Best Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
As the leaves begin to crunch beneath our feet, and the air starts to carry that crispness of fall, there’s nothing quite like cozying up with a warm dip that whispers comfort and warmth. The Best Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is the star of any gathering—rich, creamy, and inviting, it’s a dish that brings everyone together, igniting laughter and nostalgia around the table.
This dip is reminiscent of my grandmother’s gatherings, where the warmth of family and the aroma of delicious food danced in the air. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or crispy crackers, making it the perfect crowd-pleaser for your next fall gathering. So grab your baking dish, and let’s whip up this luscious treat that you’ll want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- A crowd-pleaser that combines creamy cheese and the delightful tartness of cranberries.
- Versatile ingredients that you can easily swap based on what you have on hand.
- Perfect for not just the Holidays, but any time you crave comfort food.
- A beautiful presentation that looks as good as it tastes, sure to impress your guests!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups Extra-Sharp Cheddar cheese (grated, divided)
- 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature; full fat or Neufchatel is fine)
- ¼ heaping cup cranberry sauce (canned, leftover, or homemade)
- ½ cup fresh cranberries (may substitute with frozen, do not thaw)
- ⅛-¼ teaspoon nutmeg (fresh or ground, optional)
- 12 ounces cranberries (fresh or frozen, do not thaw)
- 1 cup sugar (I use all-natural cane sugar, white sugar may be used)
- 3 tablespoons orange juice (fresh squeezed is best, from a naval orange, but store-bought is fine)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh is best)
- ¼ cup water
Let’s Make It Together
Make the Homemade Cranberry Sauce (Optional):
- In a medium saucepan, combine 12 ounces of cranberries, 1 cup sugar, 3 tablespoons orange juice, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and ¼ cup water.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring gently until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens (about 10-15 minutes). Remove from heat and let it cool.
Preheat Your Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s creamy and smooth.
- Add in 1 cup of the grated Extra-Sharp Cheddar cheese and mix until well combined.
Incorporate the Cranberries:
- Stir in the homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce along with the fresh cranberries. If you’re using nutmeg, now is the time to sprinkle it in.
Assemble the Dip:
- Spread the creamy mixture into an oven-safe dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of grated Extra-Sharp Cheddar cheese evenly on top.
Bake to Golden Perfection:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Serve Warm:
- Once done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Serve with your favorite crackers or slices of crusty bread.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Zesty Orange Twist: Stir in a zest of an orange or lemon to brighten the flavors.
- Nutty Delight: Top with chopped pecans or walnuts before baking for a crunchy texture.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy touch.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to elevate the flavor profile.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-ahead Advice: This dip can be assembled a day in advance. Just refrigerate it before baking. When you’re ready, pop it in the oven without thawing.
- Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to use any cheese you love or have on hand. Creamy goat cheese is a fantastic alternative.
- Leftover Use: If you have leftovers, reheat gently in the oven to maintain its creamy texture.
- Storage Suggestions: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 240
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Sugars: 7g
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 9g
- Sodium: 360mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! You can prepare it the day before and bake it just before serving.
Can I use different ingredients? Yes! Feel free to swap cheeses or add in your favorite herbs and spices.
How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
How long does it last? When properly stored, leftovers can last for about three days in the fridge.
Wrapping It Up
The Best Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip isn’t just a dish; it’s an experience that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. With its layers of creamy cheese and vibrant cranberries, this dip makes for the ideal cozy treat. Save this recipe to your fall entertaining board so it’s ready when you need to impress your loved ones! Happy dipping!
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Best Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy dip that combines the delightful tartness of cranberries with cheesy goodness, perfect for fall gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Extra-Sharp Cheddar cheese (grated, divided)
- 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- ¼ heaping cup cranberry sauce
- ½ cup fresh cranberries
- ⅛–¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Make the Homemade Cranberry Sauce (Optional): In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, lemon juice, and water. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and sauce thickens (10-15 minutes). Let it cool.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until creamy. Add in 1 cup of the grated cheddar cheese and mix well.
- Stir in the cranberry sauce and fresh cranberries, and add nutmeg if desired.
- Spread the mixture into an oven-safe dish and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven, cool for a few minutes, and serve with crackers or bread.
Notes
This dip can be assembled a day in advance and refrigerated. Reheat gently if storing leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: cream cheese dip, cranberry dip, fall appetizer, baked dip, party dip