Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is the perfect festive appetizer for any gathering! This creamy, cheesy dip is topped with sweet and tart cranberries that burst with flavor as they bake. Whether it’s for a holiday party or a cozy night in, this warm, bubbly dip is guaranteed to impress your guests. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and pairs perfectly with crackers, breadsticks, or crostini.

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Why You’ll Love This Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

Festive and Beautiful: The vibrant cranberries make this dip a showstopper on any holiday table.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for last-minute entertaining.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: The creamy cheese base is perfectly complemented by the sweet-tart cranberries.
Versatile: Serve it with your favorite crackers, toasted bread, or even fresh veggies.

What Does Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Taste Like?

This dip combines rich and creamy cheeses with the tartness of fresh cranberries, which become sweet and juicy as they bake. The melty cheese base contrasts beautifully with the slightly crisp and caramelized cranberries, while the fresh parsley adds a touch of herbaceous freshness. Every bite is creamy, cheesy, sweet, and tangy—the perfect blend of flavors for the holiday season!

Benefits of This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh cranberries, it’s easy to put together.
Elegant Presentation: It looks and tastes like a fancy appetizer but is effortless to make.
Crowd-Pleasing: This dip always disappears quickly—your guests will love it!

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
1 cup fresh cranberries
2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Crackers, breadsticks, or crostini for serving

Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowls
Baking dish (8×8 or similar size)
Spatula
Oven

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

Cranberries: Frozen cranberries can be used if fresh are unavailable; just thaw and drain them first.
Cheese Options: Swap out white cheddar for Gruyère or use a blend of Parmesan and Monterey Jack for extra flavor.
Toppings: Add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) before serving for added sweetness and crunch.

How to Make Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Base

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, and white cheddar. Mix until well blended and creamy.

Step 3: Coat the Cranberries

In a separate small bowl, toss the fresh cranberries with sugar until evenly coated.

Step 4: Assemble the Dip

Spread the cheese mixture evenly into a baking dish. Top it with the sugared cranberries, spreading them evenly over the surface.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the cranberries have started to burst.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm with crackers, breadsticks, or crostini.

What to Serve with This Dip

Crackers: Butter crackers, multigrain crackers, or even wheat thins work well.
Breadsticks or Crostini: Toasted slices of baguette or breadsticks are perfect for scooping up the dip.
Veggies: For a lighter option, serve with carrot sticks, celery, or bell pepper slices.

Tips for the Perfect Cranberry Dip

Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the dip to prevent the cheese from browning too much—it should just be bubbly and melty.
Prepare Ahead: Assemble the dip in the baking dish and refrigerate until ready to bake, saving time on busy days.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Freezing: While the cheese mixture can be frozen, the cranberries may lose their texture, so freezing is not recommended for this dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dip up to the baking step and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

Can I use dried cranberries?

Fresh cranberries are recommended for their tartness and texture, but you can use dried cranberries in a pinch. Soak them in warm water to plump them up before using.

What if I don’t have fresh parsley?

You can substitute parsley with fresh thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile.

Wrap-Up

This Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is a delicious, festive appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. The creamy cheese base and sweet-tart cranberries create a flavor combination that’s sure to delight your guests. Easy to make and stunning to serve, it’s a must-try for your next holiday gathering or cozy night at home.

If you’re looking for more dessert-inspired festive recipes, check out this Golden Raspberry Cheesecake Milkshake for a refreshing and indulgent treat, or try this White German Chocolate Cake for a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for celebrations.

Let’s See Your Dips!

If you make this recipe, snap a picture and share it on Pinterest or Instagram. Tag us—we’d love to see your creation! And if you have a moment, leave a review below to let us know how it turned out.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 210 | Protein: 7g | Carbs: 12g | Fat: 16g | Fiber: 1g