Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip – Easy Holiday Recipe

Looking for a delicious, crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next holiday gathering? This Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip is the perfect choice. With a creamy base made of cream cheese, sour cream, and mozzarella, paired with the sweet-tartness of fresh cranberries, this dip is a delightful combination of flavors that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a festive treat, this dip is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip

This Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip has everything you need for a holiday appetizer: it’s easy to make, creamy, and packed with seasonal flavors. The contrast between the smooth, cheesy base and the pop of sweetness from the cranberries makes each bite irresistible. The best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes, which makes it a great option when you’re short on time but want to serve something special.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip:

• Cream Cheese: Provides a smooth, creamy base for the dip, making it rich and indulgent.
• Sour Cream: Adds a bit of tang and helps to balance the richness of the cream cheese.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Gives the dip a gooey, melty texture and mild flavor.
• White Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharper, more complex flavor that complements the creaminess of the other cheeses.
• Fresh Cranberries: Offers a burst of tartness and color, making this dip festive and refreshing.
• Sugar: Helps to sweeten the cranberries, balancing their tartness and enhancing their natural flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Garnishes the dip with a pop of color and freshness, balancing the rich cheese flavors.
• Crackers, Breadsticks, or Crostini: Serve these on the side for dipping and add crunch to each bite.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking to make this dip a bit healthier or have dietary preferences, here are some ingredient swaps:

• Cream Cheese: Use low-fat or Neufchatel cheese for a lighter option.
• Sour Cream: Greek yogurt is a great substitute for a tangy twist and extra protein.
• Mozzarella and White Cheddar: Try using dairy-free cheese alternatives if you’re following a plant-based diet.
• Fresh Cranberries: Dried cranberries could be used for a sweeter option, although they won’t have the same burst of tartness when baked.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your own Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the dip.
2. Prepare the Cheese Base: In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, and white cheddar. Use a hand mixer or a spoon to blend everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Coat the Cranberries: In a separate small bowl, toss the fresh cranberries with sugar. This will coat them and help bring out their natural sweetness when baked.
4. Assemble the Dip: Spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly into a small baking dish. Once it’s smooth, top it with the sugared cranberries, ensuring an even distribution.
5. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it—you’re looking for the dip to be bubbly, and the cranberries should begin to burst open.
6. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the dip from the oven and sprinkle the top with chopped fresh parsley. This adds a lovely burst of color and freshness. Serve warm with crackers, breadsticks, or crostini.

Tips & Tricks

• Check the Cranberries: If you want the cranberries to pop more, feel free to gently press on them with the back of a spoon as they bake. This will release more of their juices, making the dip even more flavorful.
• Don’t Overbake: Be sure not to overbake the dip. While it should be bubbly and golden around the edges, overbaking can cause the cheese to become too hard.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

This Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip is perfect for holiday gatherings or any casual get-together. To round out your appetizer spread, pair it with:

• Fresh Veggies: Offer sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, or carrots for a crunchy, refreshing contrast.
• Cheese Platter: Serve with a variety of cheeses, such as brie or goat cheese, for a more sophisticated touch.
• Sweet Additions: Add a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze to the dip for an extra layer of sweetness and tang.

If you’re looking to make this dip ahead of time, you can assemble it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best taste and texture.

A Perfect Seasonal Appetizer

This Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip is perfect for the holidays. The combination of cream cheese, mozzarella, and fresh cranberries makes it a great addition to any festive spread. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or a New Year’s Eve celebration, this dip will add a touch of warmth and flavor to your menu. Plus, the bright red cranberries make it a visually appealing dish that looks just as good as it tastes.

This simple yet impressive dip is sure to become a favorite during the holiday season, so be sure to save the recipe and enjoy it throughout the year!

Conclusion

This Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip is an irresistible blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and festive, tangy cranberries. With its easy preparation and balanced flavors, it’s perfect for any holiday or special occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or bringing a dish to share, this dip will become a crowd favorite in no time. The warm, bubbling cheese and the burst of cranberries create a truly unique and delicious appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests. Don’t forget to serve it with crackers, crostini, or breadsticks for the ultimate dipping experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

More Relevant Recipes

• Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels: These festive pinwheels are filled with cream cheese, cranberries, and a hint of citrus. Perfect for the holiday season, they offer a bite-sized, deliciously tangy appetizer that pairs well with the richness of cheese-based dips like the Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip.
• Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Ball: This creamy goat cheese ball, coated in sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans, makes a perfect companion to crackers or crostini. The fresh cranberries and the creamy cheese complement the flavors in the Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip, creating a wonderful spread for any holiday gathering.
• No-Bake Gingerbread Cheesecake: If you’re looking for a festive dessert to pair with your holiday appetizers, this no-bake gingerbread cheesecake is a great choice. The rich, creamy texture and the warm, spiced flavors of gingerbread provide a delicious contrast to the tartness of the cranberries in the dip.

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