Easy Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe for Cozy Gatherings

Creamy cheese dips always spark joy at gatherings, and this baked cranberry cream cheese dip delivers pure comfort in every bite.

Tangy cranberries dance through smooth cream cheese, creating a vibrant appetizer that feels both elegant and inviting.

Rich cream cheese melts into a luxurious spread with bright crimson berries peeking through its surface.

The warmth of the oven transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing sensation.

Guests will swoon over this simple yet sophisticated starter that takes minimal effort to prepare.

Serve with crisp crackers or toasted baguette slices for a delightful party treat that disappears faster than you can say “seconds, please!” Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible appetizer that promises to be the star of any spread.

Why Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Wows a Crowd

• Easy Crowd Favorite: These sliders come together quickly with simple ingredients, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute get-togethers.
• Game Day Snack Upgrade: Serve these flavorful chicken bacon ranch sliders at your next party for a delicious twist everyone will enjoy.
• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The smoky bacon, creamy ranch, and tender chicken blend seamlessly with melted cheese for a satisfying bite every time.
• Kid-Approved Meal: Packed with familiar tastes and a fun slider size, these sandwiches make mealtime exciting for kids and adults alike.

What You’ll Need for Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

• Cream Cheese: Smooth and rich base for the dip.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty and stretchy cheese that adds great texture.

• Cranberry Sauce: Sweet and tangy sauce with holiday vibes.
• Fresh Cranberries: Bright and juicy bursts of flavor.

• Rosemary, Garlic Powder: Aromatic herbs that enhance the overall taste.

How to Bake This Holiday-Perfect Appetizer

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cheese Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and whip the cream cheese until it’s silky smooth.

• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Dried rosemary
• Garlic powder

Blend everything until it becomes a harmonious mixture that looks irresistibly creamy.

Step 3: Introduce Cranberry Magic

Gently fold in the cranberry sauce and whole fresh cranberries.

Be delicate to keep those gorgeous berries mostly intact – you want little bursts of tartness in every bite.

Step 4: Build Your Dip Masterpiece

Pour the dreamy cheese and cranberry mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Spread it evenly like you’re creating a delicious landscape.

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top for an extra cheesy crown.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 22-26 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the top turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Pull the dip out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

Serve alongside crispy crackers, crusty baguette slices, or crunchy pita chips.

Watch your guests dive in with pure joy!

Tips for Balancing Sweet, Tart, and Creamy

• Fold cranberry sauce and fresh cranberries gently to keep whole berries intact, ensuring a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.
• Beat cream cheese thoroughly before mixing to eliminate lumps and create a silky, uniform base for your dip.
• Watch the dip closely during the last few minutes of baking to avoid over-browning, ensuring a perfectly golden top without burning.
• Let the dip cool for a few minutes after baking to allow it to set, making it easier to scoop and preventing potential burns.
• Experiment with different crackers, toasted bread, or vegetable sticks to find your perfect pairing with this creamy cranberry dip.

How to Keep Dip Fresh and Warm

• Store leftover dip in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the flavor.
• Warm the dip in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning and maintain creamy texture.
• Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when the dip is warm and slightly bubbling.
• If the dip seems dry after reheating, stir in a small splash of milk or cream to restore its creamy consistency.

Best Bites to Pair With This Dip

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to complement the creamy texture and cut through the richness of the cheese dip, balancing its tangy cranberry notes.
• Serve with Rustic Bread Selection: Grab a crusty artisan sourdough, warm baguette slices, or hearty whole grain crackers that provide a sturdy base for scooping the warm, melted cheese mixture.
• Match with Charcuterie Accents: Add prosciutto, salami, or smoked turkey slices alongside the dip to introduce a savory protein element that contrasts beautifully with the sweet-tart cranberry undertones.
• Enhance with Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh rosemary or thyme on top to echo the herb in the recipe and add a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the overall flavor profile.

Creative Flavor Ideas for Cranberry Dip

• Low-Carb Berry Option: Replace cranberry sauce with low-carb mixed berries and use almond flour-based crackers for a keto-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap cream cheese for cashew-based cream cheese and use nutritional yeast instead of mozzarella to create a vegan-friendly dip.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Incorporate fresh thyme and sage instead of rosemary, adding extra Mediterranean-inspired flavor complexity to the cheese mixture.
• Spicy Cranberry Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to give the dip a zesty, warming heat that complements the sweet cranberry notes.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just thaw and drain them before adding to the mixture to prevent excess moisture.

• Is this dip suitable for make-ahead preparation?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 3-5 minutes to the baking time if going straight from the refrigerator.

• What type of cream cheese works best for this recipe?

Full-fat cream cheese provides the smoothest and richest texture. Reduced-fat cream cheese can be used, but the dip might be slightly less creamy.

• How can I prevent the dip from becoming too watery?

Ensure you drain any excess liquid from the cranberry sauce and pat fresh or frozen cranberries dry before adding them to the cheese mixture.

Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comforting holiday “baked cranberry cream cheese dip” brings festive cheer to gatherings with its rich, tangy flavor profile. Creamy cheese melts perfectly with tart cranberries, creating an irresistible appetizer you’ll want to savor alongside warm bread or crackers.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 packages (8 ounces / 226 grams) cream cheese, room temperature
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 2/3 cup fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup canned whole berry cranberry sauce

Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F and delicately coat an 8×8-inch ceramic dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
2. Whip the cream cheese in a spacious mixing vessel until silky and uniform, creating a luxurious base for the dip’s creamy texture.
3. Incorporate shredded mozzarella, fragrant rosemary, and subtle garlic powder into the cream cheese, stirring methodically to distribute seasonings evenly throughout the mixture.
4. Tenderly introduce cranberry sauce and whole fresh cranberries into the cheese blend, gently folding to preserve the berries’ delicate structure and prevent unwanted crushing.
5. Carefully transfer the vibrant mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface to create an even layer that promises consistent flavor in every bite.
6. Cascade the remaining mozzarella across the top, creating a golden, melted cheese blanket that will transform into a crispy, appetizing crown.
7. Slide the dish into the preheated oven, allowing the dip to transform for 22-26 minutes until the edges bubble enthusiastically and the cheese develops a tempting golden-brown hue.
8. Extract from the oven and permit a brief cooling moment to let flavors meld and prevent potential burns, then present alongside crisp crackers, rustic baguette slices, or warm pita chips for an irresistible appetizer experience.

Notes

• Preserve Cranberry Integrity: Fold the cranberries gently to keep their shape and prevent mushing, which maintains the beautiful texture and visual appeal of the dip.
• Cheese Smoothness Trick: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to achieve a silky, lump-free consistency that blends seamlessly with other ingredients.
• Customizable Flavor Boost: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or sage instead of rosemary to create unique flavor profiles that complement the tangy cranberries.
• Diet-Friendly Adaptation: Swap regular cream cheese with low-fat or dairy-free alternatives to make the dip more accommodating for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 205
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg