If there’s one appetizer guaranteed to steal the show at any holiday gathering, it’s the Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip. This warm, creamy, cheesy dish is topped with a sweet-tart layer of cranberry sauce and finished with savory green onions and crunchy nuts. Every bite is indulgent yet balanced, and the festive color makes it an instant centerpiece. I promise, this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again—especially when you want a crowd-pleasing treat that feels both luxurious and comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I absolutely love how straightforward this Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is: every ingredient earns its place, adding either richness, depth, or that gorgeous pop of seasonal cranberry color. It’s an easy list, but together these flavors create something that feels truly special.
- Cream Cheese: The star of the show—softened cream cheese brings irresistible creaminess and tang.
- Sour Cream: Adds silkiness and just a touch more tang, blending seamlessly with the cheeses.
- Mayonnaise: Trust me, you want this—it enhances smoothness and melds the flavors beautifully.
- White Cheddar Cheese (shredded): Brings a sharp, nutty flavor that’s truly irresistible when melted.
- Mozzarella Cheese (shredded): For that classic, gooey, melty texture in every scoop.
- Parmesan Cheese (grated): Adds a touch of saltiness and depth that rounds out the cheeses.
- Whole Cranberry Sauce: The sweet-tart topper—use your favorite homemade or canned version.
- Green Onions (chopped): Sprinkle over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish and a subtle bite.
- Pecans or Walnuts (chopped): For crunch! Nuts balance the creamy texture and offer a hint of earthiness.
- Garlic Powder: A savory backbone that rounds out all the flavors.
- Salt: Essential for heightening all those flavors—don’t skip it.
- Black Pepper: Lends a gentle warmth and a little complexity.
- Crackers, Baguette Slices, or Fresh Vegetables: The best vehicles for scooping up all that deliciousness!
How to Make Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a small baking dish—an 8-inch square works perfectly, but you can also use a deep pie plate for a gorgeous presentation. This step ensures your dip doesn’t stick and makes clean-up a breeze later.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. This is your blank canvas, and getting it super creamy now means a silky dip later. Next, add the sour cream, mayonnaise, white cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until fully combined—it should look rich, thick, and positively tempting.
Step 3: Spread and Top with Cranberry Sauce
Spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Take your cranberry sauce and gently spoon it over the top, then use the back of your spoon to softly swirl and spread it out so every bite has a bit of that sweet-tart flavor. Don’t stress about perfection—rustic is beautiful here!
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Sprinkle the chopped green onions and either pecans or walnuts evenly over the cranberry layer. Not only does this add color and texture, but it also gives your Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip fantastic dimension when people dig in.
Step 5: Bake Until Hot and Bubbly
Pop your dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for bubbling edges, golden bits on top, and that heavenly aroma filling your kitchen. Let it rest for about five minutes once it comes out of the oven—this helps everything set up and makes scooping easier.
How to Serve Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
Garnishes
I love finishing Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip with just a few more chopped green onions or even a sprinkle of extra nuts for an inviting look. A hint of fresh thyme or rosemary on top takes the presentation up a notch and pairs beautifully with the cranberry.
Side Dishes
This dip is incredibly versatile when it comes to sides. I usually set out a big platter with crisp crackers, slices of toasted baguette, and a rainbow of fresh cut veggies. Cucumbers, sweet bell peppers, or even endive leaves make tasty, crunchy dippers and balance out the rich dip.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, try serving the Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip in a hollowed-out round sourdough loaf. Or use a cast-iron skillet for a rustic, homey touch. Mini individual ramekins are fun for parties, letting everyone have their own mini dip—and minimizing double-dipping drama!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have any Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip left, simply cover the dish tightly and store it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. The flavors actually mingle and deepen a bit with time.
Freezing
The creamy base of this dip holds up surprisingly well to freezing. Spoon leftovers or pre-assembled, unbaked dip into an airtight container and freeze up to one month. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking (or reheating if already baked).
Reheating
To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes, until hot all the way through. For individual servings, a minute or two in the microwave works perfectly—just keep an eye out so the cheese doesn’t overcook.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese and cheese blends in this dip?
Absolutely! The dip will still turn out creamy and flavorful, although the texture might be slightly less rich. It’s a great option if you’re looking to lighten things up without sacrificing too much indulgence.
What’s the best way to make homemade cranberry sauce for this dip?
The quickest method is to simmer fresh or frozen cranberries with a little orange juice and sugar until they burst and form a sauce. Cool it before spreading over the dip—you get extra-bright flavor that tastes just like the holidays.
Can I make Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip nut-free?
Yes, you can easily omit the nuts, or swap in toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch without any allergens. It’s just as delicious and gorgeous for guests with dietary restrictions.
Is it possible to assemble this dip ahead of time?
Definitely! You can mix and layer everything (except the nuts and green onions, which are best added just before baking), then cover and refrigerate for up to a day. Pop it in the oven when you’re ready to party.
What are some creative ways to use leftover Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip?
If you have leftovers, use them as a spread on turkey or chicken sandwiches, dollop them onto roasted sweet potatoes, or stir them into warm pasta for a super-cozy lunch the next day.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a truly crowd-pleasing appetizer that delivers on both flavor and holiday spirit, Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is your answer. It’s easy to make, unforgettable on the table, and guaranteed to draw a rush of compliments. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it for gatherings year-round!
Print
Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy and flavorful goodness of this Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip, a perfect holiday appetizer that combines the richness of cheeses with the tanginess of cranberry sauce. This warm and gooey dip is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping:
- 1 cup whole cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Serving:
- crackers, baguette slices, or fresh vegetables for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a small baking dish.
- Mix Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined.
- Layer and Bake: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Spoon cranberry sauce over the top and spread gently to cover. Sprinkle with green onions and nuts. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until hot and bubbly around the edges.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with crackers, baguette slices, or vegetables.
Notes
- You can use leftover holiday cranberry sauce for convenience.
- For a savory twist, add crispy bacon bits on top.
- To make it nut-free, simply omit the pecans or replace them with toasted pumpkin seeds.
