Easy Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
This Easy Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is the ultimate sweet and savory holiday appetizer! With creamy cheese, tangy cranberry topping, and crunchy nuts, it’s festive, simple, and ready in minutes. Perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any cozy gathering.
Ingredients
- Core Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup cranberry sauce canned or homemade
- ¼ cup brown sugar or maple syrup optional
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon optional
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped nuts pecans or walnuts, for topping
- Crackers sliced baguette, or fresh apple slices, for serving
- Optional Enhancements:
- Orange zest for citrus flavor
- Drizzle of honey for extra sweetness
- Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the base: Mix softened cream cheese with brown sugar (or maple syrup) and vanilla until smooth. Spread into a small baking dish or ramekins.
- Add cranberry layer: Spoon cranberry sauce over the cream cheese. Sprinkle cinnamon and nuts on top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden.
- Cool and serve: Let rest for a few minutes, then serve warm with crackers, bread, or fruit slices.
Notes
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for smooth texture.
- Adjust sweetness depending on cranberry tartness.
- Toast nuts before topping for extra crunch.
- Don’t overbake; the dip should stay creamy and soft.