This cranberry cream cheese dip is a crowd-pleasing, holiday appetizer that’s easy to make with 7 ingredients in 5 minutes!

I know most people focus on the main meal during the holidays, but in my opinion, appetizers are just as important! This cranberry cream cheese dip is my go-to for fall/winter entertaining!

A sweet and tangy cranberry mixture is served over cream cheese and topped with crunchy green onions and spread over salty crackers. It’s easy to make in 10 minutes, and is actually best when prepared in advance – lessening your workload in the kitchen on the big day.

Because everyone needs something to snack on while the turkey is cooking – and this cranberry dip with cream cheese is perfect! Also try this cranberry orange bread!

Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip: Ingredients & Substitutions

• Orange juice. Apple juice or apple cider both are good substitutions.
• Brown sugar. granulated sugar works well too.
• Honey. maple syrup is a good substitute for honey.
• Fresh cranberries. I really do not recommend substitutions for the cranberries.

How to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

Let’s walk through this cranberry cream cheese dip recipe step-by-step, and don’t forget to watch the video.

Begin by making the cranberry portion of the recipe. Combine the orange juice, brown sugar, honey, cinnamon and salt in a small saucepan.

Then add the cranberries & bring the mixture to a boil.

Once boiling, turn the heat down and simmer for 5 minutes or until the cranberries have burst.

After 5 minutes, lightly mash the cranberries with a potato masher.

Then transfer to a glass container with a lid to chill in the refrigerator for about 3 hours, or overnight.

I have made this in a hurry to serve within the hour – and to cool the cranberry sauce in time I put the mixture in the freezer and stir every 5 minutes for about 30-45 minutes. It works perfectly!

Assemble

Once the cranberry mixture is chilled, place an 8 oz block of cream cheese on a serving plate or cheese board.

Then, use a spoon to gently make a well in the center of the block of cream cheese.

Pour the chilled cranberry mixture over the cream cheese in the well.

Then, top the cranberry cream cheese dip with the green onions and serve.

Serve

Serve this cranberry cream cheese dip with a cheese knife to make it easy to cut and spread.

I suggest serving with your favorite crackers or pretzels.

Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe FAQS

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Try these recipes

Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Turkey Cranberry Sandwich

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Pecan Cranberry Chicken Salad

Best Dinner Rolls Recipe

Cranberry Orange Bread