Dreamy Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip Recipe That Wows

Creamy, tangy sensations dance across comfort cuisine with this baked cream cheese cranberry dip that promises to delight every gathering.

Festive flavors burst through each warm, rich bite of this elegant appetizer.

Winter celebrations call for something special and memorable.

Cranberries add a vibrant pop of color and brightness against the smooth cream cheese base.

The combination creates a sophisticated starter that feels both luxurious and approachable.

Serve this crowd-pleasing dip alongside crisp crackers or toasted baguette slices for maximum enjoyment.

You’ll love how easily this recipe comes together to impress your guests.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 183 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients for Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip

• Cream Cheese: Rich and tangy foundation that creates smooth, luxurious texture for the dip.
• Sour Cream: Adds creamy depth and subtle tang, enhancing overall flavor profile.
• Shredded Cheese: Provides extra melty richness and complexity to the base mixture.

• Garlic Powder: Delivers subtle, aromatic punch without overwhelming other ingredients.
• Salt: Balances and amplifies the overall taste of the dip.
• Black Pepper: Introduces gentle warmth and subtle complexity to the dish.

• Cranberries: Bright, tart berries that create vibrant and festive sauce.
• Sugar: Softens cranberries' natural tartness and helps create perfect sauce consistency.
• Water: Essential liquid for cooking and breaking down cranberry texture.
• Orange Zest: Introduces citrusy brightness and complex aromatic notes.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Optional natural sweeteners that add depth and rounded sweetness.
• Parsley or Green Onions: Fresh garnish that provides visual appeal and light herbal notes.

Tools to Whip Up Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip

• Saucepan: Small pot for cooking cranberry sauce smoothly and evenly.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining cream cheese and other ingredients with ease.
• Baking dish or pie dish: Perfect for spreading and baking the creamy dip.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise tools for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping parsley or green onions.
• Sharp knife: Used for zesting orange and chopping herbs.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring cranberry sauce and mixing ingredients.

How to Prepare Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip

• Create Cranberry Sauce

Simmer cranberries with sugar and orange zest in a saucepan until berries burst and sauce thickens. Drizzle honey for extra sweetness, then set aside to cool slightly.

• Blend Creamy Base

Mix softened cream cheese with sour cream, shredded cheese, and seasonings until silky smooth. Preheat oven to toasty 375F.

• Layer and Bake

Spread cream cheese mixture into a baking dish, then gently spoon cranberry sauce on top. Slide into oven and bake until edges bubble and dip is heated through.

• Finish and Enjoy

Pull from oven and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Serve immediately with crispy crackers or crusty bread for dipping. Watch guests devour this tangy, creamy sensation.

Cranberry Dip Tips for Sweetness and Texture

• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure ultra-smooth, lump-free consistency.
• Make cranberry sauce and cream cheese mixture a day ahead, then assemble and bake just before serving for stress-free entertaining.
• Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese and use dairy-free sour cream alternative for lactose-intolerant guests.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or ground cinnamon to the cranberry sauce for an unexpected warm flavor boost that elevates the entire dish.
• Replace traditional crackers with cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, or crisp lettuce leaves as fresh, crunchy dipping vessels.

Serving Ideas for Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip

• Holiday Party Crowd-Pleaser: Wow guests with this festive dip that combines tangy cranberry and creamy cheese flavors.
• Elegant Appetizer Station: Create a beautiful spread by arranging the warm dip with an assortment of crispy dippers like rosemary crackers, toasted baguette slices, and herbed pita chips.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the cranberry sauce and cream cheese mixture up to 24 hours in advance, then quickly assemble and bake just before serving for stress-free entertaining.
• Perfect Winter Gathering Treat: Serve this comforting dip during holiday parties, game nights, or cozy winter get-togethers to provide a delicious warm appetizer that brings people together.

Storage Tips for Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip

• Store leftover dip in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer dip to a freezer-safe container, leaving slight space for expansion. Freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then gently reheat in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes, stirring midway to restore creamy texture.
• Prepare cranberry sauce and cream cheese mixture separately up to 2 days before serving. Keep each component refrigerated in sealed containers. Assemble and bake just before guests arrive for maximum flavor and temperature.
• Warm dip in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning. Stir gently halfway through reheating to distribute heat evenly and maintain smooth consistency. Avoid microwave to prevent separation of ingredients.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time when making the cranberry sauce to ensure they break down properly.

• How can I make this dip ahead of time?

Prepare the cranberry sauce and cream cheese mixture separately, refrigerate them, and assemble just before baking. You can keep the prepared components in the fridge for up to 2 days.

• Is this dip suitable for vegetarian diets?

Yes, this baked cream cheese cranberry dip is vegetarian. However, check your cheese and sour cream brands to ensure they are vegetarian-friendly.

• What are some alternative toppings I can use?

Instead of parsley or green onions, you can sprinkle chopped pecans, sliced almonds, or fresh thyme leaves on top for added texture and flavor.

Irresistible Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Irresistible Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip combines tangy cranberries with rich cream cheese for a festive appetizer. Warm holiday flavors meld perfectly, creating a crowd-pleasing starter you’ll want to share at gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (150 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
• ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
• ½ cup (56 g) shredded mozzarella or white cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup (50 g) sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml) water
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) honey or maple syrup (optional)
• ½ tsp orange zest (optional)
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley or green onions
• Crackers, pita chips, or baguette slices, for serving

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Instructions

1. Cranberry Compote Creation: Merge fresh cranberries, sugar, water, and orange zest in a saucepan, simmering over medium heat while gently crushing berries until they burst and transform into a luscious, thickened sauce.
2. Flavor Enhancement: Drizzle honey or maple syrup into the compote, then set aside to cool and allow flavors to harmonize.
3. Oven Preparation: Heat oven to 375F (190C), creating an ideal environment for the upcoming dip.
4. Cream Cheese Mixture: Combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl, blending until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
5. Assembling the Dip: Transfer cream cheese mixture into a baking dish, spreading evenly, then delicately layer the cooled cranberry compote across the surface with gentle coverage.
6. Baking Process: Slide the dish into the preheated oven, baking for 15-20 minutes until edges become bubbly and the interior is thoroughly warmed.
7. Finishing Touches: Remove from oven and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions, serving immediately alongside crackers, pita chips, or sliced baguette for an irresistible appetizer.

Notes

Manage Cranberry Texture: Cook cranberries just until they burst to maintain a perfect balance between whole and broken fruit, preventing an overly mushy compote.

Control Temperature Sensitivity: Keep cream cheese mixture at room temperature before mixing to ensure smooth blending and prevent lumpy consistency.

Optimize Flavor Infusion: Allow cranberry compote to cool slightly before layering to prevent immediate melting and preserve distinct flavor layers in the dip.

Customize Dietary Variations: Substitute dairy ingredients with vegan cream cheese alternatives and use low-sugar options for a lighter, health-conscious version of the appetizer.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 183
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg