Description
This Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is a festive and creamy appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Combining tangy cranberries with smooth cream cheese and a hint of orange zest, this warm dip is topped with crunchy pecans and served with crackers or bread, making it an irresistible party favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Dip Base
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
Cranberry Topping
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Toppings and Serving
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- Crackers or sliced bread for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a small baking dish to prepare for the dip.
- Cook cranberry mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, granulated sugar, brown sugar, orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to burst and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare cream cheese base: In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until the mixture is smooth and creamy without any lumps.
- Assemble the dip: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Gently spoon the warm cranberry mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading it carefully to cover completely.
- Add pecans and bake: Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the top of the dip. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes until the dip is warm and slightly bubbly around the edges.
- Cool and serve: Allow the dip to cool for a few minutes after baking. Serve warm with crackers or sliced bread for dipping.
Notes
- For a sweeter dip, add an extra tablespoon of sugar to the cranberry mixture before cooking.
- You can prepare the cranberry topping ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to assemble and bake.
- This dip pairs well with a variety of crackers, baguette slices, or sturdy bread for dipping.
