Description
The Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet appetizer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or casual parties. Combining the smooth richness of cream cheese, the gooey goodness of melted mozzarella, and the tart sweetness of cranberries, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. Infused with a hint of garlic and rosemary, it’s a delightful balance of savory and sweet flavors. Serve it warm with crackers, bread, or pita chips for an irresistible treat that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, room temperature
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ teaspoon crushed dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup canned whole berry cranberry sauce
⅔ cup fresh cranberries
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
Add cream cheese to a large mixing bowl and beat until smooth. Add 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, rosemary, and garlic powder, mixing until evenly combined.
Gently fold in the cranberry sauce and fresh cranberries, then transfer the dip into the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top, then bake for 22-26 minutes or until the edges start to brown.
Serve hot with crackers, bread, or pita chips
Notes
- Cream Cheese: Ensure it’s at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth, lump-free texture.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better and gives the dip a creamier consistency than pre-shredded versions, which often contain anti-caking agents.
- Cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide a delightful tartness and texture. If using frozen cranberries, add them directly to the mixture without thawing.
- Cranberry Sauce: Whole berry cranberry sauce adds sweetness and smoothness. Homemade sauce can add a personal touch, but canned works perfectly.
- Seasoning: Adjust the amount of garlic powder and rosemary to suit your taste preferences. For a spicier kick, sprinkle in red pepper flakes.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the dip up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for fresh, bubbly goodness.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with sturdy dippers like crackers, crostini, or pita chips. For a healthier option, use vegetable sticks like celery and carrots.
- Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
- Variations: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch, or sprinkle orange zest over the top for a holiday flair.