Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

Introduction

This Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is a vibrant and tangy appetizer perfect for any gathering. Combining tart cranberries with sweet apricot preserves and creamy cheese, it offers a delicious balance of flavors. Serve it chilled with crackers or pretzel chips for an easy crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 1 package (12 oz) frozen whole cranberries (no sugar added), thawed
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup apricot preserves or jam
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 2 bricks (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
• Buttery crackers or pretzel chips for serving
• Fresh mint to garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large saucepan, combine the thawed cranberries, white sugar, apricot preserves, and water.
2. Step 2: Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until it comes to a boil.
3. Step 3: As the mixture heats, it will bubble, become frothy, and you may hear the cranberries popping. Stir constantly and continue boiling for 5 minutes until the berries have popped and the mixture starts to darken.
4. Step 4: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the chopped pecans.
5. Step 5: Allow the mixture to cool completely to room temperature, then refrigerate until fully chilled.
6. Step 6: Gently press a spoon into the center of the softened cream cheese to create a small well or divot.
7. Step 7: Spoon the cooled cranberry mixture on top of the cream cheese.
8. Step 8: Serve the dip chilled with buttery crackers or pretzel chips. Garnish with fresh mint if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or substitute with toasted sunflower seeds.
• Use orange marmalade instead of apricot preserves for a slightly different citrus twist.
• Let the dip chill overnight for the best flavor melding.
• Serve with a variety of dippers such as sliced baguette, pita chips, or fresh vegetables.

Storage

Store the cranberry cream cheese dip covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture and flavor, keep it chilled until ready to serve. If the cream cheese firms up too much after refrigeration, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, this dip actually tastes better when made ahead and allowed to chill overnight. This helps the flavors to meld perfectly.

What can I use if I don’t have apricot preserves?

You can substitute apricot preserves with other fruit jams like peach, orange marmalade, or even raspberry for a different but delicious flavor profile.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 95 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 appetizer-sized cream cheese bricks, serves approximately 8-10 people 1x

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Description

This Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is a festive and tangy appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or any party. Tart cranberries cooked with sugar and apricot preserves create a sweet and zesty topping enriched with crunchy pecans, all served atop a creamy, smooth cream cheese base. Pair it with buttery crackers or pretzel chips for a delightful and easy-to-make party favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cranberry Mixture

• 1 package (12 oz) frozen whole cranberries (no sugar added), thawed
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup apricot preserves or jam
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Cream Cheese Base

• 2 bricks (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened

For Serving

• Buttery crackers or pretzel chips
• Fresh mint (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Cranberry Mixture: In a large saucepan, combine the thawed cranberries, white sugar, apricot preserves, and water. Heat over medium-high heat until the mixture comes to a boil. As it heats, the cranberries will pop and the mixture will bubble and become frothy. Stir constantly to prevent sticking.
2. Simmer and Thicken: Continue boiling the mixture for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. During this time, the berries will fully pop open, and the mixture will darken and thicken slightly. Remove the saucepan from heat.
3. Stir in Pecans: Immediately add the chopped pecans into the warm cranberry mixture and stir to combine evenly.
4. Cool the Topping: Allow the cranberry and pecan mixture to cool down to room temperature outside the stove, then place it in the refrigerator to chill completely.
5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Base: While the topping cools, arrange the softened cream cheese bricks on a serving plate. Using a spoon, gently press into the center of each cream cheese brick to create a small divot or well.
6. Assemble the Dip: Once the cranberry mixture is completely chilled, spoon it generously into the divot on top of each cream cheese brick, covering the surface nicely.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh mint if desired, and serve the cranberry cream cheese dip immediately with buttery crackers or pretzel chips for dipping. Enjoy this vibrant and festive appetizer with your guests!

Notes

• The cranberry mixture can be made a day ahead to enhance flavor and make serving easier.
• Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy spreading and topping.
• Use thawed cranberries to ensure even cooking and popping during boiling.
• Apricot preserves add sweetness and a subtle fruity flavor, but you can substitute with orange marmalade or another jam if desired.
• Chilling the cranberry topping before assembly helps it set and makes the dip easier to eat.
• For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or substitute with toasted seeds like pumpkin seeds.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cranberry cream cheese dip, holiday dip, cranberry appetizer, party dip, cream cheese spread, pecan cranberry dip