Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite party dip: baked cream cheese cranberry dip! This dip is a showstopper, folks. It’s creamy, tangy, and oh-so-delicious, making it the perfect addition to any gathering—especially during the holidays. I can’t count how many times I’ve whipped this up for family get-togethers or festive parties, and trust me, it never fails to impress! The combination of smooth cream cheese and sweet-tart cranberry sauce, topped off with melty cheddar and a sprinkle of green onions, is just heavenly. It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds! So grab your favorite crackers or some crusty bread, and get ready to share this delightful dip with your loved ones. You’re going to be the star of the show!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing!)
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (You can use homemade or store-bought—both work wonderfully!)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (I love the sharpness it adds, but feel free to use your favorite cheese!)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (These add a nice freshness and bite—don’t skip them!)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional, but they add a lovely crunch if you’re a fan!)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (A little garlic elevates the flavor, trust me!)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (For a hint of warmth—adjust to your taste!)
How to Prepare Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip
Getting this baked cream cheese cranberry dip ready is a breeze, and I promise it’ll be worth every second! Here’s how you can whip it up in no time and impress your guests.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key to getting that dip nice and bubbly!
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cranberry sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. If you’re adding walnuts, toss them in too! Use a fork or a spatula to mix everything until it’s well blended and creamy.
- Next, spread the delicious mixture into a baking dish. Don’t worry about making it perfect—just get it in there!
- Now, pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are golden and the center is heated through and bubbly. Oh, the aroma will be amazing!
- Once it’s done, take it out and let it cool for just a minute. Serve it warm with your favorite crackers or slices of crusty bread. Get ready for the compliments!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time—ready in just 40 minutes, perfect for last-minute gatherings!
- Creamy and tangy flavor that strikes the right balance between sweet and savory.
- Ideal for any occasion, from holiday parties to casual get-togethers—everyone loves it!
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it a hit for guests with dietary preferences.
- Customizable! Add your favorite ingredients like jalapeños for a kick or swap in different cheeses.
- Serves 8 generously, so there’s plenty to go around, and it’s easy to double for larger crowds.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your baked cream cheese cranberry dip turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite pro tips to keep in mind:
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Always start with softened cream cheese. If it’s too cold, it won’t mix well and can lead to lumps in your dip. Just let it sit out for about 30 minutes before you start mixing.
- Customize the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dip, go for sweetened cranberry sauce. You can even mix in a bit of brown sugar or honey if you’re using unsweetened sauce. Yum!
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the timer! You want to pull it from the oven when it’s bubbly and just starting to brown around the edges. Overbaking can make it dry, and we definitely want creamy goodness!
- Experiment with Variations: Feel free to add other ingredients! Chopped jalapeños for a bit of heat, or try different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for a fun flavor twist!
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the dip a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve—easy peasy!
- Serving Suggestions: Pair it with a variety of dippers! Crackers, slices of baguette, or even fresh veggies like bell pepper strips and cucumber rounds work beautifully.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a dip-making superstar! Enjoy the process and don’t forget to have fun with it!
Nutritional Information Section
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this heavenly baked cream cheese cranberry dip! Keep in mind that nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, while I can give you a typical idea, it’s not set in stone.
For each serving (about 1/2 cup), you can expect approximately:
- Calories: 200
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 5g
So there you have it! A delicious dip that’s perfect for sharing without too much guilt. Just remember, these values are approximate, and they can change based on how you customize your dip. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this scrumptious baked cream cheese cranberry dip? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I get, along with my answers to help you out.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dip a day in advance. Just mix everything together, spread it in the baking dish, and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to serve, pop it in the oven for a quick bake. It’ll be just as delicious!
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can try using Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor might change slightly, but it’ll still be tasty!
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently in the oven or microwave until it’s warmed through again. It’s still so good the next day!
Can I freeze this dip?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing it, as the texture can change when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days after baking. Trust me, you’ll want to eat it all while it’s warm and bubbly!
What are some good dippers for this dip?
You’ve got options! Crackers, slices of baguette, or even fresh veggies like carrot sticks, bell peppers, or cucumber slices are all perfect for scooping up that creamy goodness. Get creative and have fun with it!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving my baked cream cheese cranberry dip, the options are practically endless, and I can’t wait for you to get creative! First off, I highly recommend a variety of crackers—think buttery Ritz, hearty whole grain, or even some zesty flavored options. They provide that perfect crunch to complement the creamy dip.
But wait, there’s more! Slices of crusty bread are a must-have, too. A warm baguette or toasted sourdough really elevates the whole experience. Just tear off a piece, scoop up that heavenly dip, and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors!
If you want to keep things fresh and colorful, consider adding some veggies to the mix. Crisp cucumber rounds or vibrant bell pepper strips are fantastic for dipping—plus, they add a nice crunch and balance out the richness of the dip. You can even use carrot sticks or celery for that classic veggie platter vibe!
So, grab your favorite dippers and get ready to dive in! This dip is meant to be shared and enjoyed, and I can promise you it’ll be the star of the snack table. Happy dipping!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Let’s talk about how to store any leftover baked cream cheese cranberry dip because, trust me, you’ll want to save every last bite! After your gathering, let the dip cool completely before you store it. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3 days—though I doubt it’ll last that long with how delicious it is!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is super simple. Just scoop the dip into an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil to keep it from drying out. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s warmed through and bubbly again. You want to keep that creamy texture intact, so avoid the microwave if possible—it can make it a bit rubbery. But if you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until it’s hot.
So there you have it! Easy storage and reheating tips to ensure you enjoy this scrumptious dip more than once. Happy snacking!
Print
Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip: 5 Minutes to Heaven
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and tangy dip perfect for holidays or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cranberry sauce, cheddar cheese, green onions, walnuts, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Spread the mixture into a baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.
- Serve warm with crackers or bread.
Notes
- For a sweeter dip, use sweetened cranberry sauce.
- Adjust the amount of walnuts based on preference.
- Can be made ahead and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: baked cream cheese cranberry dip
