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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Whip the cream cheese in a spacious mixing vessel until silky and uniform, creating a luxurious base for the dip’s creamy texture.
- Incorporate shredded mozzarella, fragrant rosemary, and subtle garlic powder into the cream cheese, stirring methodically to distribute seasonings evenly throughout the mixture.
- Tenderly introduce cranberry sauce and whole fresh cranberries into the cheese blend, gently folding to preserve the berries’ delicate structure and prevent unwanted crushing.
- 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.
- Cascade the remaining mozzarella across the top, creating a golden, melted cheese blanket that will transform into a crispy, appetizing crown.
- 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.
- 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