Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip with a Golden Crust Recipe
If you’re searching for a gleaming centerpiece for your holiday table or a show-stopping party appetizer, look no further than the Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip with a Golden Crust. This irresistible dip combines tangy-sweet cranberries, creamy cheese, and zesty orange, all nestled inside a flaky puff pastry shell that bakes to a shimmering golden hue. One slice in, and that vibrant, decadent filling comes spilling out in the most mouthwatering way. It’s festive, surprisingly simple, and destined to be the recipe everyone asks for long after the last bite is gone.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each component in this recipe has a starring role, from the creamy base to the crowning jewel that is puff pastry. These simple, high-impact ingredients blend together to create a dip that’s lush, tangy, aromatic, and utterly crave-worthy.
- Cream cheese (8 oz block, softened): The smooth, tangy base that makes every bite indulgently rich—be sure to let it soften so mixing is a breeze.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds extra tang and silkiness to the filling, beautifully balancing out the sweetness of the cranberries.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Just a splash rounds out the flavor and deepens the dessert-like notes of the dip.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): For subtle sweetness and creaminess that melds perfectly with the tart berries.
- Whole cranberry sauce (3/4 cup): The vibrant topper that brings a holiday sparkle and tangy-sweet flavor.
- Chopped dried cranberries (1/4 cup): A double dose of cranberry, these add extra bursts of chewy sweetness and a pop of color.
- Orange zest (1 tablespoon): Don’t skip it—the citrus lifts and freshens the whole dish; use a microplane for the best zest!
- Puff pastry (1 sheet, thawed): The secret to that shatteringly crisp, golden-brown crust.
- Egg (1, beaten for egg wash): Brushing the pastry with egg gives you a glossy, deep-gold finish, making the dip irresistible before you even taste it.
- Turbinado sugar (1 tablespoon, optional): For an extra sparkle and caramel-crunch on top (it’s optional, but highly recommended!).
- Crackers or baguette slices (for serving): Serve up with your favorite dippers so everyone gets a full scoop of creamy goodness and buttery crust.
How to Make Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip with a Golden Crust
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to a toasty 400°F. It’s the perfect temperature for getting that puff pastry gorgeously golden. Don’t forget to line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this makes both clean up and transferring the finished dip a total breeze.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling
In a medium bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Mix until the texture is silky and everything is perfectly combined. Next, gently fold in the cranberry sauce, dried cranberries, and orange zest—the aroma at this point is dazzlingly festive.
Step 3: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
Lightly dust your work surface with flour and roll out the sheet of puff pastry into a 10×10-inch square. This slight enlargement ensures there’s enough pastry to wrap around and fully seal all that creamy, cranberry-studded filling inside.
Step 4: Wrap and Seal
Spoon that luscious cream cheese mixture right into the center of your pastry square. Carefully fold the edges up and over the filling, pinching and pleating as you go. You want it sealed tight to keep all the goodness inside—no one wants a leaky dip!
Step 5: Egg Wash and Sugar Sprinkle
Flip the parcel seam-side down onto your prepared baking sheet. Using a pastry brush, coat the pastry evenly with the beaten egg—this is what transforms it from pale to golden as it bakes. For extra dazzle, sprinkle the top with turbinado sugar for crunch and sparkle.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden and puffed. The aromas wafting through your kitchen will be the stuff of holiday dreams. Allow it to cool for 10 minutes before serving so the filling sets just enough for perfect slicing.
How to Serve Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip with a Golden Crust
Garnishes
Crowning your fresh-from-the-oven dip with a little flourish makes it truly sparkle. Scatter extra orange zest or a handful of chopped dried cranberries over the top for a vivid, festive touch. Even a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme adds a lovely pop of green—and a wink to the winter season.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs beautifully with crisp crackers, sliced baguette, or even apple slices for a sweet-salty contrast. If you’re building a grazing board, add candied pecans, grapes, and a tangy blue cheese or aged cheddar to round out the spread. The Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip with a Golden Crust truly shines as both a stand-alone appetizer and the anchor of a celebratory platter.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to go the extra mile, try baking the dip in mini puff pastry parcels for individual servings—a big hit at cocktail parties! You can also place the entire golden package on a rustic wooden board surrounded by a rainbow of dippers for dramatic effect. However you serve it, this dip always steals the show and gets guests talking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and that’s a big if!), simply wrap the remaining Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip with a Golden Crust tightly in foil or transfer to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually intensify overnight—even cold, it’s utterly irresistible!
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the wrapped, unbaked dip for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then bake from frozen—just add 5–7 extra minutes to the baking time. It’s a lifesaver for busy holiday prep.
Reheating
To enjoy again, preheat your oven to 350°F, place the dip on a baking sheet, and bake for about 15 minutes until the pastry is crisp and the filling is warmed through. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven method keeps that golden crust gloriously flaky.
FAQs
Can I make the filling in advance?
Absolutely! Prepare the cream cheese and cranberry filling up to 2 days ahead; store it covered in the fridge and assemble with the puff pastry just before baking for best results.
What’s the best way to seal the pastry?
Press the edges firmly together—they should stick well if the pastry is still a little chilled. If needed, a dab of beaten egg helps the seams stay closed so nothing leaks out during baking.
Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?
Yes! Homemade cranberry sauce adds an extra layer of flavor and lets you control the sweetness. Just be sure it’s thick and slightly chunky, not too runny, so the filling doesn’t ooze out before the crust sets.
What if I don’t have turbinado sugar?
No worries—just skip it or sprinkle a little regular granulated or raw sugar instead. The sugar helps create that perfectly crunchy top, but the dip is delicious either way!
Is this recipe good for potlucks or parties?
Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip with a Golden Crust was practically made for sharing! You can bake it just before heading out and serve it at room temperature, or pop it back in the oven briefly to warm before serving. It travels well and is just as delicious when slightly cooled.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip with a Golden Crust is the definition of festive decadence, with a perfect marriage of creamy, sweet-tart, and flaky. It’s that rare recipe that feels both showy and invitingly simple. Give it a spot at your next gathering and watch it disappear—you’ll be starting a new tradition in no time!
Print
Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip with a Golden Crust Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip, featuring a luscious cream cheese filling with tart cranberries, wrapped in flaky puff pastry and baked until golden. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any festive occasion!
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup whole cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten for egg wash
- 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (optional)
- Crackers or baguette slices for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix cream cheese filling: In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in cranberry sauce, dried cranberries, and orange zest.
- Prepare pastry: Roll out the puff pastry into a 10×10-inch square on a floured surface. Spoon the cream cheese mixture onto the center, fold the edges to enclose, and seal.
- Bake: Place the wrapped dip seam-side down on the baking sheet. Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with turbinado sugar (if using), and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving with crackers or baguette slices.
Notes
- You can prepare the filling up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- For added flavor, consider a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of chili flakes in the cranberry mix.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
