Side Dishes

Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

ByLeo Foster October 26, 2025October 26, 2025

Introduction

This Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is a warm, creamy appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in. It blends tangy cream cheese with sweet cranberry sauce and spicy cinnamon for a delightful flavor combination that’s sure to impress your guests.

The image shows a flat lay of several white bowls on a white marbled surface covered partially by a red and white checkered cloth. In the center is a small white bowl full of fresh, bright red and deep burgundy cranberries resting on a light wooden board. Above it is a small clear glass bowl filled with dark red dried cranberries. To the left, a larger white bowl holds a block of cream cheese with a smooth white texture. To the right of the cranberries is a metal measuring cup filled with white granulated sugar, sitting on the wooden board. Below and slightly to the right, a white bowl contains smooth, thick sour cream with a spoon. A bowl partially visible to the bottom right holds shredded pale yellow cheese. Green pine tree branches frame the corners, adding a festive feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked cranberry sauce (or whole berry sauce)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, cranberry sauce, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until smooth and well blended.
Step 3: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it evenly, smoothing the top.
Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Step 5: Remove from the oven and, if desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra texture, stir in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts before baking.
If you prefer a spicier dip, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Swap the cheddar for a sharper cheese like aged cheddar or Gruyère to deepen the flavor.
Use homemade cranberry sauce for a fresher taste, or try a splash of orange zest for brightness.

Storage

Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

How to Serve

The dish shows a small black cast iron pan filled with melted white cheese mixed with deep red cranberry sauce, creating a marbled effect on top. In the center, a small bunch of fresh bright red cranberries and green rosemary sprigs add color and texture. The pan sits on a round wooden board with glossy green rosemary sprigs placed around it. To the right of the pan, there is a white sliced baguette arranged in a neat row. On the left side of the board, a cheese spreader with a light wooden handle rests next to a blue and white checkered cloth. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dip a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving for the best fresh taste.

What can I serve with this dip?

This dip pairs well with crackers, sliced baguette, fresh vegetables like celery or carrot sticks, and even toasted pita chips for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 65 reviews

This Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is a deliciously creamy and tangy appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or any party. Combining smooth cream cheese, tart cranberry sauce, savory cheddar, and warm spices, this dip bakes to a bubbly golden perfection and can be garnished with fresh parsley for an extra touch of color and flavor.

Author: Leo
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked cranberry sauce or whole berry sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dip.
Mix Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, thoroughly combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, cranberry sauce, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and well blended.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Spoon the mixture into a baking dish, smoothing the top evenly to ensure consistent baking.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and has a golden brown top.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, optionally sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color, and serve warm with crackers or bread.

Notes

You can use store-bought or homemade cranberry sauce depending on availability and preference.
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice along with the cinnamon and nutmeg.
This dip pairs well with assorted crackers, toasted baguette slices, or vegetable sticks.
Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture.
If you prefer a less sweet dip, reduce or omit the brown sugar.

Keywords: cranberry dip, cream cheese dip, baked appetizer, holiday dip, cheese dip, cranberry sauce recipe

Leo Foster

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