Description
Creamy baked cranberry cream cheese dip brings festive holiday cheer to any gathering. Tangy cranberries and smooth cream cheese blend perfectly, creating an irresistible appetizer you’ll want to savor with crisp crackers or warm bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (150 grams) fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) maple syrup or honey
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Optional Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) chopped pecans (optional)
- Crackers or crostini
- Sliced apples or pears
- Toasted baguette slices
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and select a suitable baking dish that will allow the cream cheese to spread evenly and create an appealing presentation.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and garlic powder, whipping the ingredients until smooth and creamy with no visible lumps.
- Transfer the cream cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to create an even surface.
- In a separate bowl, mix chopped fresh cranberries with sugar and orange zest, ensuring the cranberries are well-coated and the flavors are thoroughly integrated.
- Carefully spread the cranberry mixture across the top of the cream cheese base, creating an attractive and vibrant layer.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake until the edges become slightly golden and the dip is heated through, with the cranberry topping looking glossy and slightly softened.
- Remove from the oven and let the dip rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the temperature to become more suitable for serving.
- Garnish with optional fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs to add a touch of aromatic elegance and visual appeal.
- Serve warm with an assortment of crackers, toasted baguette slices, or crisp vegetable sticks for dipping.
Notes
- Choose fresh or frozen cranberries when making the topping for optimal flavor and texture.
- Adjust the sugar level in the cranberry mixture based on your preferred sweetness, tasting as you cook.
- Allow the cranberry mixture to cool completely before adding to the cream cheese base to prevent separation.
- Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or thyme in the cranberry topping for a unique flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg