Creamy Cranberry Cheese Dip
A festive and easy-to-make baked dip combining sweet-tart cranberries with creamy, melty cheese—perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease your baking dish.
- In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and orange zest over medium heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and mixture thickens slightly. Set aside to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded mozzarella. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Spread the creamy mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Spoon the cranberry topping over the cheese layer, spreading it gently with a spatula.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top for a crunchy finish, and add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 3-5 minutes before serving with crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies.
Notes
Make sure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps. Adjust sweetness of cranberry topping to taste. Assemble ahead of time and bake before serving for convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/6 of
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 5
Keywords: holiday appetizer, cranberry cheese dip, baked dip, festive recipe, easy appetizer