coat the Cranberries
- In a separate bowl, toss the fresh cranberries with the sugar until they’re evenly coated. This helps balance the tartness of the cranberries.
Step 4: Assemble the Dip
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly into a baking dish.
- Sprinkle the sugared cranberries over the top of the cheese mixture for a colorful finish.
Step 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.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve warm with your choice of crackers, breadsticks, or crostini.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Medium mixing bowl for cheese mixture
- Small bowl for sugaring cranberries
- Baking dish for assembling and baking dip
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve this dip warm right out of the oven with crackers, breadsticks, or crostini.
- Storage: Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Variations
- Add Herbs and Spices: Add a pinch of black pepper, garlic powder, or fresh rosemary for extra flavor.
- Sweeten the Cranberries: For a slightly sweeter dip, add an extra tablespoon of sugar to the cranberries.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for a hint of heat.
Helpful Tips
- Softening Cream Cheese: Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to make mixing easier.
- Bubbling Indicator: The dip is ready when the edges are bubbly and the cranberries are starting to burst.
- Garnishing: For extra holiday flair, garnish with extra whole cranberries or sprigs of rosemary.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well. Simply thaw them slightly and pat them dry before coating in sugar.
2. Can I substitute the white cheddar?
Absolutely! Sharp cheddar or even gouda would add a nice flavor twist.
3. How do I make this dip ahead of time?
Assemble the dip in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
4. Can I make this without sour cream?
Yes, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or even mayonnaise for a different flavor profile.
5. Is there a dairy-free option?
Use dairy-free cream cheese, yogurt, and cheese alternatives. Adjust the baking time as needed, as non-dairy cheeses can melt differently.
This Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and tangy flavors. Simple yet decadent, it’s a holiday classic that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!
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Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip
- Total Time: 25 -30 Minutes
- Yield: 8–10 Servings 1x
Description
Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip combines creamy cheese with the bright, tart flavor of cranberries, creating a dip that’s both comforting and festive. As the dip bakes, the cheese becomes bubbly, and the cranberries burst, adding a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the creamy base. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this dip brings beautiful holiday colors to your table.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Crackers, breadsticks, or crostini for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Cheese Base: In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, and white cheddar until smooth and well combined.
- Coat the Cranberries: In a separate bowl, toss the fresh cranberries with the sugar until evenly coated.
- Assemble the Dip: Spread the cheese mixture evenly into a baking dish, then sprinkle the sugared cranberries over the top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the cranberries begin to burst.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve warm with crackers, breadsticks, or crostini.
Notes
- Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of black pepper or a sprinkle of garlic powder to the cheese mixture for added depth.
- Presentation: Garnish with extra whole cranberries or sprigs of fresh rosemary for a festive holiday look.
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Cook Time: 15 Minutes
