Description
This Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is a luscious, festive appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or any cozy get-together. Cream cheese and sour cream create a smooth base, complemented by melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Fresh cranberries coated in sugar add a burst of tartness and sweetness, making it a delightful crowd-pleaser when served warm with crackers, breadsticks, or crostini.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded white cheddar cheese
Cranberry Topping
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 2 tbsp sugar
Garnish and Serving
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- Crackers, breadsticks, or crostini for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dip evenly.
- Mix Cheese Base: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, and white cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended to create a creamy base.
- Prepare Cranberries: In a separate bowl, toss the fresh cranberries with sugar gently to coat them evenly, enhancing their natural tartness with sweetness.
- Assemble Dip: Spread the cheese mixture evenly into a baking dish. Then, distribute the sugared cranberries on top, ensuring an even layer for balanced flavor in each bite.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the cranberries start to burst, releasing their juices.
- Garnish: Remove the dip from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a bright, festive finish.
- Serve: Serve the dip warm accompanied by crackers, breadsticks, or toasted crostini for dipping and spreading.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to blend easily for a smooth dip.
- Fresh cranberries give the best burst of flavor, but frozen can be used if thawed and drained well.
- Adjust sugar amount on cranberries if you prefer more or less sweetness.
- This dip is best served warm but can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- To make it extra festive, add a sprinkle of orange zest over the top before serving.
