Description
This Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is a festive and crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Creamy layers of cream cheese and tangy sour cream blend with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, then topped with a sweet and tart cranberry compote. Baked until bubbly and golden, it pairs beautifully with crackers, crostini, or toasted baguette slices, making it an irresistible starter that combines savory and sweet flavors with a hint of citrus and herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 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
Cranberry Compote
- 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)
Toppings and Garnish
- Extra mozzarella or white cheddar for topping
- Fresh thyme or rosemary, for garnish
- Crackers, crostini, or toasted baguette slices for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the cranberry compote: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the 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 to enhance flavor and prevent melting the cheese mixture later.
- Mix the cream cheese base: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste, balancing the savory flavors of the cheese and spices.
- Assemble the dip: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take a small baking dish, approximately 8 inches in diameter. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly into the dish, creating a base layer. Spoon the prepared cranberry compote evenly over this layer, then carefully spread the remaining cream cheese mixture on top to enclose the cranberry layer. Finally, sprinkle extra mozzarella or white cheddar cheese over the top for a melty, golden crust.
- Bake and garnish: Place the assembled dip in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5–10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dip to thicken slightly. Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs and a few whole cranberries for a festive presentation. Serve warm with crackers, crostini, or toasted baguette slices.
Notes
- You can use either fresh or frozen cranberries for the compote; just thaw frozen cranberries before cooking.
- For a sweeter dip, increase the sugar or honey slightly.
- The dip can be prepared in advance and assembled just before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Try substituting maple syrup for honey to add a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cranberry cream cheese dip, baked dip recipe, holiday appetizer, cranberry compote dip, creamy cheese dip
