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
Scale
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
