Baked Cranberry Dip Recipe

Introduction

This baked cranberry dip is a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in. Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with tart cranberries, it’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup extra-sharp white cheddar cheese (grated; or double the mozzarella for extra gooeyness)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (grated)
• ⅛–¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (chopped or ½ teaspoon dried)
• ½ cup fresh cranberries (may substitute with frozen, but do not thaw)
• ⅓ cup cranberry sauce

Instructions

1. Step 1: Spray a small baking dish with nonstick spray and preheat the oven to 375℉.
2. Step 2: In a medium-large mixing bowl, stir together the cream cheese, three-quarters of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, nutmeg, orange zest, and rosemary until well combined.
3. Step 3: Gently fold in the cranberries.
4. Step 4: Spoon the cranberry mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
5. Step 5: Add dollops of the cranberry sauce on top and swirl it through the mixture using a spoon or knife.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheeses over the top.
7. Step 7: Bake for 18–20 minutes until the dip is bubbly in the center and the edges start to brown. Cover loosely with foil if it browns too quickly.
8. Step 8: Serve immediately with crostini, Triscuits, seeded crackers, or pita chips for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra creamy texture, substitute all the cheddar cheese with mozzarella.
• Use fresh rosemary for a brighter herbal flavor, or dried rosemary if that’s what you have on hand.
• If you prefer a sweeter dip, add a tablespoon of honey to the cream cheese mixture before baking.
• Pair with different crackers or toasted baguette slices to complement the tangy dip.

Storage

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350℉ until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts to avoid overcooking.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dip the day before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just add the cranberry sauce swirl and cheese topping right before baking for best results.

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Frozen cranberries work well and save time, but be sure not to thaw them before adding so they retain their texture and don’t make the dip watery.

Baked Cranberry Dip Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 80 reviews

This Baked Cranberry Dip is a warm, cheesy appetizer bursting with the festive flavors of fresh cranberries, tangy orange zest, and aromatic rosemary. Cream cheese and a blend of sharp white cheddar and mozzarella create a gooey, savory base that perfectly complements the tartness of the cranberry sauce. Baked until bubbly and golden, this dip is ideal for holiday parties or cozy gatherings and pairs wonderfully with crostini, crackers, or pita chips.

• Author: Sienna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Mixture

• 8 Ounces Cream Cheese (softened)
• 3/4 Cup Extra-Sharp White Cheddar Cheese (grated; or substitute with double mozzarella for extra gooeyness)
• 3/4 Cup Mozzarella Cheese (grated)
• ⅛–¼ teaspoon Nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon Orange Zest (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Fresh Rosemary (chopped or 1/2 teaspoon dried)

Fruit & Sauce

• 1/2 Cup Fresh Cranberries (may substitute with frozen, but do not thaw)
• 1/3 Cup Cranberry Sauce
• 1/4 Cup Extra-Sharp White Cheddar Cheese (grated, reserved for topping)
• 1/4 Cup Mozzarella Cheese (grated, reserved for topping)

Instructions

1. Prepare Baking Dish and Oven: Spray a small baking dish with nonstick spray and preheat the oven to 375℉ to ensure the dip bakes evenly.
2. Mix Cheese Base: In a medium-large mixing bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese, 3/4 of the grated cheeses (cheddar and mozzarella), nutmeg, orange zest, and rosemary until well combined and smooth.
3. Add Cranberries: Gently fold the fresh (or frozen, unthawed) cranberries into the cheese mixture to distribute the tart fruit evenly.
4. Assemble Dip: Spoon the cranberry and cheese mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
5. Add Cranberry Sauce: Place spoonfuls of cranberry sauce on top of the dip and use a spoon or knife to swirl it through the cheese mixture for a marbled effect.
6. Top with Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining grated cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the dip to create a bubbly, golden crust.
7. Bake: Bake the dip for 18-20 minutes until it is bubbly in the middle and the edges begin to brown. If the top starts browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning.
8. Serve: Serve the baked dip immediately while warm, paired with crostini, Triscuits, seeded crackers, or pita chips for dipping.

Notes

• Using frozen cranberries without thawing helps maintain their tart pop and texture during baking.
• If you prefer a gooier dip, substitute the cheddar cheese in the base with extra mozzarella as suggested.
• Covering the dish with foil partway through baking prevents the top from over-browning.
• Feel free to swap rosemary with thyme for a slightly different herbal note.
• This dip is best served warm but can be gently reheated for later use.

Keywords: cranberry dip, baked dip, holiday appetizer, cream cheese dip, cheesy dip, cranberry appetizer, party dip, festive appetizer