Festive Cranberry Mozzarella Recipe for Holiday Magic

Sizzling cheese and tangy cranberries dance together in this mouthwatering cranberry mozzarella delight recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Creamy mozzarella meets the vibrant burst of cranberries, creating a flavor combination that sings with every bite.

The contrast of smooth cheese and tart fruit creates a symphony of textures and tastes.

Rich and elegant, this dish feels like a gourmet experience you can easily create at home.

Unexpected ingredients blend seamlessly to craft a stunning appetizer or light meal.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of comfort and sophistication.

Dive into this delectable recipe and transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 187 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients That Bring Cranberry Mozzarella to Life

• Cream Cheese: Provides a silky, rich foundation that binds all ingredients together, choose full-fat version for maximum flavor and smoothness.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers stretchy, melty texture with mild, comforting taste, select fresh block cheese for best melting quality.
• Dried Rosemary: Adds earthy, aromatic herb notes that complement the cheese's richness, ensure herbs are fragrant and not stale.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses subtle, savory depth to enhance overall flavor profile, look for pure ground garlic without additives.

• Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce: Introduces tangy, sweet-tart dimension that cuts through the cheese's richness, choose high-quality prepared sauce or homemade.
• Fresh Cranberries: Provides bright bursts of tartness and textural contrast, select plump, firm berries with deep red color.

• Additional Mozzarella Cheese: Creates golden, bubbly cheese crust that adds visual appeal and extra cheesy indulgence, grate fresh for best melting performance.

Tools You’ll Need for Cranberry Mozzarella Prep

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining cream cheese, mozzarella, and seasonings smoothly.
• Hand Mixer: Perfect for beating cream cheese to a creamy consistency without lumps.
• 8×8-inch Baking Dish: Ideal for evenly spreading and baking the cranberry mozzarella dip.
• Measuring Cups: Necessary for accurately portioning cheese and other ingredients.
• Spatula: Great for gently folding cranberries and spreading mixture evenly in the dish.

How to Layer and Bake Cranberry Mozzarella

Cranberry Mozzarella Magic

• Toasty Oven Warmup

Get your kitchen companion ready by setting the temperature to a cozy 375 degrees. Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray to prevent any sticky situations.

• Cheese Fusion

Grab your mixing bowl and transform that cream cheese into a silky smooth canvas. Invite the mozzarella, rosemary, and garlic powder to the party, blending them into a harmonious mixture that promises deliciousness.

• Cranberry Celebration

Gently welcome the cranberry sauce and fresh berries into your cheesy masterpiece. Fold them in with care, letting them dance through the mixture without losing their vibrant personality.

• Baking Transformation

Pour your creation into the prepared dish, spreading it out like a delicious landscape. Crown the top with a sprinkle of remaining mozzarella, creating a golden promise of flavor.

• Golden Finish

Slide the dish into the warm oven and let the magic happen. Watch for the edges to turn a gorgeous golden brown, signaling that your culinary adventure is complete. Pull out your masterpiece and let the aroma fill the kitchen.

Flavor Tweaks for a Better Mozzarella-Cranberry Bite

• Cheese Lover's Twists: Explore delightful variations and pro tips to elevate this cranberry mozzarella dip to the next level.
• Spice Sensation: Kick up the heat by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for those who love a slight kick in their appetizer.
• Herb Garden Boost: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or sage instead of rosemary to create a unique flavor profile that'll surprise your taste buds.
• Texture Play: For extra crunch, sprinkle toasted chopped pecans or sliced almonds on top before baking to add a delightful nutty dimension.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dip up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Simply pop it in the oven when guests arrive for a stress-free entertaining option that tastes freshly made.

Serving Cranberry Mozzarella With Style

• Festive Party Platter: Arrange the warm cranberry mozzarella dip on a large wooden board surrounded by crispy toasted baguette slices, herb-seasoned crackers, and fresh apple wedges for a stunning presentation that'll wow your guests.
• Cozy Appetizer Spread: Serve this delightful dip alongside a variety of dippers like crunchy pita chips, soft pretzel sticks, and garlic-rubbed crostini to create a comforting appetizer perfect for chilly evenings or game day gatherings.
• Holiday Cheese Board Centerpiece: Transform this dip into the star of your cheese board by placing it in a beautiful ceramic dish, then surround it with rosemary sprigs, whole cranberries, and an assortment of artisan crackers for an elegant touch that screams festive celebration.
• Rustic Brunch Companion: Pair this warm, creamy dip with freshly baked croissants, morning scones, or as a unique spread on toasted bagels to elevate your weekend brunch experience with a burst of tangy and cheesy goodness.

Keeping Cranberry Mozzarella Fresh After Baking

• Smart Meal Planning Tips
• Advance Prep Magic: Assemble the entire dip up to 2 days before baking, storing it covered in the refrigerator to develop richer flavor profiles and save precious cooking time.
• Portion Control Brilliance: Divide the finished dip into small individual ramekins for elegant personal servings that look stunning during gatherings or intimate dinners.
• Crowd-Pleasing Strategies: Double the recipe easily for larger events, ensuring every guest gets a delicious scoop of cheesy cranberry goodness without last-minute stress.
• Refrigeration Wisdom: Store leftover dip in an airtight container for 3-4 days, gently reheating in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to restore its original creamy texture and warmth.

Vibrant Cranberry Mozzarella Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Savory cranberry mozzarella delight marries sweet and tangy flavors in a quick holiday appetizer. Crisp crostini topped with creamy cheese and zesty cranberry compote offers a sophisticated seasonal treat you’ll eagerly share with guests.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 packages (16 oz / 454 g) cream cheese, room temperature
• ½ cup canned whole berry cranberry sauce
• ⅔ cup fresh cranberries
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp crushed dried rosemary

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent adherence.
2. Cheese Blend: Whip cream cheese using an electric mixer until smooth, then fold in two-thirds of mozzarella, dried rosemary, and garlic powder until harmoniously integrated.
3. Cranberry Incorporation: Gently mix whole berry cranberry sauce and fresh cranberries into the cheese mixture, preserving the berries’ delicate structure.
4. Assembly: Spread the creamy concoction evenly in the prepared baking dish, topping with the remaining mozzarella to create a potential golden crust.
5. Baking: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 22-26 minutes, monitoring until the edges transform into a rich, caramelized golden-brown shade.
6. Resting: Extract from the oven and allow the dip to rest briefly, enabling it to stabilize and maintain its luxurious, creamy consistency before serving.

Notes

• Cheese Selection Matters: Choose high-quality, fresh mozzarella for the best melting texture and rich flavor profile.
• Precise Temperature Control: Monitor oven temperature closely to prevent burning and ensure even golden-brown coloring.
• Gentle Mixing Technique: Fold cranberries gently to preserve their shape and prevent color bleeding into the cheese mixture.
• Resting is Crucial: Allow the dip to cool slightly after baking to achieve the perfect creamy consistency and easier serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 187
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 282 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 38 mg