Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip

This Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip is the perfect combination of sweet and savory, making it an ideal appetizer for holiday gatherings, parties, or any occasion that calls for a creamy, irresistible dip. The rich cream cheese base is complemented by the tangy sweetness of dried cranberries and the crunch of toasted pecans. A touch of brown sugar and cinnamon gives the dip a warm, cozy flavor that pairs wonderfully with crackers, bread, or even fresh fruit. Easy to prepare and quick to bake, this dip is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

The contrast of creamy texture and sweet-tart cranberry flavor creates a dip that’s rich, comforting, and indulgent. Plus, the addition of pecans adds a delicious crunch and a hint of nutty richness. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or bringing a dish to a potluck, this baked cream cheese cranberry dip is a simple yet elegant way to kick off the festivities. It’s versatile, too – you can even adjust the sweetness level to suit your taste preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dip is an absolute crowd-pleaser, and here’s why: It’s creamy, comforting, and full of flavor. The balance between the tangy cream cheese, sweetened brown sugar, and tart cranberries is perfect, while the cinnamon brings a subtle warmth to the dish. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a decadent dip that’s baked to perfection and ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday party, a family gathering, or a casual get-together, this dip will quickly become a favorite.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Dried cranberries
• Chopped pecans
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon

Variations

• Add Fresh Cranberries: If you prefer fresh cranberries, you can chop them finely and mix them in, but make sure to sweeten them up with a little extra sugar or honey.
• Use Walnuts or Almonds: If you don’t have pecans, feel free to use walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a spicy contrast to the sweetness.
• Vegan Option: Substitute the cream cheese and sour cream with vegan alternatives, and use plant-based mayonnaise to make the recipe vegan-friendly.
• Cranberry and Orange: Add a little orange zest to the dip to enhance the tartness and bring out the cranberry flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.

Step 2: Mix the ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to blend everything together until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Add the cranberries and pecans

Fold in the dried cranberries and chopped pecans, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the creamy mixture.

Step 4: Spread the mixture into a baking dish

Transfer the dip mixture into a small baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 5: Bake the dip

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly. You should see the edges turning golden brown.

Step 6: Serve

Remove from the oven and serve warm with crackers, bread, or sliced fruits for dipping.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Room temperature cream cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing it with the other ingredients to ensure a smooth texture.
• Evenly spread the dip: Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish to ensure that it cooks uniformly and gets bubbly throughout.
• Check for doneness: The dip should be golden around the edges and bubbly in the center. If it’s not bubbly, continue baking for a few more minutes.
• Add extra toppings: For an extra touch, sprinkle some chopped pecans or cranberries on top after baking, or drizzle a bit of honey for added sweetness.

How to Serve

This dip is best served warm. Pair it with a variety of dipping options such as crackers, toasted baguette slices, fresh apple slices, or even tortilla chips. It’s also great with crostini or pita chips, making it versatile for a wide range of tastes. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or snack, this dip is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or oven before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

Although it’s possible to freeze this dip, the texture might change slightly after thawing. If you plan to freeze it, make sure to let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Reheating

Reheat the dip in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Yes, fresh cranberries work, but they may need to be sweetened more to balance the flavor.

2. Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dip ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it. Bake it just before serving.

3. Can I use low-fat cream cheese or sour cream?

Yes, you can substitute with low-fat versions if you want a lighter dip.

4. How can I make this dip spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the mixture to give it a spicy kick.

5. Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?

Yes, walnuts or almonds are great alternatives if you don’t have pecans.

6. Is this dip vegan-friendly?

You can make this dip vegan by using vegan cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise alternatives.

7. What can I use for dipping if I don’t have crackers or bread?

You can dip with apple slices, carrot sticks, or even tortilla chips.

8. How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. Be sure to store them in an airtight container.

9. Can I freeze this dip?

Freezing the dip is possible, though the texture may change. Let it cool, then freeze in a freezer-safe container.

10. Can I add other fruits to this dip?

Yes, adding other fruits like diced apples, pears, or even grapes can be a delicious twist.

Conclusion

This Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip is a delightful combination of creamy, sweet, and nutty flavors that will have everyone reaching for more. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or looking for a quick and easy appetizer, this dip is a sure crowd-pleaser. With simple ingredients and a quick baking time, it’s a perfect way to start off any gathering. Serve it with your favorite dippers and watch as it becomes the star of your next party!

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