This Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is a warm, creamy delight that’s perfect for any gathering. It combines tangy cranberries with smooth cream cheese for a tasty treat!
Honestly, who can resist dipping crunchy crackers into this cheesy goodness? I love serving it at parties—it always gets gobbled up in no time!
Making this dip is super easy too! Just mix the ingredients, bake until bubbly, and enjoy the warm, sweet, and savory flavors that everyone will love!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This is the base of your dip, providing the richness and creaminess. If you want a lighter version, you can try using Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat but a similar taste.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries bring a lovely tartness. If they’re out of season, frozen cranberries work just as well. Dried cranberries add a bit of sweetness—if you’re looking for a healthier option, use unsweetened dried cranberries.
Brown Sugar/Honey: Both add sweetness to balance the tart cranberries. If you’re watching your sugar intake, consider using maple syrup or a sugar substitute like stevia.
Bacon: While optional, the bacon adds a savory depth. For a vegetarian option, skip the bacon or use smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar flavor experience.
Herbs: Fresh rosemary is my favorite for this dip, but thyme or sage could also work beautifully. If using dried herbs, use about a third of the amount since they’re more concentrated.
How Do I Make This Dip Creamy and Smooth?
The key to a perfectly creamy dip is in the mixing and the heating process. Here’s how to achieve that smooth texture:
- Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature; this will help it mix easily.
- When combining ingredients, use a hand mixer or a whisk to get everything well blended. You want a uniform mixture without lumps.
- Don’t skip the baking step! Heating the mixture allows the flavors to meld and enhances creaminess. Bake until bubbly for the best results.
Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or honey
- 1/4 cup chopped cooked bacon (optional, for a savory touch)
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or substitute with thyme)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving
Time Needed:
This warm and creamy dip takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. In total, expect to spend around 35-40 minutes before diving into this delicious appetizer!
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your dip bakes evenly and comes out perfectly warm and bubbly.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, brown sugar (or honey), salt, and lemon juice. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to blend everything together until it’s smooth and well combined.
3. Add Cranberries and Bacon:
Next, stir in the fresh cranberries, chopped dried cranberries, and cooked bacon bits (if you’re using them) until evenly distributed. This adds a delicious mix of flavors and textures!
4. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer your creamy mixture to a small oven-safe dish or skillet. Spread it out evenly across the dish so it bakes uniformly.
5. Add the Finishing Touch:
Sprinkle the finely chopped rosemary over the top of your dip. This will add a lovely aroma and flavor as it bakes.
6. Bake Until Bubbly:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for the dip to be hot and bubbly, with the cranberries softened a bit. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t overcook!
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once it’s baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Just enough to avoid burning your tongue! Then, garnish with a few extra fresh cranberries and a sprinkle of rosemary for a pop of color.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve this yummy dip warm with crackers or slices of baguette. Watch it disappear as everyone dips in for more!
Enjoy your deliciously creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet baked cranberry cream cheese dip!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese for This Dip?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version of this dip! It will still provide that creamy texture but may be slightly less rich in flavor. Just make sure to completely soften it before mixing.
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Cranberries?
If fresh cranberries aren’t available, frozen cranberries are a great substitute! Just be sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess moisture in the dip.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dip a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it right before you’re ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.