Go Back

Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

A warm, creamy dip featuring tart cranberries atop melted cream cheese, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 38 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cranberry Topping
  • 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries about 3 cups, rinsed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar plus more to taste
  • 1/4 cup orange juice fresh-squeezed if possible
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar optional for extra gloss and sweetness
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts optional for crunch
  • 1 small jalapeño seeded and minced, optional for a gentle kick
Cream Cheese Base
  • 16 ounces cream cheese softened

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a small baking dish, 8-inch or similar.
  2. Make the cranberry topping: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla. Cook, stirring occasionally, until most berries burst and the mixture thickens, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  3. Taste and add honey or brown sugar if you want it sweeter. Stir in nuts or jalapeño if using. Let it cool slightly to thicken more.
Assembly
  1. Prepare the cream cheese base: In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. If it’s very cold, microwave in short bursts to soften. Spread into your baking dish in an even layer.
  2. Spoon the cranberry mixture over the cream cheese.
  3. Bake 15 to 18 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the center is warmed through.
  4. Let it rest 5 minutes so it sets a bit. Serve with crackers, toasted baguette slices, pretzel chips, or apple wedges.

Notes

You can make the cranberry topping up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate. Assemble and bake right before serving for a hot, creamy dip.