Go Back
Here is a simple list of what you need for baked cranberry cream cheese dip: - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 cup cranberry sauce - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/4 cup chopped green onions - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional) - Crackers or toasted baguette slices for serving Each ingredient plays a key role in this dish. The cream cheese forms the base, giving it a rich, creamy texture. The cranberry sauce adds a sweet and tart flavor that balances well with the cheese. Shredded mozzarella gives it a nice stretch and melts beautifully. Green onions add a fresh crunch, while garlic powder, black pepper, and dried thyme bring out robust flavors. If you want more crunch, add walnuts. Finally, serve this dip with your favorite crackers or toasted baguette slices to complete the experience. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cranberry sauce, shredded mozzarella, chopped green onions, garlic powder, black pepper, and dried thyme. Mix until well blended. - If you want more crunch, fold in walnuts at this stage. - Transfer the mixture into a small baking dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom. - Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for the dip to be bubbly and slightly golden on top. - Let the dip cool for a few minutes before serving. - Serve warm with crackers or toasted baguette slices for a tasty dip experience. To make your dip great, start with cream cheese at room temperature. This helps it blend well. Mix until smooth and creamy. Bake your dip until it is bubbly and golden on top. This gives it a nice texture and flavor. You can prepare the dip ahead of time. Just mix all the ingredients and put them in the fridge. This saves time when you are ready to bake. When it’s time to serve, bake it right from the fridge. If it’s cold, it may take a bit longer to heat through. Want to make your dip even better? Try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme. You can also mix in spices like cayenne for heat. Experiment with different cheeses too. Cheddar or goat cheese can add a unique twist to your dip. Enjoy the fun of creating your perfect flavor! Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: This ensures a smoother texture and easier mixing, preventing any lumps in your dip. Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to substitute mozzarella with other cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a different flavor profile. Customize Your Toppings: Top the dip with extra walnuts, cranberries, or a drizzle of honey before serving for added visual appeal and flavor. Serve Immediately: This dip is best enjoyed warm, so serve it right after baking for the ultimate gooey experience. {{image_2}} You can swap out cream cheese for other cheeses. Try using goat cheese for a tangy taste. A blend of cream cheese and ricotta gives a light texture. For a richer flavor, use mascarpone. Nuts can also change the dip's crunch. Instead of walnuts, use pecans or almonds. Both add nice flavors and textures. If you want a nut-free option, skip them entirely. For gluten-free options, serve the dip with gluten-free crackers. You can also use veggie sticks like carrots or cucumbers for dipping. They add a fresh crunch and keep it healthy. If you want a vegan version, replace cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese. Look for brands that taste good and have a smooth texture. This swap keeps the dip creamy and delicious. To kick up the heat, add diced jalapeños. Mix them in before baking for a spicy twist. They add a fun zing to the dip. You can also try different fruit sauces. Instead of cranberry sauce, use raspberry or cherry sauce for a new flavor. Each fruit brings its unique taste and sweetness, making the dip exciting. After you enjoy your Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip, store any leftovers in the fridge. Place the dip in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can also use plastic wrap directly over the dish. The dip will stay good for about 3-4 days. You can freeze the dip if you want to keep it longer. First, let the dip cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. The dip can be frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, move the dip to the fridge overnight. This helps it thaw slowly and safely. You can also thaw it in the microwave on low power for faster results. When you are ready to enjoy the dip again, reheat it carefully. The best method is to use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dip in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. Check if it's warm and bubbly before serving. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts of 30 seconds. Stir in between each burst to keep the dip creamy. Avoid overheating to keep the dip's texture nice. The Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If it sits out too long, it may spoil faster. Yes, you can make this dip ahead of time. Prepare it, then cover it tightly. You can keep it in the fridge for 1-2 days. Just bake it before serving to warm it up. You can use other fruit sauces, like raspberry or cherry sauce. You can also mix fresh cranberries with sugar and cook them down. This gives a similar sweet-tart flavor. Absolutely! To add spice, mix in some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount to test the heat level. You can always add more if you like it spicy. To make it healthier, use low-fat cream cheese. You can also reduce the amount of cheese and nuts. Adding more veggies, like diced bell peppers or spinach, boosts nutrition without adding many calories. This baked cranberry cream cheese dip is simple and fun to make. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips, variations, storage, and common questions. You can use this recipe to impress guests or enjoy a tasty snack. Remember, you can tailor it to fit your taste and dietary needs. With just a few changes, you can keep it exciting every time you serve it. Enjoy this dip warm, paired with crackers or baguette slices for the best experience. You’ll love how easy and delicious it is.

Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

A warm and creamy dip perfect for gatherings, featuring cranberry sauce and cream cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce
  • 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.25 cup chopped green onions
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 0.5 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
  • 1 serving crackers or toasted baguette slices for serving

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cranberry sauce, shredded mozzarella, chopped green onions, garlic powder, black pepper, and dried thyme. Mix until well blended.
  • If using walnuts, fold them into the mixture for added crunch and flavor.
  • Transfer the mixture into a small baking dish and spread it evenly.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and lightly golden on top.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
  • Serve warm with crackers or toasted baguette slices for dipping.

Notes

Optional walnuts can be added for extra crunch.
Keyword appetizer, cranberry, cream cheese, dip