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
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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