Description
This Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is a warm, festive appetizer perfect for the holidays! Creamy, cheesy, and topped with sweet-tart cranberries that burst with flavor as they bake, this dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s easy to make and pairs beautifully with crackers, crostini, or breadsticks. Serve it at your next gathering and watch it disappear!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 (for garnish)
- Crackers, breadsticks, or crostini (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Cheese Base: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella cheese, and white cheddar. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Coat the Cranberries: In a small bowl, toss the fresh cranberries with sugar until evenly coated.
- Assemble the Dip: Spread the cheese mixture evenly into a baking dish. Top with the sugared cranberries, spreading them out in an even layer.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the cranberries have started to burst.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve warm with crackers, breadsticks, or crostini. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble the dip (up to the baking step) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Simply bake when ready to serve.
- Substitutions: Frozen cranberries can be used in place of fresh ones; thaw and drain them first.
- Topping Variations: Add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added sweetness and crunch.
- Serving Ideas: Pair with buttery crackers, toasted baguette slices, or even fresh veggie sticks for a lighter option.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.