Festive Red Berry & Cream Cheese Baked Dip Recipe

Creamy, tangy dips always steal the show at gatherings, and this baked cream cheese cranberry dip brings an unexpected twist to party appetizers.

Vibrant ruby-red cranberries dance through a rich, velvety cheese base that melts into pure deliciousness.

The recipe combines sweet and savory elements with remarkable harmony.

Each spoonful promises a burst of festive flavor that will leave guests craving more.

Sharp cream cheese provides a luxurious backdrop for tart cranberries, creating a balanced and irresistible spread.

Serve this warm, bubbling dip alongside crisp crackers or toasted baguette slices for an instant crowd-pleaser.

One bite, and you’ll understand why this dip becomes the star of any holiday spread.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 183 kcal

Servings: 7

What Goes Into Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip

• Cranberries: Tart berries that create a vibrant, zesty base with a beautiful ruby color and burst of seasonal flavor.
• Sugar: Balances the cranberries' natural tartness and helps create a glossy, smooth sauce.
• Water: Essential liquid for cooking and softening the cranberries.
• Orange Zest: Adds bright, citrusy notes that complement the cranberries' intensity.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Optional sweeteners that provide depth and additional complexity to the sauce.

• Cream Cheese: Provides rich, smooth foundation with creamy texture and tangy undertone.
• Sour Cream: Enhances overall creaminess and adds subtle tanginess to the dip.
• Shredded Cheese: Introduces extra melty richness and deeper cheese flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers subtle, aromatic warmth without overwhelming other ingredients.
• Salt: Amplifies and balances all the flavors in the mixture.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle, spicy background note that elevates the entire dish.

• Parsley: Fresh, green herb that brings visual appeal and light herbal freshness.
• Green Onions: Provides sharp, crisp accent with mild onion flavor.
• Crackers: Crunchy vehicle for enjoying the creamy, tangy dip.
• Pita Chips: Sturdy, textured option for scooping and dipping.
• Sliced Baguette: Classic, elegant bread that complements the dip's richness.

Kitchen Gear For Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip

• Small saucepan: Perfect for cooking down cranberries into a delicious sauce.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining cream cheese and other ingredients smoothly.
• Baking dish or pie dish: Ideal for assembling and baking the creamy dip.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring cranberry sauce and mixing ingredients.
• Cheese grater: Needed if using block cheese to shred.
• Sharp knife: Helpful for zesting orange and chopping herbs for garnish.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.

How To Cook Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip

• Cranberry Sauce Creation

Simmer cranberries in a small pan with sugar and orange zest until berries begin to burst and liquid transforms into a rich, glossy sauce. Let the mixture cool slightly, developing deep flavor complexity.

• Creamy Cheese Base

Blend softened cream cheese with tangy sour cream, incorporating shredded cheese and subtle spices. Aim for a smooth, velvety texture that promises delicious comfort.

• Layered Baking Magic

Spread the cream cheese mixture into a baking dish, creating an even canvas. Gently drape the vibrant cranberry sauce across the surface, ensuring beautiful marbling. Slide into a preheated oven until edges become golden and bubbly.

• Elegant Presentation

Retrieve the dip from the oven, allowing appetizing aromas to fill the kitchen. Sprinkle with fresh green herbs for a pop of color. Serve immediately alongside crispy crackers or rustic bread slices, inviting guests to dive into this decadent seasonal treat.

Hints And Add-Ons For Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip

• Perfect Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare the cranberry sauce and cream cheese mixture up to two days in advance, storing them separately in sealed containers in the refrigerator. Simply assemble and bake right before serving to maintain maximum freshness and flavor.
• Dairy-Free Transformation: Swap traditional cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream cheese or coconut-based cream cheese. These substitutes offer similar creamy textures while accommodating lactose-sensitive guests.
• Spice Level Enhancement: Add a kick by incorporating diced jalapeños into the cream cheese mixture or sprinkling red pepper flakes over the finished dip. These subtle heat elements elevate the flavor profile without overwhelming the delicate cranberry notes.
• Low-Carb Serving Options: Replace traditional bread and crackers with fresh vegetable sticks like cucumber rounds, bell pepper slices, or celery sticks. These crunchy alternatives provide healthier dipping options while keeping the carbohydrate count low.
• Seasonal Fruit Twist: Experiment with different seasonal berries like raspberries or blackberries instead of cranberries. Each fruit will bring a unique tang and color to the dip, making it adaptable throughout the year.

Serving Styles For Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip

• Holiday Party Centerpiece: Impress guests by placing this warm, vibrant dip in the center of a festive charcuterie board surrounded by assorted crackers and crunchy bread options.
• Cocktail Hour Companion: Pair this creamy cranberry dip with crisp white wine or sparkling prosecco during evening gatherings, creating a sophisticated appetizer experience.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve alongside tortilla chips, toasted pita wedges, and vegetable sticks for a crowd-pleasing snack that adds a gourmet touch to casual sports watching.
• Thanksgiving Appetizer Twist: Use this dip as a unique starter before the main meal, offering guests a tangy and creamy alternative to traditional cranberry sauce with multiple dipping options.

Storing And Planning Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover dip in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cranberry sauce and cream cheese mixture separately up to 2 days before assembling. Keep each component refrigerated in sealed containers until ready to combine and bake.
• Freezing Friendly Option: Wrap unbaked dip tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and bake directly from chilled state, adding 5-7 minutes to original baking time.
• Serving Temperature Tip: Best enjoyed warm within 30 minutes of baking. If dip cools, quickly reheat in 350F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave in 15-second intervals until warmed through, stirring between each interval to maintain creamy consistency.

Tangy Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy cranberry cream cheese dip blends tangy and sweet flavors in a delightful holiday appetizer. Warm oven-baked goodness invites guests to savor each spoonful of this festive, irresistible starter perfect for sharing.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (120 mL) sour cream
• ½ cup (56 g) shredded mozzarella or white cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (100 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
• ¼ cup (50 g) sugar
• ¼ cup (60 mL) water
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
• ½ tsp orange zest (optional, for extra flavor)
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley or green onions
• Crackers
• Pita chips
• Baguette slices

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Cranberry Sauce Preparation: Simmer fresh cranberries with sugar and water in a saucepan until berries burst, creating a glossy compote. Enhance with orange zest and honey for complex flavor, then cool to room temperature.
2. Cheese Mixture Creation: Whip cream cheese until silky, blending seamlessly with sour cream, shredded cheese, and seasonings. Ensure the mixture achieves a smooth, homogeneous texture that promises rich, creamy indulgence.
3. Assembly and Layering: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly in a baking dish, then artfully drizzle the cooled cranberry sauce on top. Create an elegant marbled effect without fully incorporating the two layers.
4. Baking Process: Slide the dish into a preheated 375F oven, allowing the dip to transform for 15-20 minutes. Watch for gently bubbling edges and a slightly golden surface that signals perfect doneness.
5. Final Presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped herbs for a vibrant finish. Serve immediately alongside crisp crackers, artisan bread, or pita chips, transforming this dip into an irresistible appetizer that captivates both eyes and palate.

Notes

• Optimize Cranberry Texture: Simmer cranberries just until they burst to prevent over-reduction, maintaining a vibrant, chunky sauce with natural pectin for perfect consistency.
• Balance Flavor Complexity: Blend cream cheese mixture thoroughly to eliminate lumps, ensuring a smooth base that allows the tangy cranberry sauce to shine through without overwhelming richness.
• Temperature Control Matters: Watch the baking time closely – 15-20 minutes prevents over-browning and maintains a creamy, soft texture that doesn’t dry out or become rubbery.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap full-fat cream cheese with low-fat versions or dairy-free alternatives for lighter options, and use sugar substitutes like stevia or monk fruit for lower-carb adaptations.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 183
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 38 mg