Description
This Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip combines creamy whipped cream cheese with sharp cheddar and tangy cranberry sauce, baked until bubbly and topped with melted cheddar. It’s a perfect festive appetizer that balances savory and sweet flavors, ideal for holiday gatherings or party snacks.
Ingredients
Scale
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz Cream Cheese, room temperature
- 1 3/4 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated
- 1 cup Cranberry Sauce
- ½ cup Fresh Cranberries
Topping
- ¼ cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dip.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a small 6×9 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Whip Cream Cheese: Using a mixer or whisk, whip the room temperature cream cheese until it becomes light and fluffy for a smooth texture.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix in 1 3/4 cups of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese with the whipped cream cheese until well combined. Then stir in the cranberry sauce and fresh cranberries evenly into the mixture.
- Assemble Dip: Spoon the cream cheese and cranberry mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top of the dip evenly.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the dip is bubbly and heated through.
- Broil for Browning: Optionally, place the dip under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to brown the cheese on top. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Notes
- Grate your cheese fresh at home to avoid anti-caking agents that hinder melting and flavor.
- Allow cream cheese to soften completely at room temperature so it whips smoothly.
- Use an oven-safe baking dish roughly 6×9 inches in size for best results.
- This recipe serves 8 to 12 people; double or triple for larger crowds.
- You can prepare the dip ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to a week before baking.
- Enhance the dip with optional additions such as orange zest and juice, diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for spice, fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, or nuts like pecans for extra crunch.
- Serve the dip hot and fresh from the oven for the best taste and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12th of recipe (approx. 80g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
