This cranberry cream cheese dip is a delicious mix of tart cranberries and smooth cream cheese. It’s perfect for spreading on crackers or using as a fruity topping!
You won’t believe how quickly this dip disappears at parties. I can’t resist grabbing a little extra on my snack—it’s just so good! 🤤
Making it is super easy; just mix the ingredients and chill. I love serving it with a variety of dippers for a fun snack. Enjoy it anytime you want a tasty treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: Look for full-fat cream cheese for a rich texture. If you want a lighter option, you can use low-fat cream cheese or neufchâtel. Dairy-free cream cheese alternatives work great too for a vegan twist!
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are ideal, but frozen ones work just as well if that’s what you have. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before cooking. You can use other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor.
Granulated Sugar: If you’re cutting back on sugar, you can replace granulated sugar with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute. Adjust the sweetness to your taste, especially if you love that tartness!
Orange Juice and Zest: The orange juice adds brightness. If you’re out of oranges, lemon juice works as an excellent substitute! The zest is optional but adds a lovely aroma—don’t skip it if you can help it!
How Do You Make the Perfect Cranberry Sauce?
The key to making the cranberry sauce shines in the cooking process! You want to cook the cranberries until they burst and soften to release their natural pectin, which helps thicken the mixture. Here’s how:
- Combine cranberries, sugar, and orange juice in a small saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat. Stir gently every now and then, so nothing sticks to the bottom.
- Watch for the cranberries to pop and start to break down, which should take about 8–10 minutes.
- Once you see a slightly thickened mixture, remove from heat and let it cool completely before layering it over the cream cheese.
This step is essential as it allows for the dip to have that perfect sweet-tart balance! Enjoy with crackers or toast for a delightful appetizer!
How to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Crackers or toasted bread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dip will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to chill (if you can wait!). So, you’re looking at a total of around 45 minutes before you can dig in and enjoy it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberry Mixture:
Start by taking a small saucepan and adding the fresh or frozen cranberries, granulated sugar, and orange juice. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally, and watch closely as the cranberries start to burst and the mixture thickens—this usually takes about 8–10 minutes. Once it looks good, remove it from the heat and let it cool down.
2. Soften the Cream Cheese:
In a medium mixing bowl, take the softened cream cheese and either beat it with an electric mixer or use a spatula to stir it until it’s smooth and creamy. This will be the base of your dip and creates that rich texture you love!
3. Layer the Dip:
Now, take the cooled cranberry mixture (make sure it’s not hot!) and spoon it over the smooth cream cheese layer. You can let it sit gently on top or spread it around a bit—the choice is yours!
4. Garnish for Perfection:
To make your dip look even more appealing, sprinkle some finely chopped fresh rosemary on top. This gives a lovely, aromatic finish that adds a pop of color.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
It’s time to dig in! Serve your cranberry cream cheese dip right away with a variety of crackers or toasted bread. If you want the flavors to blend a bit more, cover and chill the dip for about 30 minutes before serving. Either way, it’s bound to be a hit!
Enjoy this sweet-tart and creamy dip as a festive appetizer, snack, or delightful treat any time you’re feeling peckish!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking or use them directly from the bag if you’re cooking them down as instructed!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Dip?
Leftover cranberry cream cheese dip can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To enjoy it again, simply stir it up before serving!
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cranberry mixture and cream cheese separately in advance. Just assemble the dip a few hours before serving, or let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative. Cashew cream or a whipped tofu mixture can also work for a different flavor profile!
