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Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 22 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is a delightful and festive appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in. Creamy, tangy cream cheese is combined with a sweetened cranberry topping infused with cinnamon and lemon, then baked to perfection and optionally garnished with crunchy chopped nuts for added texture and flavor. It’s easy to prepare and serves as a luscious dip for crackers, bread, or fresh fruit.

Ingredients

Dip Base

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Cranberry Topping

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Optional Garnish

  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Transfer this mixture into a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet, spreading it evenly.
  2. Make the Cranberry Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. Assemble and Bake: Spoon the warm cranberry sauce evenly over the cream cheese mixture. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes or until the dip is bubbly and slightly golden on the edges.
  4. Add Optional Nuts: Remove the baked dip from the oven and sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts, if using, to add a crunchy texture.
  5. Serve: Let the dip cool slightly before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh fruit for dipping.

Notes

  • You can substitute honey with maple syrup to make the dip vegan-friendly if you switch the cream cheese and sour cream to suitable vegan alternatives.
  • Use fresh cranberries for the best texture, but frozen cranberries work well too; just thaw before cooking.
  • For a sweeter dip, adjust the sugar in the cranberry topping to your taste.
  • This dip can be prepared a day ahead; assemble and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/baked-cranberry-cream-cheese-dip-recipe-3/