Dessert

Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip: A Festive Delight Recipe

ByHugo Harnd November 15, 2025November 15, 2025

Introduction

This baked cranberry cream cheese dip is a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with a sweet-tart cranberry compote, it’s sure to delight your guests. Serve it warm with crackers or toasted baguette slices for a perfect party bite.

A white round dish filled with a creamy baked dip that has a golden-brown top with small bits of green herbs sprinkled around. The dip is thick and white inside, with whole red cranberries mixed throughout. On the top center, there is a small pile of fresh, shiny red cranberries with some green thyme leaves. Around the dish, there is a circle of round light brown crackers placed on a wooden board, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup (120 g) sour cream
1 cup (120 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1½ cups (150 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
¼ cup (50 g) sugar
2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tbsp orange juice
½ tsp orange zest (optional)
Extra mozzarella or white cheddar for topping
Fresh thyme or rosemary, for garnish
Crackers, crostini, or toasted baguette slices, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, sugar, honey, and orange juice. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat, stir in orange zest, and let cool slightly.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread half of the cream cheese mixture into a small baking dish (about 8-inch or similar). Spoon the cranberry compote evenly over the top. Spread the remaining cream cheese mixture on top, then sprinkle extra mozzarella or cheddar over it.
Step 4: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden. Let cool for 5–10 minutes, then garnish with fresh thyme and a few whole cranberries before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh cranberries for the best texture, but frozen cranberries work well too—just thaw slightly before cooking.
Swap honey for maple syrup to add a richer, deeper sweetness.
Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cranberry compote for a warm spice note.
For extra creaminess, add a little cream cheese on top before melting the cheese layer.
Serve with a variety of dippers like pita chips, vegetable sticks, or pretzels for added fun.

Storage

Store any leftover dip covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven until warm and bubbly again. The cranberry topping may separate slightly after storing, so give it a gentle stir before serving.

How to Serve

A white round baking dish holds a creamy, golden-brown baked dip with melted cheese that has browned edges and small green herb sprinkles on top. The dip has a thick, smooth white layer with visible whole red cranberries inside it. On top, there is a cluster of fresh, glossy red cranberries in the center. Surrounding the dish are light golden round crackers with small holes, arranged on a flat surface. The background is softly blurred with warm lights and hints of greenery. The entire scene is set on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cranberry compote and cream cheese mixture a day ahead. Assemble and bake the dip just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

If you want a lighter option, try using Neufchâtel cheese or a cream cheese alternative, but this may slightly change the richness and consistency of the dip.