Description
This Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is a perfect festive appetizer combining a tangy, sweet cranberry topping with a smooth, creamy base of sweetened cream cheese. Ideal for holiday parties, it pairs wonderfully with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh fruit for an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Cranberry Topping
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Cream Cheese Base
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- Crackers or toasted baguette slices, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Cranberry Topping: In a small saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, water, and orange zest. Stir to mix all ingredients well.
- Cook the Cranberries: Heat the mixture over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency.
- Cool the Topping: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the cranberry mixture to cool completely before assembling the dip to prevent melting the cream cheese.
- Make the Cream Cheese Base: In a mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or whisk to beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well combined.
- Assemble the Dip: Spread the prepared cream cheese mixture evenly on a serving platter or shallow dish to create a smooth layer.
- Add Cranberry Topping: Spoon the cooled cranberry topping evenly over the cream cheese layer, spreading gently to cover the surface.
- Add Garnish: Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly on top of the cranberry layer to add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Serve: Present the dip with an assortment of crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh fruit for guests to enjoy as a flavorful appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is well softened for a smooth dip base.
- The cranberry topping can be made a day ahead and refrigerated to save preparation time.
- Use fresh cranberries for best texture and flavor; frozen can be substituted if fresh are unavailable.
- Optional garnishes like chopped fresh herbs or different nuts can be used to customize the dip.
- This dip pairs well with a variety of dippers such as pretzels, celery sticks, or apple slices.
