Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
This Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or any occasion. Creamy, tangy cream cheese blended with sweet cranberry sauce is topped with melted mozzarella and crunchy pecans, creating a deliciously warm and inviting dip served best with crackers or bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Dip Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
Serving
- Crackers or bread for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature while you prepare the dip.
- Mix Cream Cheese and Cranberry Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and cranberry sauce. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended, providing a creamy and tangy base.
- Spread Mixture in Baking Dish: Transfer the cream cheese and cranberry mixture into a small baking dish, spreading it out evenly to form the base layer of the dip.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, then add the chopped pecans to add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Bake the Dip: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted completely and the topping is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Serve Warm: Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve it warm with your favorite crackers or slices of bread for dipping. Enjoy the perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and crunchy flavors!
Notes
- The cream cheese should be softened at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dip texture.
- You can use whole berry or jellied cranberry sauce depending on your texture preference.
- For added flavor, try mixing a teaspoon of orange zest into the cranberry sauce before combining with cream cheese.
- Substitute mozzarella with Monterey Jack or mild cheddar if preferred.
- Chop pecans coarsely for a more prominent crunch or finely for a more subtle texture.
- This dip can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: cranberry dip, cream cheese dip, holiday appetizer, baked cranberry dip, cheesy dip, easy party dip
