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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent adherence.
- 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.
- Cranberry Incorporation: Gently mix whole berry cranberry sauce and fresh cranberries into the cheese mixture, preserving the berries’ delicate structure.
- Assembly: Spread the creamy concoction evenly in the prepared baking dish, topping with the remaining mozzarella to create a potential golden crust.
- Baking: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 22-26 minutes, monitoring until the edges transform into a rich, caramelized golden-brown shade.
- 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