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Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip Recipe


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4 from 71 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip is a warm, festive appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Creamy softened cream cheese and sour cream are combined with subtle flavors of orange zest, garlic, and rosemary, then topped with vibrant whole berry cranberry sauce and optional shredded cheese. Baked until bubbly and served with crackers or sliced bread, this dip is both delicious and visually appealing, making it an ideal starter for parties and celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary (or ¼ teaspoon dried)
  • 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce (canned or homemade)
  • ½ cup shredded white cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)

For Serving

  • Crackers, crostini, or sliced baguette

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to preheat while you prepare the dip.
  2. Mix Base Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and orange zest. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
  3. Assemble Dip: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly into a small oven-safe baking dish to create a uniform layer.
  4. Add Cranberry and Herbs: Spoon the whole berry cranberry sauce over the cream cheese layer. Then sprinkle the chopped fresh rosemary evenly over the top. If using, sprinkle shredded white cheddar or mozzarella cheese on top as a finishing touch.
  5. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the dip is warm and bubbly around the edges, and the cheese topping is melted and lightly golden if used.
  6. Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately with crackers, crostini, or sliced baguette for dipping.

Notes

  • For a festive twist, add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking to add crunch and flavor.
  • You can substitute goat cheese for cream cheese for a tangier and slightly different texture.
  • This dip can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving to save effort during gatherings.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving again.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American