Print

Baked Cranberry Dip Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://todayquickmeals.com/baked-cranberry-dip-recipe/