Introduction
This cranberry cream cheese dip is the perfect appetizer for your holiday gatherings! It’s a festive combination of sweet and tangy flavors that will wow your guests. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a stress-free addition to your holiday menu.
Why You’ll Love This Dip
- The flavor is irresistible, blending sweet cranberries with the tangy cream cheese for a delightful taste.
- This cranberry cream cheese dip is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many dippers.
- Made with simple ingredients that you can easily find in your local grocery store.
- The prep time is minimal, making it a perfect choice for busy hosts.
- It adds a touch of elegance to any holiday table, impressing your guests with its beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. cream cheese
- 6 oz. fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Crackers, apple slices for serving
Notes and Substitutions
- Avoid canned cranberry sauce, as it lacks the vibrant taste of fresh cranberries. Using fresh cranberries ensures the best flavor.
- Adjust the sugar to your liking, depending on how sweet you prefer your cranberry cream cheese dip.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of finely diced jalapeño to the cranberry sauce.
Equipment
- Small sauce pot
- Mixing bowl or serving plate
How To Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
- Combine the cranberries, sugar, water, and salt in a small sauce pot. If adding jalapeño, include it now.
- Simmer the mixture over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Cool the cranberry sauce completely in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is important!
- Soften the cream cheese at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. Spread it evenly on a serving plate.
- Top the softened cream cheese with the cooled cranberry sauce, then sprinkle with sliced green onions.
- Serve this delicious cranberry cream cheese dip chilled with your favorite crackers and crisp apple slices.
Pro Tips
- Ensure the cranberry sauce is completely cooled before adding it to the cream cheese to prevent melting.
- Soften the cream cheese properly so it’s easy to spread; avoid microwaving it.
- Don’t skip the green onions! They add a fresh, savory note that balances the sweetness.
Common Mistakes
- Not allowing the cranberry sauce to cool completely can result in a runny dip.
- Using cream cheese straight from the fridge makes it difficult to spread evenly.
Troubleshooting
- If the cranberry sauce is too runny, continue simmering it for a few more minutes until it thickens.
- If the dip is too sweet, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
- Serve with an assortment of crackers, crisp apple slices, or pretzel crisps for a variety of textures.
- For added crunch, topping the dip with nuts provides a delightful textural contrast. According to research, walnuts provide both flavor and nutritional benefits when incorporated into dishes.
- Try using goat cheese or brie for a different flavor profile; both pair wonderfully with cranberries.
- Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- This cranberry cream cheese dip is freezer-friendly. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Amount Per Serving | |
|---|---|
| Calories | 155.61 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 10.98 g |
| Protein | 2.04 g |
| Fat | 10.03 g |
| Fiber | 1.58 g |
| Sodium | 138.03 mg |
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe? Yes, but fresh cranberries provide a brighter flavor. If using frozen, thaw them first and drain any excess liquid.
- How far in advance can I make this cranberry cream cheese dip? You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Can I make this dip spicier? Absolutely! Add a finely diced jalapeño to the cranberry sauce while it simmers, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Can I use a sugar substitute? Yes, you can use your preferred sugar substitute. Keep in mind that it might slightly alter the taste and texture of the cranberry sauce.
Conclusion
This cranberry cream cheese dip is a delightful and effortless addition to any holiday gathering. With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up this crowd-pleasing appetizer in no time. Give this recipe a try and share the festive flavors with your loved ones this season.
The Best Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip – 4 Easy Steps
A festive and flavorful dip featuring a sweet and spicy cranberry jalapeño sauce poured over creamy cream cheese, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Equipment
- small sauce pot
- Lid
- Spoon
- small plate or shallow bowl
Ingredients
Cranberry Sauce
- 6 oz fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 jalapeño optional
- 1/8 tsp salt
For Serving
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 3 green onions sliced
- 1 box crackers for serving
- 1 apple for serving
Instructions
Cranberry Jalapeño Sauce
- Rinse cranberries and combine them with sugar, water, and salt in a small saucepot.
- If using, prepare the jalapeño by dicing it and adding it to the saucepot.
- Stir, cover, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes.
- After simmering, the cranberries should burst; remove from heat and refrigerate the sauce until cool.
Assemble Dip
- Place cream cheese on a plate or bowl and create an indentation in its center.
- Pour the cooled cranberry sauce over the cream cheese, top with green onion, and serve with crackers and apple slices.
Notes
For extra spice, leave some jalapeño seeds in. This dip is best served chilled with a variety of crackers and fresh apple slices.
