Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with the sweet, savory, and ultra-creamy magic of Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip! This irresistible appetizer brings together velvety cream cheese, tangy cranberry sauce, warm spices, and a golden blanket of cheddar, all bubbling in one beautiful dish. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just want something special to snack on, this dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of recipe that feels festive and impressive, yet is so simple you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient has a starring role, contributing flavor, texture, or a pop of color that makes every bite memorable. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): The creamy base that makes every scoop rich and luscious—let it come to room temp for easy mixing.
- Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Adds a subtle tang and lightens the cream cheese for an extra smooth dip.
- Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce (1 cup): Brings the perfect balance of tart and sweet, with juicy pops of cranberry in every bite.
- Shredded White Cheddar Cheese (1/2 cup): Melts into a gooey, golden topping that adds a savory punch.
- Ground Cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon): Infuses warmth and aromatic sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cranberries.
- Ground Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): A little goes a long way—this spice deepens the flavor and brings cozy holiday vibes.
- Chopped Pecans (1/4 cup, optional): For a crunchy, buttery contrast—try toasting them first for extra flavor!
- Chopped Fresh Rosemary (1 tablespoon) or Dried Rosemary (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a touch of earthy, piney freshness that makes the dip unforgettable.
- Crackers or Toasted Baguette Slices: The perfect vehicles for all that creamy, cheesy, sweet-and-savory goodness!
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to 375°F so it’s ready to work its magic. Take a few minutes to soften your cream cheese—this will make mixing a breeze and ensure your Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip turns out ultra-smooth and creamy. Grab a small baking dish or an oven-safe skillet for baking.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Use a spatula or hand mixer to blend them until completely smooth and lump-free. This creamy mixture is the dreamy foundation for all the flavors to come!
Step 3: Layer It Up
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. You want a nice, even layer so every bite is perfectly balanced. This step is all about setting the stage for the cranberry topping.
Step 4: Make the Cranberry Topping
In a separate bowl, stir together your whole berry cranberry sauce, cinnamon, nutmeg, chopped pecans (if using), and rosemary. This mixture should smell absolutely amazing—sweet, spicy, and a little woodsy. Spoon it over the cream cheese layer and spread it out evenly.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the shredded white cheddar cheese all over the top. This will melt into a bubbly, golden blanket. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the dip is hot and the cheese is beautifully melted and starting to brown around the edges.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Take the dip out of the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes—this helps everything set and makes it easier to scoop. Serve your Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip with crackers or toasted baguette slices, and watch it disappear!
How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra chopped rosemary or a handful of toasted pecans over the top just before serving. A few fresh cranberries or a swirl of cranberry sauce can make your Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip look as festive as it tastes.
Side Dishes
While this dip is a showstopper all on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, veggie sticks, or even a platter of fresh fruit. These sides keep things light and refreshing, offering a nice contrast to the dip’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking the dip in individual ramekins for personal servings, or hollow out a small round loaf of bread and bake the dip right inside for a dramatic centerpiece. For a holiday touch, serve it alongside a selection of colorful crackers and sliced apples or pears.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any remaining Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days, and the flavors just keep getting better!
Freezing
While you can freeze this dip, the texture may change slightly since dairy can separate when thawed. If you do freeze it, wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place the dip back in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F until heated through (about 10-15 minutes). You can also microwave individual portions for a quick snack—just be sure to stir halfway through to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cranberry sauce instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade cranberry sauce can give your Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip an extra burst of flavor and a personal touch. Just make sure it’s a whole berry style for the best texture.
What can I substitute for white cheddar cheese?
Feel free to try sharp yellow cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even Gruyère for a different flavor profile. The key is to use a cheese that melts well and pairs nicely with cranberries.
Is this dip gluten-free?
The dip itself is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to serve with gluten-free crackers or veggie sticks if needed to accommodate guests with dietary restrictions.
Can I make Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dip (without baking) up to one day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, just bake as directed—easy and stress-free for entertaining!
How do I toast the pecans for extra flavor?
Simply spread chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, stirring once, until fragrant and golden. Let them cool before adding to your dip for an irresistible crunch.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for that “wow” factor at your next gathering, look no further than Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip. It’s festive, flavorful, and guaranteed to be the first thing to disappear from the table. Give it a try—you’ll want to make it part of every celebration!
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Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip is a creamy, tangy, and festive appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Combining the smooth richness of cream cheese and sour cream with the tart sweetness of whole berry cranberry sauce, warm spices, crunchy pecans, fresh rosemary, and a layer of melted white cheddar cheese, this dip is sure to be a crowd-pleaser served with crackers or toasted baguette slices.
Ingredients
Base
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Cranberry Topping
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
Topping
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
For Serving
- Crackers or toasted baguette slices
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to create the perfect baking environment for the dip to warm through and the cheese to melt.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Spread Base in Baking Dish: Evenly spread the cream cheese and sour cream mixture into a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet, creating an even layer.
- Mix the Cranberry Topping: In a separate bowl, stir together the whole berry cranberry sauce, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, chopped pecans (if using), and fresh or dried rosemary to incorporate warm flavors and texture.
- Layer Cranberry Mixture: Spoon the cranberry topping evenly over the cream cheese base, spreading it smoothly to cover the entire surface.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded white cheddar cheese evenly over the cranberry layer to add a melty, savory finish.
- Bake the Dip: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly and the cheese has melted beautifully.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove from the oven and let the dip sit for 5 minutes to cool slightly and set before serving.
- Serve: Serve warm alongside crackers or toasted baguette slices for dipping.
Notes
- You can prepare this dip mixture in advance and refrigerate it, then bake just before serving to save time.
- For enhanced flavor and crunch, toast the pecans lightly in a dry skillet before adding them to the cranberry mixture.
- If you prefer a milder herb flavor, reduce the rosemary to 1/2 tablespoon fresh or 1/4 teaspoon dried.
- This dip pairs wonderfully with a variety of crackers, flatbreads, or toasted baguette slices—choose your favorite!
- Reheat leftovers gently in the oven or microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of dip (approximately 75g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
