Description
This Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is a festive, creamy, and tangy appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Combining smooth cream cheese, sharp cheddar, sweet cranberry sauce, and fresh cranberries, this warm and bubbly dip is sure to delight guests as a delicious complement to crackers or bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (room temperature)
- 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese (grated, divided)
- 1 cup Cranberry Sauce
- ½ cup Fresh Cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the dip.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a small baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Whip Cream Cheese: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the cream cheese until it becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dip.
- Combine Cheese: Add 1 3/4 cups of the grated sharp cheddar cheese to the whipped cream cheese and mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Add Cranberries: Stir in the cranberry sauce along with the fresh cranberries, ensuring all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Fill Baking Dish: Spoon the creamy cranberry mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top to create a golden crust when baked.
- Bake Dip: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the dip is bubbly and heated through.
- Broil for Browning: For a beautiful golden finish, place the dip under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Notes
- Allow the cream cheese to reach room temperature for easier whipping and a smoother dip.
- Fresh cranberries add texture and tartness but can be substituted with all cranberry sauce if preferred.
- Serve warm with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or vegetable sticks.
- Watch carefully during broiling to prevent burning the cheese topping.
- This dip can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
