Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 64 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 to 8 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dip evenly.
  2. 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.
  3. Prepare Cranberries: In a separate bowl, toss the fresh cranberries with sugar gently to coat them evenly, enhancing their natural tartness with sweetness.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Garnish: Remove the dip from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a bright, festive finish.
  7. 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.