Description

Experience the festive flavors of Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip, a creamy, tangy appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or casual parties. Bursting with fresh cranberries, subtle orange zest, and a touch of sweetness, this warm dip is irresistible straight from the oven. Easy to make and crowd-pleasing, it pairs beautifully with crackers, baguette slices, or crisp apple wedges.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp orange zest

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped

1/2 cup cranberry sauce

1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

2 tbsp brown sugar (optional)

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Pinch of salt

Crackers, toasted baguette slices, or apple wedges

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a small baking dish or skillet.
Mix cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
Stir in sugar, vanilla, orange zest, and salt.
Fold in cranberries and cranberry sauce gently.
Transfer mixture to baking dish and smooth top.
Sprinkle nuts, brown sugar, and cinnamon on top (optional).
Bake 25–30 minutes until edges are bubbly and top lightly golden.
Rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with reserved cranberries, orange zest, or rosemary.
Serve with crackers, baguette slices, or apple wedges.

Notes

Fully soften cream cheese to avoid lumps.

Thaw frozen cranberries before use.

Toast nuts lightly for deeper flavor.

Adjust sugar depending on cranberry tartness.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 cup
Calories: 180
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 35mg