Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip

This Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip is a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet appetizer featuring warm cream cheese topped with a festive cranberry sauce. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it pairs wonderfully with crackers or crusty bread.

Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip

Print Recipe

This Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip is a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet appetizer featuring warm cream cheese topped with a festive cranberry sauce. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it pairs wonderfully with crackers or crusty bread.

• Author: Chef Megan

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cupfresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/4 cupsugar
• 1/4 cupwater
• 1/2 teaspoonorange zest(optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 tablespoonhoney or maple syrup(optional, for added sweetness)
• 8 ozcream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cupsour cream
• 1/2 cupshredded mozzarella or white cheddar cheese
• 1/4 teaspoongarlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoonschopped fresh parsley or green onions
• Crackers, pita chips, or baguette slices, for serving

Instructions

1. Make the Cranberry Sauce:In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, and orange zest. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the cranberries start to burst and the sauce thickens.Stir in honey or maple syrup if using, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, and orange zest. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the cranberries start to burst and the sauce thickens.
3. Stir in honey or maple syrup if using, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
5. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
6. Assemble and Bake:Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly in a small baking dish or pie dish. Top with the cranberry sauce, spreading it gently to cover the cream cheese.Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the dip is warmed through.
7. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly in a small baking dish or pie dish. Top with the cranberry sauce, spreading it gently to cover the cream cheese.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the dip is warmed through.
9. Garnish and Serve:Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions, and serve warm with crackers, pita chips, or sliced baguette.
10. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions, and serve warm with crackers, pita chips, or sliced baguette.

Notes

Make Ahead: Prepare the cranberry sauce and cream cheese base in advance, assembling just before baking.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.