Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip: Warm, Creamy, and Perfect for Holiday Gatherings

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

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

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Base

2. In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, and white cheddar.
3. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

Step 3: Coat the Cranberries

4. 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

5. Spread the cheese mixture evenly into a baking dish.
6. Sprinkle the sugared cranberries over the top of the cheese mixture for a colorful finish.

Step 5: Bake

7. 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

8. 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!

Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip

Susan

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.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Servings 8 -10 Servings

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.