Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
Posted Nov 03, 2024, Updated Nov 16, 2024
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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
Yes, you can double it for a large crowd easily.
I suggest making the cranberry mixture 1 day before you plan to serve this dip. Then all you have to do is assemble the recipe and serve.
Some people love the sweet/spicy combination. You could add 1 finely diced jalapeño pepper to the cranberry mixture if desired.
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Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- ½ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- pinch ground cinnamon
- Pinch sea salt
- 6 ounces fresh cranberries
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 2 green onions finely sliced
- Crackers for serving
Instructions
- Add orange juice, brown sugar honey, cinnamon, and sea salt to a small saucepan.
- Stir to combine, then add cranberries and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, turn the heat down and simmer for 5 minutes until cranberries have burst.
- Lightly mash the cranberries with a potato masher, then transfer to a glass container with a lid to chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or overnight*
Assemble
- Put an 8 oz block of cream cheese on a serving plate or cheese board.
- Use a spoon to gently make a well in the center of the block of cream cheese.
- Pour chilled cranberries over the cream cheese the well.
Serve
- Top with sliced green onions and serve with a cheese knife.
Video
Notes
- 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.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I can’t wait to try this! Could I make this cranberry sauce ahead of time and freeze it?
You could, however I’d recommend just making it a 1-3 days in advance and storing in the fridge.
I’m always crazy about cranberries and look forward to recipes like this every winter!
You’ll have to come back and let me know how you like it once you make it!