Description
This cranberry cream cheese dip blends tangy cranberries with smooth cream cheese for a cozy, festive treat. It’s the kind of recipe that looks beautiful, tastes even better, and takes just a few minutes to prepare. Serve it chilled or warm for an easy holiday favorite everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp orange juice (or water)
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Crackers, toasted baguette slices, or apple wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Spread it evenly into a shallow serving dish or pie plate.
- Cook the cranberries: In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and orange juice. Cook over medium heat for 8–10 minutes until the berries burst and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add flavor: Stir in orange zest and, if you like spice, diced jalapeño for a cranberry jalapeño cream cheese dip variation.
- Cool and assemble: Let the cranberry mixture cool for about 10 minutes, then spoon it over the cream cheese, spreading gently.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate for 15–30 minutes so the layers set. Serve with your favorite dippers and enjoy.
Notes
For extra sweetness, drizzle a bit of honey on top before serving.
You can prepare both layers ahead of time and assemble when ready to serve.
Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
This dip works both chilled and lightly baked for a melty version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: No-bake, Simmer
- Cuisine: American, Holiday