I’ll never forget the first time I made Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip for our Thanksgiving gathering. It was the year my sister-in-law, Emily, was hosting, and she asked me to bring an appetizer. I wanted to make something really special, so I decided to try this recipe I’d been eyeing for a while. As soon as I pulled the bubbly, golden-brown dip out of the oven, the aroma filled the whole house – rich, creamy, and subtly sweet with tart cranberries. When I set it down on the table, it was like a feeding frenzy! Everyone crowded around, dipping in with crackers and celery sticks, raving about how amazing it tasted. By the time dinner was ready, the 12 servings (each a delightful 1/2 cup) had disappeared. From that day on, Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip became a must-have on our Thanksgiving menu.
Table of Contents
Why This Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
What makes this Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip recipe so special is the way the tangy cream cheese and tart cranberries meld together into a rich, velvety dip. The key is using just the right balance of ingredients – not too much cream cheese, not too many cranberries. This creates a perfect harmony of flavors that’s truly irresistible. And the best part? This recipe yields 12 generous servings, so it’s ideal for sharing at holiday gatherings, game day parties, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip, you’ll need:
- 16 ounces of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup of whole-berry cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
These simple ingredients come together to create the 12 servings of this delectable dip.
Step-by-Step Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Instructions
Preparing Your Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
This recipe takes 25 minutes total – 5 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. You’ll need a mixing bowl, a spatula, and a baking dish. Let’s get started!
1- Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 16 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of whole-berry cranberry sauce, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the dip is smooth.
2- Transfer the creamy cranberry mixture to a 9-inch baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the dip is heated through and bubbly around the edges.
3- Remove the Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. This will allow the dip to set up a bit before serving.
4- The dip should be golden-brown on top and the edges should be bubbling. Give it a quick stir to incorporate any cranberry sauce that may have separated.
5- Serve the Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip warm, with crackers, bread, or your favorite dippers on the side.
6- Enjoy this delicious 12-serving appetizer with family and friends!
Pro Tips for Success
- For an extra-creamy dip, let the cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing.
- Chopping the cranberries lightly can help them distribute more evenly throughout the dip.
- Be careful not to overbake – you want the center to still be soft and creamy.
Serving and Storing Your Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
Perfect Pairings for Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
This Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is the perfect appetizer for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday gathering. The 12 servings, each a 1/2 cup portion, make it great for sharing. Serve it with a variety of crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies like celery and apple slices. It also pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a festive holiday cocktail.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the dip in a baking dish and warm it in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. For make-ahead convenience, you can assemble the dip in the baking dish up to 2 days in advance, then bake it just before serving.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
Creative Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Variations
While the classic Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is hard to beat, you can easily customize it to suit your tastes. Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch. For a festive twist, fold in a tablespoon of orange zest or a splash of Grand Marnier. You can also experiment with different types of cranberry sauce, like homemade, whole-berry, or even cranberry chutney.
Making Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Diet-Friendly
To make this dip more diet-friendly, you can use reduced-fat or low-fat cream cheese. For a gluten-free version, serve it with gluten-free crackers or veggie sticks. If you’re looking for a vegan option, try substituting the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and using a sugar-free cranberry sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use dried cranberries instead of whole-berry cranberry sauce?
A: While you can use dried cranberries, the whole-berry cranberry sauce provides a more authentic flavor and better texture for this Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip recipe.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes exactly 12 servings, with each serving being 1/2 cup.
Q: Can I make this dip ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the dip up to 2 days in advance and bake it just before serving. This makes it a great make-ahead option for busy holidays or parties.
Q: What should I do if the dip seems too thick or too thin?
A: The consistency of the dip can be adjusted by adding a bit more cranberry sauce (for a thinner dip) or a small amount of cream cheese (for a thicker dip). Just be sure to mix the ingredients well until you achieve the desired texture.
Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
This Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is a rich and creamy appetizer that’s perfect for holiday parties and gatherings. The tart cranberries are a delightful contrast to the smooth, decadent cream cheese, resulting in a flavor-packed dip that’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. 2. In a medium-sized bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
3. 3. Add the cranberries, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir until well combined.
4. 4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and smooth the top.
5. 5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly.
6. 6. Serve the Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip warm, with crackers, bread, or your favorite dippers.
Notes
– For a creamier dip, you can use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the cream cheese until it’s extra smooth and creamy.
– If you prefer a sweeter dip, feel free to adjust the sugar amount to your taste.
– This dip can be made in advance and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dips, Boards & Drinks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is the ultimate holiday appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests. With its perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and tart flavors, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a Thanksgiving tradition in my family. I hope you’ll give it a try and experience the same rave reviews I’ve received. Don’t be surprised if this 12-serving dip disappears in no time – it’s just that good! Let me know what you think in the comments, and be sure to share this recipe with your loved ones.
