Name: Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened; 1 cup cranberry sauce; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup chopped pecans; Crackers or bread for serving

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a show-stopping appetizer that’s bursting with tangy sweetness and creamy goodness, then you absolutely must try this Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip. It’s a perfect blend of velvety cream cheese combined with vibrant cranberry sauce, all topped with melty mozzarella and crunchy pecans. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering, a cozy night in, or simply to impress your guests, this dip brings an irresistible mix of flavors and textures that everyone will keep coming back for.

Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with this Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is delightfully simple. Each ingredient plays a vital role: the cream cheese provides that rich smoothness, cranberry sauce adds a burst of tartness and color, mozzarella melts for gooey indulgence, and pecans bring in a satisfying crunch.

Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The creamy base that makes the dip irresistibly smooth and luscious.
Cranberry sauce (1 cup): Adds fruity tartness and that beautiful jewel-red hue everyone loves.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): Melts perfectly on top, offering a gooey, savory contrast.
Chopped pecans (1/4 cup): Gives the dip a crunchy texture and a subtly nutty flavor.
Crackers or bread: The ideal vehicle to scoop, dip, and enjoy every bite.

How to Make Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and ready. This ensures the dip cooks evenly, allowing the cheeses to melt perfectly and the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 2: Mix Cream Cheese and Cranberry Sauce

In a bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with the cranberry sauce. Stir until it’s smooth and all those tart-sweet berries are evenly spread through the creamy base, creating a luscious and inviting texture.

Step 3: Spread into Baking Dish

Transfer your creamy mixture into a small baking dish, smoothing the top so it bakes uniformly. This makes sure every scoop afterward offers that perfect balance of creaminess and cranberry tang.

Step 4: Add Mozzarella and Pecans

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly across the top, then scatter the chopped pecans. This beautiful topping will melt into gooey cheese while the pecans toast ever so slightly, adding a delightful crunch and inviting aroma.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly

Pop your dish into the oven for 15 to 20 minutes. The magic happens as the cheese melts to a bubbly, golden perfection while the dip heats through, filling your kitchen with an irresistible scent.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Once out of the oven, serve the Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip right away alongside your favorite crackers or slices of bread. Enjoy every luscious bite while it’s warm and ooey-gooey!

How to Serve Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

Garnishes

Feel free to get creative with garnishes! A few fresh rosemary sprigs or a sprinkle of finely chopped green onions make gorgeous, aromatic toppings that add a pop of color and a hint of savory contrast to the dip’s sweetness.

Side Dishes

This dip pairs wonderfully with crunchy crackers, sliced baguette, or even crisp vegetable sticks like celery and cucumber. These sides add variety and texture, making your snack time or party platter even more exciting.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your dip in a rustic ceramic bowl nestled on a wooden board surrounded by an assortment of dippables. Or try hollowing out a small bread boule and serve the dip right inside for an edible bowl that’s as fun to eat as the dip itself!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers of this luscious Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip, cover it tightly and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for enjoying again the next day.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, the texture of the pecans and cream cheese might change slightly. If you do freeze it, place the dip in an airtight container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, place the dip in an oven-safe dish and bake at 325°F (160°C) until heated through and bubbly again, about 10-15 minutes. This method revives that fresh-baked charm perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?

Fresh cranberries can work, but you’ll need to cook them down with sugar first to mimic that saucy consistency. Cranberry sauce is much easier and ensures your dip is that perfect balance of sweet and tangy.

Is there a vegetarian or vegan version of this dip?

Absolutely! Swap the cream cheese and mozzarella for vegan alternatives and use a fruit-based cranberry sauce that’s free from animal products to keep the flavors intact while accommodating dietary choices.

Can I prepare the dip ahead and bake later?

Yes! Assemble the dip in your baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

What’s the best way to serve this dip for parties?

Serve it warm buffet-style with plenty of crackers, bread slices, or veggie sticks around. Keep a small spatula or spreader nearby so guests can easily scoop it onto their plates.

Can I add other nuts or toppings?

Feel free to experiment! Walnuts, almonds, or even dried herbs like thyme add delicious twists. Just make sure they complement the sweet-tart cranberries and creamy base.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is truly a crowd-pleaser that blends comfort, elegance, and flavor in one irresistible package. I can’t encourage you enough to give it a try; it will quickly become one of your go-to recipes whenever you want a dish that’s effortless to make but impossible to resist.

Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 22 reviews

Author: Julian
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is a delightful and festive appetizer combining creamy, tangy cream cheese with sweet cranberry sauce, melted mozzarella, and crunchy pecans. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy parties, it’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Dip Base

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup cranberry sauce

Toppings

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup chopped pecans

Serving

Crackers or bread for serving

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking your dip evenly.
Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and cranberry sauce thoroughly until fully blended, creating a creamy and vibrant dip base.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread the cream cheese and cranberry mixture evenly into a small baking dish, ensuring a smooth surface for even baking.
Add Toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dip, then top with the chopped pecans to add a delightful nutty crunch.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted completely and the dip is bubbly and slightly golden on top.
Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the dip hot with your choice of crackers or slices of bread for dipping and spreading.

Notes

You can use whole cranberry sauce or the jellied variety for a different texture.
For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of orange zest to the cream cheese mixture.
Replace mozzarella with a blend of mozzarella and sharp cheddar for a richer taste.
Chopped toasted walnuts can be used instead of pecans for a different nutty profile.
Serve immediately for the best warm texture, but leftovers can be reheated gently.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American