Name: Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated (divided); 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature (full fat or Neufchatel); ¼ heaping cup cranberry sauce (canned, leftover, or homemade); ½ cup fresh cranberries (may substitute frozen, do not thaw); ⅛-¼ teaspoon nutmeg, fresh or ground (optional); 12 ounces cranberries, fresh or frozen (do not thaw); 1 cup granulated sugar (all natural cane sugar or white sugar); 3 tablespoons fresh squeezed orange juice (naval orange preferred); 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; ¼ cup water

If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s bursting with flavor, I’ve got just the thing for you — a fabulously creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe. This version is a total showstopper, especially during the holidays or any time you want to impress your guests without standing over the stove all day. I love this because it pairs sharp cheddar with luscious cream cheese and the punchy tartness of cranberries, baked right until bubbly and golden. Keep reading, and I’ll share all my favorite tips to help you nail it perfectly every time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Harmony: The perfect balance of tangy cranberries with creamy, sharp cheddar keeps everyone coming back for more.
Effortless Elegance: It’s simple to assemble but looks like you spent hours on an impressive appetizer.
Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Swap in homemade cranberry sauce or use store-bought—either way, it’s delicious.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party, game day, or just a fun get-together, this dip fits right in.

The image shows a white rectangular dish filled with a creamy, melted cheese dip mixed with bright red cranberry pieces, giving it a slightly bumpy texture. On top of the dip, there is a small garnish of green rosemary sprigs and three whole cranberries. A woman's hand with red nail polish is holding a toasted golden-brown baguette slice, scooping up some of the dip. Around the dish, there are several more toasted baguette slices, each golden with a slightly rough texture and sprinkled with coarse salt. The dish is placed on a wooden surface with a red cloth underneath, all set against a white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip, cranberry appetizer, holiday dip recipes, cream cheese dip,Easy festive appetizers

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before diving into the kitchen, let’s chat ingredients. Each one plays a special role in giving this dip its unique texture and flavor. High-quality cream cheese and sharp cheddar are absolute musts here for that creamy yet tangy base. Fresh or frozen cranberries add brightness, and the optional nutmeg adds a warm, cozy note.

Flat lay of a block of creamy full-fat cream cheese, a small mound of shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese, a handful of fresh bright red cranberries, a small white ceramic bowl filled with deep red homemade cranberry sauce, a small white bowl holding golden orange fresh squeezed orange juice, a quarter of a vibrant naval orange, a small bowl with fresh lemon juice, a small white bowl with clear water, and a fresh whole nutmeg fruit placed next to a nutmeg grater, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip, cranberry appetizer, holiday dip recipes, cream cheese dip,Easy festive appetizers

Extra-Sharp Cheddar cheese: Choose a flavorful, aged cheddar for depth; it melts beautifully and complements the cranberries.
Cream cheese (full fat or Neufchatel): Bring to room temperature so it mixes smoothly without lumps.
Cranberry sauce: You can use leftover, canned, or homemade—homemade gives you that fresh zing I adore.
Fresh cranberries: Keep them frozen until ready to use if you don’t have fresh; they add a lovely pop of texture.
Nutmeg (optional): A pinch of fresh or ground nutmeg adds a subtle warming spice—trust me, it’s worth trying.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe is how customizable it is. I’ve played around with it tons, and you’ll find these little tweaks make it perfect for whatever mood or occasion you’re catering to.

Jalapeño Kick: I once added a couple tablespoons of chopped jarred jalapeños for a sweet-heat combo, and my family went crazy for the twist!
Mascarpone Swap: For extra richness, swap out cream cheese for mascarpone. It’s decadently creamy and makes the dip feel ultra-luxe.
Nutty Texture: Toss in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to add a crunchy contrast that brightens up every bite.
Herb Infusion: Fresh rosemary or thyme paired with the cranberries adds an earthy note I adore for autumn gatherings.
Plant-Based Version: Simply swap cream cheese and cheddar with your favorite vegan alternatives, and you’re good to go.
Double the Dip: I’ve doubled the batch for larger crowds using a bigger dish, baking until bubbly and perfectly golden—still reliable every time.

How to Make Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Cranberry Sauce (Optional but Worth It!)

If you’re making your own cranberry sauce (which I highly recommend!), start by setting aside about ½ cup of fresh cranberries for the dip. Combine the rest with sugar, orange juice, lemon juice, and water in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally as the sugar melts and the berries burst—aim for a nice mix of whole bursts and broken-down juices. This homemade sauce gives your dip that fresh, vibrant tang you can’t beat. Pro tip: If you don’t have time, canned or leftover cranberry sauce works beautifully too.

Step 2: Mix Up the Cream Cheese and Cheese

Lightly grease a small 1½-quart baking dish with cooking spray, then heat your oven to 375° F (350° F if you’re using a convection oven). In a medium-large bowl, stir together softened cream cheese and about 1¾ cups of sharp cheddar until creamy and well combined. Add a sprinkling of fresh grated nutmeg if you’re feeling adventurous—I love around ½ teaspoon for that hint of warmth. Mix gently to keep it fluffy and light.

Step 3: Combine Cranberries and Cheese, Then Bake

Fold in the cranberry sauce along with your reserved cranberries. Spread the mix evenly into your baking dish, topping it with the last ¼ cup of shredded cheddar. Bake for 18–23 minutes (or about 15 if you’re convection), keeping an eye on it so it gets bubbly and golden but doesn’t burn. If it starts browning too fast, just tent with foil shiny side down. A few minutes before the dip is done, sprinkle the remaining cheddar on top and remove the foil for a delicious golden finish. Serve immediately with your favorites—crostini, crackers, or pita chips.

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Pro Tips for Making Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

Room Temperature Cream Cheese: I learned that cold cream cheese makes for a lumpy dip; always soften it at room temperature for about an hour first.
Keep Cranberries Whole: I found that reserving some whole cranberries adds a lovely texture pop and surprise bursts of tartness.
Watch Oven Temperature: If your dip browns too quickly, covering loosely with foil saves it from burning while it cooks through.
Fresh Nutmeg Boosts Flavor: Grating fresh nutmeg instead of using ground completely elevates the warm spice notes in this dip.

How to Serve Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I personally love finishing this dip with a little extra sharp cheddar grated on top right before serving—and if you want to be fancy, a quick dusting of fresh nutmeg or a few fresh cranberries scattered on top adds a beautiful contrast. Fresh herbs like rosemary sprigs bring a festive touch and a wonderful aroma that makes guests pause and smile.

Side Dishes

Serving this baked cranberry dip with homemade crostini is my go-to; they soak up that creamy tang so well without overpowering it. I also like to have an assortment of crackers, pita chips, or even some veggie sticks like celery and cucumber slices for a fresh crunch. If you want to keep it gluten-free, carrot chips and bell pepper strips are perfect companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve used a pretty cast-iron skillet or a rustic ceramic ramekin to bake and serve this dip, placing it on a wooden board with little bowls of assorted dippers surrounding it. It instantly ups the presentation and makes your spread look so curated! I even like to garnish with fresh thyme or sprinkle on chopped nuts for that gourmet vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dip actually keeps really well in the fridge once cooled. I store leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days. Just be sure to cover it tightly so it doesn’t dry out or pick up fridge odors. When I make it ahead of time, I assemble everything but hold off on baking until guests arrive for fresher results.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this cranberry cream cheese dip because the texture can get a bit grainy and watery once thawed. But if you do want to freeze it, make sure it’s tightly sealed in a freezer-safe container and thaw gently overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers by placing the dip in an oven-safe dish, covering loosely with foil, and warming it at 250°F for about 20-30 minutes until bubbly again. For a quick fix, I also zap it in the microwave in short 30-45 second bursts, stirring in between, to keep it from overheating or drying out. Serve it as soon as it’s heated through for best texture.

FAQs

Can I make the cranberry sauce ahead of time for the dip?

Absolutely! Making the cranberry sauce ahead is a great idea; just let it cool completely before mixing it into the cream cheese. It actually develops more flavor when it sits in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, making your dip even more delicious when baked.
What’s the best cheese to use in this baked dip?

I recommend extra-sharp aged cheddar because it melts nicely and offers a bold flavor that complements the tart cranberries perfectly. Avoid pre-shredded cheeses that contain anti-caking agents, as they can affect the dip’s texture.
Can this dip be made vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute cream cheese and cheddar with your favorite plant-based alternatives. Choose brands that melt well and have a tangy flavor to mimic the original. Add some nutritional yeast for extra cheesiness if desired.
What should I serve with this dip?

Think crispy crostini, pita chips, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks like celery, carrots, and cucumber. Sweet dippers like graham crackers or cinnamon pita chips also pair beautifully if you want a contrast to the savory dip.

Final Thoughts

I honestly can’t get enough of this Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that always feels special yet so simple to make, and the flavor combo blows everyone away. Whether you’re bringing it to a holiday party or cozying up for a movie night, this dip is the perfect crowd-pleaser that I never tire of making. Give it a try—you’ll want to make it again and again, trust me!