This Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is a warm and cheesy delight! With creamy cheese and tangy cranberries, it’s a perfect match for crunchy crackers or cozy bread.
This dip is super easy to whip up and always a hit at parties. I can’t resist going back for seconds (or thirds!). Just try not to eat it all yourself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This is the base of your dip, giving it that creamy texture. I usually go for full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor, but you can use reduced-fat if you prefer. Just be aware it might be a bit softer.
Cranberry Sauce: Using whole berry cranberry sauce adds great flavor and texture. If you can’t find it, feel free to make a quick version by simmering fresh or frozen cranberries with a bit of sugar and water. It’s so easy!
Fresh Rosemary: While optional, fresh rosemary adds a lovely touch. Can’t find it? Dried rosemary works too, just use about a teaspoon since it’s more concentrated. Or, if you want a different flavor, try fresh thyme!
Serving Options: Crackers and toasted baguette slices pair beautifully with this dip. I recommend trying whole grain crackers for added texture and flavor. Pita chips or veggie sticks would also work well!
How Do You Bake This Dip to Perfection?
Baking the dip correctly is essential for a warm and inviting appetizer. Here’s how to do it just right:
- Always preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- Smoothly spread the cream cheese in the baking dish to create an even layer. This helps it melt evenly.
- Layer the cranberry sauce gently on top without mixing it into the cream cheese. This keeps the flavors distinct.
- Keep an eye on the dip while it’s in the oven—20 to 25 minutes is ideal, or until it’s bubbling around the edges. This shows it’s ready!
After pulling it out of the oven, let it cool for a couple of minutes. This dip is best served warm, so don’t wait too long to enjoy it!
How to Make Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dip:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup whole berry cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves, chopped (optional)
For Serving:
- Crackers or toasted baguette slices
Estimated Time Required:
Getting this delicious dip ready will take you about 10 minutes for preparation and 20–25 minutes for baking. So, in total, you’re looking at around 35 minutes to enjoy a warm and cheesy snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your dip bakes evenly and gets all warm and bubbly!
2. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Lightly grease a small baking dish, around 8×8 inches, to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.
3. Spread the Cream Cheese:
Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the softened cream cheese evenly across the bottom of your greased baking dish. This forms the creamy base of your dip.
4. Layer the Cranberry Sauce:
Spoon the whole berry cranberry sauce over the layer of cream cheese, making sure it’s spread evenly. This will give your dip a lovely tangy flavor!
5. Add Fresh Rosemary:
If you’re using fresh rosemary, sprinkle it gently on top of the cranberry layer. This will add a nice aromatic touch. If you don’t have rosemary or prefer not to use it, feel free to skip this step!
6. Bake the Dip:
Now, pop your baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 20–25 minutes. Keep an eye out for the dip to be nicely warmed through with bubbling edges—this is how you know it’s ready!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baking is complete, carefully remove the dip from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving; it’s super hot! Serve it warm with your favorite crackers or toasted baguette slices for dipping.
Enjoy!
This Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is a perfect mix of creamy and savory with the tang of cranberries. It’s fantastic as a holiday treat, at parties, or just for a cozy night in. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but keep in mind that it might not be as creamy and rich as the full-fat version. It will still work for this recipe and taste great!
How Do I Store Leftover Dip?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving again.
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dip and layer it in the baking dish a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What Can I Substitute for Cranberry Sauce?
If you don’t have whole berry cranberry sauce, you can use a fruit preserve like raspberry or apricot for a different but still delicious flavor. Just adjust the sweetness to your preference!