Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
Introduction
This Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is a delightful combination of tangy cream cheese, sweet cranberry sauce, and melted cheddar, perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a festive snack. Warm, creamy, and slightly spiced, it pairs wonderfully with crackers or fresh veggies.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked cranberry sauce (or whole berry sauce)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, cranberry sauce, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Step 3: Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and use a spatula to smooth the top evenly.
- Step 4: Bake the dip in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until it is bubbly and the top turns golden brown.
- Step 5: Remove from the oven and optionally sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Serve warm with crackers, bread, or fresh vegetables.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a small minced garlic clove or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dip mixture before baking.
- You can substitute the cheddar cheese with gouda or mozzarella for a different cheesy twist.
- If fresh parsley is unavailable, a sprinkle of chopped chives or green onions works well as a garnish.
- Use store-bought cranberry sauce for convenience or homemade sauce for a fresher taste.
Storage
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this dip in advance?
Yes, you can mix all ingredients and refrigerate the uncooked dip for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bake it fresh when ready to serve.
What is the best way to serve this dip?
Serve warm with an assortment of crackers, toasted bread slices, or fresh vegetable sticks like celery and carrots for a tasty appetizer.
Print
Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: About 6 servings 1x
Description
This Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is a delightful and festive appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Combining creamy cream cheese and tangy sour cream with sharp cheddar and sweet cranberry sauce, this warm dip offers a perfect balance of flavors, enhanced by subtle spices and a golden baked top.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked cranberry sauce (or whole berry sauce)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Garnish (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Begin by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the dip to a golden bubbly finish.
- Combine ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, thoroughly mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, cranberry sauce, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly blended for a harmonious mixture of flavors.
- Prepare the baking dish: Transfer the combined mixture into a baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface that will bake uniformly.
- Bake the dip: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbling and the top is golden brown, indicating it’s perfectly heated through and ready to serve.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and optionally sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness before serving warm alongside crackers, bread, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- Use whole berry cranberry sauce for added texture and tartness.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar to taste if you prefer a sweeter or more tart dip.
- The dip is best served warm but can be prepared ahead and reheated before serving.
- Try serving this dip with an assortment of crackers, toasted bread, or fresh vegetable sticks for a variety of dipping options.
- If desired, substitute cheddar with sharp white cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cranberry dip, baked cream cheese dip, holiday appetizer, creamy cranberry dip, cheddar cheese dip
