Description
Indulge in the intriguing blend of tangy and creamy flavors with the Cranberry Mozzarella Delight. This recipe showcases a sumptuous combination of cream cheese and shredded mozzarella, accentuated with the unique addition of cranberries both fresh and in a sauce form. Perfect as an appetizer for gatherings, this baked dip invites a burst of flavor that is sure to impress any guest.
Ingredients
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, room temperature
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ teaspoon crushed dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup canned whole berry cranberry sauce
- ⅔ cup fresh cranberries
Step-by-step Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to prepare for the dip.
2. Mix the Base
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Add 2 cups of the shredded mozzarella cheese along with the dried rosemary and garlic powder. Mix these together until they are well incorporated.
3. Add the Cranberries
Gently fold in the whole berry cranberry sauce and the fresh cranberries into your cheese mixture, being careful not to crush the berries too much.
4. Prepare for Baking
Transfer the mixture into your greased baking dish. Smooth the top and ensure the mixture is evenly spread.
5. Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 22-26 minutes, or until you see the edges of the dip begin to turn a golden brown.
Servings & Preparation Time
This recipe serves approximately 8-10 people as an appetizer. From start to finish, including preparation and cooking, the recipe should take about 40 minutes.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the dip in a microwave or in the oven until it is warm throughout. If using the oven, cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning while allowing the dip to heat all the way through.
Conclusion
The Cranberry Mozzarella Delight is a perfect choice for anyone looking to serve a warm, cheesy, and slightly tangy dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of dippers. Whether it’s for a quiet family gathering, a festive holiday party, or just a special treat, this dip makes for a delightful culinary experience that combines the comfort of cheese with the zest of cranberries in each bite.
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Cranberry Mozzarella Delight
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the intriguing blend of tangy and creamy flavors with the Cranberry Mozzarella Delight. This recipe showcases a sumptuous combination of cream cheese and shredded mozzarella, accentuated with the unique addition of cranberries both fresh and in a sauce form. Perfect as an appetizer for gatherings, this baked dip invites a burst of flavor that is sure to impress any guest.
Ingredients
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, room temperature
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ teaspoon crushed dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup canned whole berry cranberry sauce
- ⅔ cup fresh cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to prepare for the dip.
- Mix the Base In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Add 2 cups of the shredded mozzarella cheese along with the dried rosemary and garlic powder. Mix these together until they are well incorporated.
- Add the Cranberries Gently fold in the whole berry cranberry sauce and the fresh cranberries into your cheese mixture, being careful not to crush the berries too much.
- Prepare for Baking Transfer the mixture into your greased baking dish. Smooth the top and ensure the mixture is evenly spread.
- Add Cheese and Bake Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 22-26 minutes, or until you see the edges of the dip begin to turn a golden brown.