Introduction

This baked cranberry cream cheese dip is a delightful blend of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in. Warm and bubbly with a golden top, it pairs wonderfully with crackers, bread, or fresh vegetables.

The image shows a tart in a white fluted pie dish with three main layers visible: a golden brown crispy crust at the bottom, a creamy white cheese layer in the middle, and a topping of whole red cranberries coated partially in a glossy red sauce. The cranberries and sauce are scattered unevenly across the surface, creating a mix of shiny red and creamy white patches. In the center, there is a small green rosemary sprig and a few tiny green herb leaves, adding contrast. The dish is set on a wooden board resting on a white marbled surface, surrounded by loose cranberries, fresh rosemary sprigs, and pieces of toasted bread. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked cranberry sauce (or whole berry sauce)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, cranberry sauce, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
Step 3: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and smooth out the top evenly.
Step 4: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Step 5: Remove from the oven and garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Use full berry cranberry sauce for added texture or smooth sauce for a creamier dip.
Try substituting the cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy kick.
Serve with a variety of dippers such as pita chips, sliced apples, or pretzels.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally for even heating.

How to Serve

A baked tart in a white fluted ceramic dish rests on a wooden board atop a white marbled surface. The tart has three layers: the bottom crust is golden and flaky, the middle layer is creamy white cheese, and the top layer is dotted with bright red cranberries, some whole and some slightly burst, creating a glossy red swirl on the cheese. Small green herb sprigs and a sprig of rosemary sit in the center for decoration. Around the dish, there are loose cranberries, green rosemary branches, and golden toasted bread slices partially visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dip a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to bake. This makes it perfect for entertaining.

Is this dip gluten-free?

The dip itself is gluten-free, but be sure to serve it with gluten-free crackers or dippers if needed.

Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 113 reviews

This Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip combines tangy cream cheese, sour cream, and sharp cheddar with sweet cranberry sauce and warm spices. Baked until bubbly and golden, it makes a perfect festive appetizer for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.

Author: Cleo
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Dip Base

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Flavorings

1/2 cup cooked cranberry sauce (or whole berry sauce)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Garnish (Optional)

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the dip evenly.
Mix Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, thoroughly combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, cranberry sauce, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until everything is well incorporated and smooth.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a baking dish and use a spatula to smooth out the top evenly, creating a uniform layer for baking.
Bake the Dip: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the dip is bubbling around the edges and the top turns a golden brown hue, indicating it is fully heated through and ready to serve.
Garnish and Serve: Optional—sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and a fresh herbal note. Serve warm with crackers, bread, or vegetable dippers for a festive appetizer.

Notes

For a thicker dip, reduce the sour cream slightly or increase the cream cheese by 2 ounces.
Use whole berry cranberry sauce for texture, or smooth sauce if preferred.
Can be prepared a day ahead and baked just before serving.
Substitute cheddar with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a milder cheese flavor.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven.

Keywords: cranberry cream cheese dip, baked appetizer, holiday dip, cranberry sauce dip, creamy cheesy dip