Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
This baked cranberry cream cheese dip is a warm, creamy, sweet-and-savory holiday appetizer made with just 4 ingredients. Tangy cranberries, rich cream cheese, and sharp white cheddar bake to bubbly perfection—perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering.
Equipment
- 1.5-quart baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Saucepan (for optional cranberry sauce)
- Microplane or fine grater (for nutmeg)
Ingredients
- For the Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
- 2 cups extra-sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (do not thaw if frozen)
- 1/8–1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
- Optional Homemade Cranberry Sauce
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Set aside 1/2 cup cranberries for the dip. Combine remaining cranberries, sugar, orange juice, lemon juice, and water in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Simmer 15–20 minutes until thickened. Cool slightly before using.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (350°F convection). Lightly grease a 1.5-quart baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese with 1 3/4 cups shredded cheddar. Mix until smooth and fully incorporated. Add nutmeg if using and stir well.
- Gently fold in cranberry sauce and reserved fresh cranberries, leaving visible swirls for a marbled effect. Spread evenly in the prepared baking dish and top with remaining 1/4 cup cheddar.
- Bake 18–23 minutes (15 minutes convection) until hot, bubbly, and golden brown on top. If browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
- Let rest 2–3 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cranberries, nutmeg, or thyme. Serve warm with crostini, crackers, pretzel chips, or apple slices.
Notes
For the best flavor, use freshly shredded extra-sharp white cheddar and softened full-fat cream cheese. Fresh or frozen cranberries both work beautifully. Let the dip rest a few minutes before serving to thicken slightly for easier scooping.