There’s nothing quite like a warm, creamy dip fresh out of the oven, and this Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is one of my favorites. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory, making it an ideal appetizer for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just looking for a cozy snack, this dip is guaranteed to impress.
A Warm and Flavorful Cranberry Dip
This dip brings together the creamy richness of cream cheese and sour cream with the nutty depth of Parmesan. The dried cranberries add a hint of sweetness, while the green onions and pecans provide a satisfying crunch. A touch of garlic powder and black pepper enhances the flavor, making every bite irresistible.
What I love about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. Just mix the ingredients, bake until bubbly, and serve with your favorite dippers. It’s a simple yet sophisticated dish that never fails to please. Whether you pair it with crackers, toasted bread, or fresh vegetables, this dip will be the highlight of the table.
Ingredients for Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
To create this rich and flavorful dip, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully:
-
Cream Cheese – Softened to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
-
Sour Cream – Adds tanginess and makes the dip extra creamy.
-
Parmesan Cheese – Gives a nutty, salty depth of flavor.
-
Dried Cranberries – A touch of sweetness that balances the richness of the cheese.
-
Green Onions – Adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of freshness.
-
Pecans – Brings a crunchy texture and nutty taste.
-
Garlic Powder – Enhances the overall savory profile.
-
Black Pepper – Adds a subtle warmth and spice.
How to Make Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
Creating this delicious dip is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for a perfect result:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish lightly with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, dried cranberries, green onions, pecans, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir well until everything is evenly incorporated.
Step 3: Transfer to the Baking Dish
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, making sure it’s smooth on top.
Step 4: Bake the Dip
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dip is heated through and bubbling around the edges.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with crackers, bread, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping.
How Long to Bake Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
The baking time for this dip depends on the depth of your baking dish and how hot you want it. Here’s a general guideline to ensure a perfectly warm and bubbly dip:
-
Shallow Baking Dish (Less than 1 inch deep) – Bake for 12-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
-
Standard Baking Dish (1-2 inches deep) – Bake for 15-20 minutes.
-
Deeper Baking Dish (More than 2 inches deep) – Bake for 20-25 minutes, checking for bubbling edges.
The dip is ready when it’s hot, slightly golden, and bubbly around the edges. Avoid overbaking, as it can dry out the cheese.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, you can easily store and reheat them for another snack.
-
Refrigerator – Store the dip in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days.
-
Freezer – This dip is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
-
Reheating – Warm in a low-temperature oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Tips for the Best Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
To make this dip even better, here are some useful tips:
-
Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese – Softened cream cheese blends more smoothly and creates a better texture.
-
Add Extra Cheese on Top – A sprinkle of Parmesan or shredded mozzarella before baking adds a golden, cheesy crust.
-
Adjust the Sweetness – If you prefer a tangier dip, substitute dried cranberries with fresh ones for a sharper flavor.
-
Enhance the Texture – For extra crunch, sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top before baking.
-
Make It Spicier – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the dip some heat.
Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
This warm and creamy Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is the perfect appetizer for any occasion. With a blend of tangy cream cheese, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and savory Parmesan, it’s a flavorful and irresistible dip that pairs well with crackers, bread, or veggies.
Ingredients
-
Nonstick cooking spray
-
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
-
½ cup sour cream
-
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
½ cup dried cranberries
-
¼ cup chopped green onions
-
¼ cup chopped pecans
-
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
-
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
-
In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, dried cranberries, green onions, pecans, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
-
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
-
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dip is heated through and bubbly.
-
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm with crackers, toasted bread, or fresh vegetable sticks.
Notes
-
Substitute fresh cranberries for dried ones for a tangier taste.
-
Sprinkle extra Parmesan or shredded mozzarella on top before baking for a cheesy crust.
-
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries?
Yes, you can substitute dried cranberries with fresh cranberries for a tangier flavor. However, fresh cranberries are more tart, so you may want to chop them finely and add a small amount of honey or sugar to balance the taste.
2. What can I serve with this dip?
This baked cranberry cream cheese dip pairs well with crackers, toasted bread slices, pretzels, or fresh vegetable sticks like celery and bell peppers. The creamy texture and sweet-savory balance make it a versatile dip for various dippers.
3. Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dip mixture in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
4. How can I make this dip extra cheesy?
For a richer, cheesier dip, add ½ cup of shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese to the mixture. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan on top before baking for a delicious golden crust.