Introduction

This Best Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip combines tangy cranberries with creamy cheese for a festive appetizer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or any cozy night in. The warm, bubbly dip pairs wonderfully with crackers, crostini, or pita chips for a crowd-pleasing treat.

A white baking dish filled with a creamy, melted cheese layer mixed with red cranberry pieces, creating a pinkish and golden bubbly top layer. The cheese layer is thick and spreads evenly over the dish with some browned spots. The dish sits on a red cloth over a wooden board, surrounded by a few green rosemary sprigs, light brown toasted bread slices with a golden crust, and beige crackers. Three whole cranberries and a small green rosemary sprig decorate the center of the cheese topping. The photo is taken on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups Extra-Sharp White Cheddar cheese, grated (divided; yellow cheddar can be used but may tint the dip)
8 oz cream cheese, room temperature (full fat or Neufchatel)
¼ heaping cup cranberry sauce (canned, leftover, or homemade)
½ cup fresh cranberries (frozen can be substituted, do not thaw)
⅛–¼ teaspoon nutmeg (fresh or ground, optional)
12 ounces cranberries (fresh or frozen, do not thaw, for homemade sauce)
1 cup sugar (all natural cane sugar preferred; white sugar can be used)
3 tablespoons orange juice (fresh squeezed preferred)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh preferred)
¼ cup water

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the homemade cranberry sauce (optional). In a small saucepan, combine 12 ounces of cranberries, 1 cup sugar, 3 tablespoons orange juice, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and ¼ cup water. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Cranberries will burst and the sugar will dissolve. Remove ½ cup fresh cranberries to reserve for the dip. Let the sauce cool. You can also use canned or leftover cranberry sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the baking dish and oven. Lightly spray a 1½-quart baking dish with cooking spray. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), or 350°F (175°C) if using a convection oven.
Step 3: Combine the cheeses. In a medium-large bowl, stir together the cream cheese and 1¾ cups of grated cheddar cheese until smooth and evenly mixed.
Step 4: Add nutmeg (optional). If desired, grate ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon fresh nutmeg into the cheese mixture and stir to combine.
Step 5: Mix in cranberries. Gently fold in the cranberry sauce and the reserved ½ cup of fresh cranberries.
Step 6: Assemble and bake. Spoon the cranberry cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining ¼ cup of grated cheddar cheese. Bake for 18–23 minutes until bubbly and edges are lightly browned. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil (shiny side down).
Step 7: Finish baking. A few minutes before removing from the oven, sprinkle any remaining cheddar cheese on top and remove the foil to allow the cheese to brown slightly.
Step 8: Serve warm. Serve the dip immediately with crostini, crackers, or pita chips. For extra flavor, grate a bit more fresh nutmeg over the top if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use yellow cheddar for a milder flavor and a warmer color, but white cheddar is classic and tangy.
Make your cranberry sauce ahead to save time and enhance flavors.
Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or allspice along with the nutmeg for a deeper holiday flavor.
Swap fresh cranberries for frozen, but do not thaw to maintain texture.
Serve with a variety of dippers like toasted baguette slices, multigrain crackers, or pita chips to please all guests.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly, or microwave in short bursts stirring occasionally. Freshly baked dip tastes best warm and freshly made.

How to Serve

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a cranberry cheese dip showing a thick top layer of creamy melted cheese mixed with bright red cranberries, garnished with whole cranberries and a small sprig of green rosemary in the center. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, placed atop a wooden board with a red cloth underneath it. On the board around the dish, there are several toasted golden brown baguette slices, light brown pita chips, scattered whole cranberries, and sprigs of green rosemary, creating a colorful and inviting arrangement. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the cranberry sauce ahead of time?

Yes, homemade cranberry sauce can be made a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

What can I serve with this dip?

This dip pairs well with crostini, crackers, pita chips, sliced baguette, or even raw veggie sticks for a lighter option.