Description
This Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip is a festive and creamy appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. It combines tangy cream cheese and sour cream with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, topped with sweetened fresh cranberries. Baked until bubbly and golden, this dip is garnished with fresh parsley and served warm with your choice of crackers, breadsticks, or crostini.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded white cheddar cheese
Cranberry Topping
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 2 tbsp sugar
Garnish & Serving
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Crackers, breadsticks, or crostini for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the dip.
- Combine Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, and white cheddar cheese until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Sugar Coat Cranberries: In a separate bowl, toss fresh cranberries with sugar until they are evenly coated, enhancing their natural tartness.
- Assemble Dip: Evenly spread the cheese mixture into a baking dish. Then, evenly top the cheese layer with the sugared cranberries.
- Bake the Dip: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly and the cranberries begin to burst, releasing their juices.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the baked dip from the oven, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm alongside crackers, breadsticks, or crostini.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for the best tart flavor and texture; frozen cranberries may release extra moisture.
- Allow the dip to cool slightly before serving to avoid burns and help it set for easier scooping.
- This dip can be prepared ahead of time by mixing ingredients and assembling just before baking.
- For a sweeter version, increase sugar on cranberries slightly or drizzle honey on top after baking.
- For added texture and flavor, consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts as a topping.