Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

This baked cranberry cream cheese dip always lights up my holiday table with a vibrant tangy sweetness and ultra-creamy layers that people truly crave every winter. Its gooey cheese topping turns bubbly and golden in the oven while tart cranberries create bold color and a fresh pop of flavor that balances all the richness. I rely on this dip for any get-together needing an extra touch of cozy cheer.

I fell in love with this dip after my first snowy December trying it with my book club. Now I bring it to every holiday party and it disappears faster than anything else I make.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Cream cheese: Gives silkiness and tang; use a block style for best results
• Sour cream: Brings mellow creaminess and keeps it from feeling too heavy
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds savory sharpness and really complements cranberries
• Cooked cranberry sauce: Creates that signature seasonal streak of sweet tartness; choose whole berry for the best texture
• Brown sugar: Balances the berries with a little extra sweetness
• Cinnamon: Delivers cozy warmth perfect for the holidays
• Nutmeg: Offers gentle depth; just a little makes a difference
• Fresh parsley: Gives a hint of green and freshness if you like; it is optional
• Block of cheese: A quality block melts better than pre-shredded, so grate fresh if you can

How to Make It

Prepare Your Oven:

Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures the dip will bake evenly and get perfectly brown on top

Make the Cheese Mixture:

In a medium bowl, use a sturdy spatula or hand mixer to combine softened cream cheese and sour cream together. Mix until completely smooth and creamy. This is your decadent base that will melt into the most luscious dip

Add Your Flavorings:

Add in your shredded cheddar cheese, cooked cranberry sauce, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix everything to evenly distribute the spices and meld the flavors. Taste and adjust sugar or spices if you prefer a little more or less sweetness

Fill Your Baking Dish:

Scrape the mixture into an oven-safe baking dish. Use the back of your spoon to create an even layer so every bite bakes perfectly

Bake:

Slide your dish into the preheated oven. Bake for twenty to twenty five minutes. Watch for the top to become golden and bubbly. Pay attention to the edges as bubbling tells you the cheese is melted through

Finish and Serve:

Let the dip rest for a couple of minutes out of the oven to set slightly. If you wish, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a bright finish. Serve hot with crackers, crusty bread, or even apple slices for dipping

When I grab fresh cranberries at the market I always think of baking with my grandma in December. Her kitchen always smelled like cinnamon and fruit from her favorite holiday desserts and now this dip feels like my way of keeping that tradition going. I love seeing the surprise on people’s faces when tangy berries mingle with molten cheese.

Flavor Boosters

Let leftovers cool fully before covering tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to three days. When reheating, bake gently at a low temperature or microwave in short bursts to retain the creamy texture. Do not freeze after baking as the cheese can get grainy.

Try swapping white cheddar for extra sharp cheddar or Gouda for a more mellow profile. If you do not have cranberry sauce, you can simmer dried cranberries with water and a touch of honey until plumped. For a lactose free version, use lactose free cheese and yogurt instead of cream cheese or sour cream.

Serving Suggestions

This dip pairs well with sliced baguette, seeded crackers, pretzel chips, or even fresh endive leaves for crunch. To take it up a notch, use it as a warm topping over roasted sweet potatoes at your holiday table.

Cranberries have deep roots in North American winter cooking. From Thanksgiving through New Year's they represent the transition into shorter days and gatherings filled with warmth and comfort. Cheese dips like this have always been a symbol of hospitality in my family; everyone digs in together as soon as the dish hits the table.

Creative Twists

Experiment with adding orange zest to the cheese mixture for a brighter flavor. Try a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch. If you love heat, swap in a pinch of cayenne to play against the sweet and creamy base.

Extra flourishes can include a dusting of coarse sugar or a drizzle of honey before serving. Fresh herb sprigs will give an extra festive look. For spring and summer, switch the cranberry for raspberry preserves.

The very first time I served this at my friends annual ornament exchange several guests asked for the recipe before dessert even came out. A year later someone brought it to the party and the cycle of sharing had begun. If you bring this it will not just feed a crowd it will be remembered.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use whole berry cranberry sauce instead of homemade?

Yes, whole berry cranberry sauce works well for this dip, offering a tart contrast and easy preparation.

→ What are the best cheeses to use for texture?

Mozzarella provides a gooey melt, while white cheddar adds sharpness and a creamy consistency, making them ideal together.

→ How can I make this dish ahead for a party?

Assemble the dip in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready, bake until golden and bubbly for easy entertaining.

→ What can I serve alongside this dip?

Serve with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or vegetable sticks to complement the sweet and savory flavors.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.