Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip: The Perfect Festive Appetizer

Introduction

Looking for a delicious, warm, and crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for the holiday season? This Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is an excellent choice! With creamy cheese, tangy cranberries, and a hint of nutmeg, this dip strikes a beautiful balance of flavors. Whether you use leftover cranberry sauce or make it fresh, this baked dip pairs perfectly with crostini, crackers, or pita chips. It’s an irresistible addition to any holiday spread and is sure to disappear fast!

Ingredients

For the Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip:

• 2 cups extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated (divided)
• 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature (full-fat or Neufchatel)
• ¼ heaping cup cranberry sauce (canned, leftover, or homemade)
• ½ cup fresh cranberries (frozen cranberries can be substituted, do not thaw)
• ⅛-¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, fresh or ground)

Optional Homemade Cranberry Sauce:

• 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries (do not thaw)
• 1 cup sugar (natural cane sugar or white sugar)
• 3 tablespoons orange juice (fresh squeezed or store-bought)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh is best)
• ¼ cup water

Directions

Optional Homemade Cranberry Sauce (Skip if using pre-made sauce)

1. Make the Sauce: Set aside ½ cup of cranberries for the dip. In a small saucepan, combine the remaining cranberries, sugar, orange juice, lemon juice, and water.
2. Cook: Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the cranberries start to burst. Some will remain whole while others will break down, creating a perfect cranberry sauce.
3. Cool and Store: Let the cranberry sauce cool before using. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

To Make the Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or 350°F (175°C) for convection ovens. Lightly spray a 1 ½-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Mix the Cheeses: In a medium-large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and 1 ¾ cups of grated cheddar cheese. If desired, add nutmeg to taste (start with ⅛ teaspoon).
3. Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold in the cranberry sauce and the reserved ½ cup of fresh cranberries. Mix carefully to keep the cranberries whole.
4. Prepare for Baking: Spoon the cranberry mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of grated cheddar cheese over the top.
5. Bake: Bake for 18-23 minutes (or 15 minutes for convection ovens), until the dip is bubbly in the middle and golden around the edges. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover the dish with foil.
6. Finish: A few minutes before removing from the oven, sprinkle some extra cheddar cheese on top. Remove the foil to let the cheese brown slightly.
7. Serve: Serve warm with crostini, crackers, or pita chips. For an extra festive touch, grate a little fresh nutmeg over the top just before serving.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus optional sauce cooking time)
• Cook Time: 18-23 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Servings: 8 servings
• Calories: 250 kcal per serving

Tips for Success

• Cranberry Sauce: If you’re using canned or leftover cranberry sauce, make sure it’s whole berry rather than jellied. The texture of whole cranberries adds to the appeal of this dish.
• Cheese Selection: Extra-sharp cheddar is recommended for its bold flavor, but you can substitute with mild cheddar or even Gruyère for a different twist.
• Serving Suggestions: This dip pairs perfectly with crostini, crackers, pita chips, or even sliced veggies. It’s also a great option for spreading over toasted baguette slices.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is a must-make for the holiday season. The creamy base, sharp cheddar, and sweet-tart cranberries come together beautifully, creating a dip that’s sure to be the star of any gathering. Whether you’re entertaining or just enjoying a cozy night at home, this warm and gooey appetizer is a festive treat everyone will love. Make it ahead of time, bake it to perfection, and serve it warm for maximum enjoyment!

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