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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Stir in Pecans: Immediately add the chopped pecans into the warm cranberry mixture and stir to combine evenly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
