Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese

This baked cranberry cream cheese dip brings a warm and festive touch to any holiday gathering. It combines creamy layers with the bright tartness of cranberries for a deliciously balanced appetizer that everyone will love. It’s the kind of dish that instantly creates a cozy vibe and invites people to gather around the table with their favorite crackers or breadsticks.

I remember the first time I made this dip during a family holiday party. It disappeared so fast that I had to scramble for a second batch. Now it’s a tradition we look forward to every year.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese: eight ounces softened for a smooth and creamy base
• Sour cream: one cup adds tang and lightness to balance richness
• Mozzarella cheese: one cup shredded for gooey meltiness
• White cheddar cheese: half a cup shredded for sharpness and depth
• Fresh cranberries: one cup provide a bright tart pop and vibrant color
• Sugar: two tablespoons to sweeten and balance the cranberries’ natural tartness
• Fresh parsley: two tablespoons chopped adds a fresh and festive green garnish
• Crackers: breadsticks or toasted crostini to serve with the dip as a crunchy complement

Ingredients

Choose fresh, firm cranberries and high-quality cheeses for the best flavor and texture in your dip.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Heat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) so it’s ready when you assemble the dip. A properly heated oven ensures even baking and bubbly cheese.

Mix the Dip Base:

In a medium bowl combine the softened cream cheese sour cream shredded mozzarella and shredded white cheddar. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and fully blended creating the rich cheese base essential for the dip.

Prepare the Cranberries:

Place the fresh cranberries in a separate bowl and sprinkle with sugar. Toss gently to coat the berries evenly. This step tones down their tartness and creates a juicy sweet topping that bursts during baking.

Assemble the Dip:

Spread the cheese mixture evenly in a small or medium ceramic baking dish. Then scatter the sugared cranberries uniformly over the top so every scoop has a bright pop of cranberry flavor.

Bake:

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the dip bubbles and the cranberries have burst open, releasing their juices. This creates a gorgeous contrast in flavor and coloring.

Garnish and Serve:

Remove the hot dip from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley to add a splash of color and fresh aroma. Serve immediately with your choice of crackers breadsticks or toasted crostini to enjoy warm and creamy bites with a festive twist.

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I always look forward to the cranberry topping. It not only adds brightness but reminds me of holiday afternoons spent decorating the tree with my family, cranberries as cheerful as the lights. The layers of cheese and berries together feel like a warm hug on a chilly evening.

Storage Tips

Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven at three hundred degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through to maintain its creamy texture. You can also reheat in short microwave bursts, stirring in between to avoid overheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a different cheese profile, swap white cheddar with Gruyère for a nutty flavor or add a sprinkle of Parmesan for an extra savory note. You can use frozen cranberries but thaw and drain them well before coating with sugar to avoid excess moisture. Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cranberry mixture can introduce a lovely warm spice twist.

Serving Suggestions

This dip pairs perfectly with seeded crackers for mild crunch rustic breadsticks for chewiness or toasted crostini to add an indulgent crispy element. Garnish with extra fresh cranberries or rosemary sprigs for a festive presentation. Setting your dip on a wooden board with holiday lights around it can create a magical and welcoming atmosphere for guests.

Pro Tips

• Always soften your cream cheese fully before mixing to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth dip
• Toast your baking dish lightly or grease it to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier
• Enhance the festive feel by adding a small sprinkle of orange zest on the cranberry topping for brightness and aroma

Commonly Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cranberries work well. Just thaw and drain them before coating with sugar to maintain the right texture and flavor.

→ How can I make the dip ahead of time?

Prepare and assemble the dip up to a day before. Keep it refrigerated, then bake just before serving to enjoy optimum freshness and warmth.

→ What cheese alternatives work well in this dish?

Gruyère and Parmesan are excellent substitutes for white cheddar, offering different savory notes that complement the creamy base.

→ What serving suggestions pair nicely with this creamy dish?

Seeded crackers, rustic breadsticks, or toasted crostini add great texture contrasts and enhance the overall eating experience.

→ Any tips for perfect texture and flavor?

Softening the cream cheese fully is essential for smoothness. Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cranberries introduces a warm, subtle spice twist.

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