Description
This Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is the perfect festive appetizer for your holiday gatherings. Featuring a creamy blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and tangy cranberry sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, this warm, bubbly dip is both visually appealing and deliciously comforting. It’s easy to prepare and sure to become a new holiday favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Dip Base
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese (softened)
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- 1 cup Cranberry Sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons Sugar (adjust based on the tartness of sauce)
Cheese
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, divided
- 1 cup Sharp White Cheddar Cheese, divided
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (finely chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the dip evenly.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cranberry sauce, and sugar. Stir well to blend these ingredients into a smooth, creamy mixture.
- Add Cheese: Stir in half of the mozzarella and sharp white cheddar cheese into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the creamy mixture evenly into a baking dish, making sure it’s level for even cooking.
- Add Topping Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the dip to create a golden, bubbly crust as it bakes.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the cheese topping turns golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor, and serve warm with your choice of crackers or bread.
Notes
- You can adjust the sugar quantity based on the tartness of your cranberry sauce to balance the flavors.
- For a homemade cranberry sauce, use fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange zest to enhance the flavor.
- This dip pairs wonderfully with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or vegetable sticks.
- Use full-fat cream cheese and cheeses for the creamiest texture and best melting results.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container and gently reheated before serving.
