This cranberry cream cheese dip is a festive treat that’s super easy to make. With creamy cheese and sweet-tart cranberries, it’s perfect for holiday gatherings!
You can scoop it up with crackers or fresh veggies. I always find myself sneaking extra bites! Just promise not to judge my snacking skills! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This is the base of our dip, giving it a rich and creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt. It will still be creamy but with less fat.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are ideal, but if you can’t find them, swap in canned cranberry sauce. Keep in mind it will make the dip sweeter, so adjust sugar as needed.
Orange Juice and Zest: Fresh is always best for a vibrant flavor. If you don’t have oranges, lemon juice could work too, as it provides that nice acidity, though it will change the flavor a bit.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is the go-to, but feel free to use honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener. You might want to reduce the amount slightly since they are sweeter than sugar.
Fresh Rosemary: It adds a lovely aroma and slightly savory touch. If you don’t have rosemary, consider using thyme or omitting it entirely for a simpler taste.
How Can You Get the Perfect Cranberry Mixture?
Cooking the cranberries correctly is key to achieving that ideal sweet-tart contrast in the dip. Here’s how to do it well:
- Start with medium heat to gently warm the cranberries.
- Stir them occasionally, so they don’t stick or burn. You’ll notice them popping as they cook.
- Keep an eye on the consistency. You want them to thicken, but still a bit chunky for texture.
Let the mixture cool before folding it into the cream cheese. This helps maintain the creaminess of the dip without melting the cheese.
How to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional, for garnish and slight herb flavor)
- Crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time. After that, you can either serve it immediately or chill it for up to 2 hours. So, you’re looking at a total of about 20 minutes if you serve it right away!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberry Mixture:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, and orange juice. Cook while gently stirring every so often until the cranberries start to burst and the mixture thickens slightly. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Once done, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
2. Mix the Cream Cheese:
In a medium bowl, take your softened cream cheese and add the orange zest and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or a spatula, beat the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. It should be light and fluffy!
3. Combine the Mixtures:
Now, gently fold in about 3/4 of the cooled cranberry mixture into the cream cheese. The goal is to create a beautiful marbled effect, so make sure not to mix it completely—just a gentle folding will do!
4. Assemble the Dip:
Spoon the cream cheese mixture into a serving bowl. On top, spread the remaining cranberry mixture to create a lovely, colorful layer. If you’re using fresh rosemary, sprinkle it on top for an added touch of flavor!
5. Serve Your Dip:
Arrange your choice of crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables around the dip for easy serving. You can enjoy it right away, or chill it in the fridge for up to 2 hours if you prefer a firmer texture. Either way, it’s going to be delicious!
Enjoy this festive, creamy, and slightly tangy dip perfect for holiday gatherings!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. This might take a few hours in the fridge or about 30 minutes in a warm water bath. Also, check the sweetness since frozen cranberries can be tart and may require a bit more sugar.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier! However, it might lose some creaminess, so give it a good stir before serving again.
Can I Make This Dip Vegan?
Absolutely! To make this dip vegan, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative. You can also sweeten with maple syrup instead of sugar to keep it on the natural side!
What Should I Serve with This Dip?
This dip pairs wonderfully with a variety of dippers! Crackers, sliced baguette, and fresh vegetables like celery sticks or cucumber slices are all great options. It also works well as a spread on sandwiches or wraps!
