Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip appears at holiday gatherings for years, always the first appetizer to disappear!
This creamy, savory-sweet combo with rosemary and garlic will make your taste buds dance.
There’s something magical about that moment when the golden, bubbly cheese meets the tangy cranberry sauce.
The secret trick that elevates this dip from good to absolutely unforgettable lies in how the ingredients are layered.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Crushed dried rosemary
- Garlic powder
- Whole berry cranberry sauce
- Fresh cranberries
- Crackers or bread for serving
Recommended Tools
Preparing this delicious Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is so much easier when you have the right tools on hand. With these kitchen essentials, you’ll be able to mix, bake and serve this crowd-pleasing appetizer without any stress or mess.
- 8×8-inch Baking Dish:
The perfect size for this dip recipe, allowing even heat distribution for that beautiful golden-brown top.
- Electric Mixer:
Makes quick work of beating the cream cheese until smooth and incorporating all those delicious ingredients.
- Silicone Spatula:
Essential for folding in the cranberry sauce and fresh cranberries without overmixing the dip.
- Measuring Cups:
Ensures you add the right amounts of mozzarella and cranberries for the perfect balance of flavors.
- Measuring Spoons:
Helps you measure those small but mighty seasoning ingredients like rosemary and garlic powder.
- Cheese Grater:
If you’re starting with a block of mozzarella, a good grater makes shredding those 3 cups quick and easy.
Instructions for Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
Let’s get this amazing dip in the oven! Grab your ingredients and follow these simple steps:
- First things first – preheat your oven to 375°F and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish. This prevents any sticky situations later!
- Take your 2 packages (8 oz each) of cream cheese (make sure they’re at room temperature!) and beat them until smooth and creamy. No lumps allowed in our dip!
- Now add 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ teaspoon of crushed dried rosemary, and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder to the cream cheese. Mix everything well until it’s beautifully combined.
- Here comes the star of the show! Gently fold in ½ cup of canned whole berry cranberry sauce and ⅔ cup of fresh cranberries. The combination of sweet and tart cranberries will make your taste buds dance!
- Transfer this gorgeous mixture to your greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining cup of mozzarella cheese on top – this will create that irresistible cheesy pull when serving!
- Pop it in the oven for 22-26 minutes, until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve this delicious creation HOT with crackers or crusty bread for dipping. Trust me, your guests will be fighting over the last scoop!
Don’t wait too long before diving in – this dip is at its absolute best when served immediately while it’s still warm and gooey!
Pro Tips
For a smoother texture with no lumps, let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for at least two hours before mixing—cold cream cheese won’t blend properly with the other ingredients.
Substitutions & Variations
This versatile cranberry cream cheese dip can be customized in numerous ways to suit different tastes preferences or dietary needs.
- Savory Herb Version: Replace rosemary with a mix of thyme and sage for a more complex herb profile and add 2 tablespoons of chopped caramelized onions to the base.
- Spicy Jalapeño Twist: Mix in 2-3 tablespoons of finely diced jalapeños and substitute pepper jack for half the mozzarella for a kick of heat that contrasts with the sweet cranberries.
- Mediterranean Style: Replace cranberries with sun-dried tomatoes, add 1/4 cup chopped kalamata olives and use feta instead of mozzarella for a tangy Mediterranean flavor.
- Vegan Alternative: Use plant-based cream cheese and vegan mozzarella shreds to create a dairy-free version that maintains the creamy texture.
- Holiday Spiced: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the base mixture for warm holiday flavors that complement the cranberries beautifully.
- Nutty Crunch Topping: Sprinkle 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for added texture and nutty flavor.
Leftovers & Storage Tips
While this creamy cranberry dip rarely lasts long at gatherings, proper storage becomes essential if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers.
Transfer any remaining dip to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the microwave or oven until just warmed through—but don’t overdo it! The texture won’t be quite as creamy as fresh.
Serve With Holiday Appetizers
Baked Cranberry <strong>Cream Cheese</strong> Dip
A warm, creamy dip featuring cream cheese, mozzarella and tangy cranberries perfect for holiday gatherings.
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, room temperature
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ tsp crushed dried rosemary
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ cup canned whole berry cranberry sauce
- ⅔ cup fresh cranberries
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease an 8x8-inch baking dish.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add 2 cups mozzarella, rosemary, and garlic powder; mix well.
- Fold in cranberry sauce and fresh cranberries. Transfer to baking dish.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top. Bake 22-26 minutes until edges brown.
- Serve hot with crackers or bread.
