Name: Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces cream cheese (softened); 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce; 1 tablespoon orange zest; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup; 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional); crackers, crostini, or sliced baguette (for serving)

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If you’re looking to wow your crowd and make appetizer hour shine, this Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is your new secret weapon! Imagine the fluffy tang of cream cheese, the sweet pop of cranberries, and just a kiss of warming orange and spice — all bubbling together and ready to scoop up with your favorite crackers. It’s gooey, gorgeous, and absolutely irresistible, making it the kind of effortless showstopper you’ll crave for every holiday, gathering, or cozy night in.

Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how a short, simple list of ingredients can create such a crowd-pleaser! Every element here adds something important — from the ruby hue and tang of cranberries to the mellow richness of cream cheese. Let’s break down why these picks matter:

Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): The luscious, creamy base that makes this dip unbelievably decadent and provides the perfect tang.
Whole berry cranberry sauce (1/2 cup): Adds juicy bursts of fruit, a jewel-like color, and just the right touch of tartness.
Orange zest (1 tablespoon): Brightens everything up, giving citrusy perfume that takes the flavor to another level.
Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Warms up the cranberry topping with cozy, spiced undertones.
Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Brings a gentle, nutty warmth that deepens every bite.
Honey or maple syrup (1 tablespoon): Sweetens and complements the tang, helping the flavors meld together beautifully.
Chopped pecans (1/4 cup, optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty richness that plays perfectly against the creamy and juicy layers.
Crackers, crostini, or sliced baguette (for serving): These are your delicious vehicles for scooping up every bit of that dreamy dip.

How to Make Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Base

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), and grab a small oven-safe dish or a cute little ramekin. Smooth the softened cream cheese evenly across the bottom — don’t skip softening it, because it makes spreading so much easier and ensures that lovely melt-in-your-mouth texture once baked.

Step 2: Mix the Cranberry Topping

In a small bowl, combine the whole berry cranberry sauce, fresh orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and your choice of honey or maple syrup. Give everything a good stir so the spices and zest are evenly distributed. This mixture will smell incredible — tart, fruity, and wildly inviting!

Step 3: Assemble the Dip

Spoon that cranberry mixture generously and evenly over the top of your smoothed cream cheese base. If you’re opting in for crunch, sprinkle the chopped pecans right over the cranberry layer at this stage. The contrast of creamy, fruity, and nutty is pure bliss in every scoop!

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly

Slide your dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 15 to 18 minutes, or until the cranberry topping is bubbling and the cream cheese is delightfully warm and pillowy underneath. Keep an eye out for those golden, toasted edges — that’s your sign of greatness.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once it’s out of the oven, bring your Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip straight to the table (on a heat-safe trivet, of course) and serve immediately with your cracker, crostini, or baguette of choice. There’s nothing like scooping into that ooey-gooey, jewel-toned dip while it’s still warm!

How to Serve Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, scatter a few extra orange zest curls, a sprinkle of fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary), or a handful of more chopped pecans over the top just before serving. This makes your Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip not only taste even more festive but look absolutely stunning as the centerpiece on your appetizer spread.

Side Dishes

This dip pairs dreamily with crisp crackers, garlic crostini, or slices of chewy baguette, but you can get creative if you want. Try serving it with pretzel chips, apple or pear slices for a sweet-savory twist, or even endive leaves for a fresh, gluten-free option. It loves being surrounded by flavors and crunch!

Creative Ways to Present

To elevate your Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip, consider baking it in individual ramekins for personal servings, or swirl the cranberry mixture through the cream cheese before baking for a gorgeous marbled effect. Serving on a rustic wooden board with a medley of dipping options instantly gives your appetizer a high-end, inviting look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (it happens, but not often!), simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the dip to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip keeps beautifully for up to three days — just be sure to give it a gentle reheat before serving again.

Freezing

You can freeze this dip, though it’s best enjoyed fresh for ultimate creaminess. If needed, wrap the completely cooled dip tightly (dish and all) in foil and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently before serving; note that the texture may be slightly softer but still delicious.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, simply pop your refrigerated dip in a 300°F oven until it’s warmed through and creamy again, usually about 10 to 15 minutes. For single servings, a microwave works in a pinch (about 30 seconds at a time), but take care not to overheat and dry it out.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat or non-dairy cream cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in low-fat or plant-based cream cheese for the traditional kind; just know the final dip may be a bit less rich and creamy, but still delicious and perfectly satisfying.

Is it better to use homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce?

Both work great! Homemade cranberry sauce brings an extra level of freshness and tang, while canned whole berry cranberry sauce is convenient and still tastes wonderful. Choose what works best with your schedule and palate.

How can I make this Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip gluten-free?

The dip itself is naturally gluten-free, so just be sure to serve it with gluten-free crackers, crispbread, or veggie sticks for a safe and tasty option everyone can enjoy.

Can I double (or halve) the recipe?

Definitely! If you’re serving a big crowd, double all the ingredients and use a larger baking dish. For a smaller gathering, halve everything and use a mini ramekin; just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may be slightly shorter for half batches.

What other nuts can I use instead of pecans?

Walnuts, sliced almonds, or even pistachios make lovely alternatives to pecans. Or, skip nuts entirely if you’re catering to allergies or want a nut-free option — this dip is still absolutely crave-worthy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something special that’s stunning, simple, and guaranteed to get people talking, I can’t recommend Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip enough. It truly delivers on every level — from flavor to presentation to pure comfort food joy. Go ahead, give it a try and watch it disappear before your eyes!

Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

Indulge in the creamy, tangy goodness of this Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in, this flavorful dip pairs perfectly with your favorite crackers or toasted bread. The warm, bubbly blend of cream cheese, cranberry, and spices will have your guests coming back for more!

Ingredients

Scale

Cream Cheese Dip:

8 ounces cream cheese (softened)

Cranberry Mixture:

1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
1 tablespoon orange zest
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

Additional:

1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
crackers, crostini, or sliced baguette (for serving)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the cream cheese: Place the softened cream cheese in a small oven-safe dish or baking ramekin and smooth the top.
Make the cranberry mixture: In a small bowl, mix together cranberry sauce, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and honey until well combined.
Assemble and bake: Spoon the cranberry mixture evenly over the cream cheese. Top with chopped pecans if using. Bake for 15–18 minutes until heated through and bubbly around the edges.
Serve: Serve warm with crackers, crostini, or sliced baguette.