Name: Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread with Almonds and Scallions Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed; 5 Tbsp. granulated sugar; 2 Tbsp. brandy; 1/2 cup cold water; 2 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, room temperature; 6 Tbsp. heavy cream; 2 tsp. finely grated lemon zest; 1/4 tsp. kosher salt; 1 Tbsp. sliced almonds or crushed walnuts; 2 tsp. finely sliced scallions; 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper (optional); Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling; Assorted crackers or bagel chips, for serving

If you’ve been looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s both festive and unexpectedly delicious, you’re going to want to try this Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread with Almonds and Scallions Recipe. I absolutely love how the tart cranberries meld with creamy, dreamy cheese, all jazzed up by crunchy almonds and fresh scallions. It’s one of those recipes that’s quick to whip up but leaves everyone asking for more — honestly, my family goes crazy for this during the holidays or whenever we have friends over!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with Flavor: The combination of tart cranberries and smooth cream cheese creates a perfect balance you won’t get bored of.
Easy to Make: This spread comes together in under 30 minutes — perfect for last-minute entertaining.
Versatile and Crowd Pleasing: Serve it on crackers, bagel chips, or toast and watch it disappear fast.
Textural Delight: Crunchy almonds and fresh scallions give it that extra pop everyone loves.

A single round toasted bread slice with a light golden brown color and airy texture forms the base. On top, there is a thick smooth layer of creamy white cheese, partly covered with a glossy deep red berry sauce that drips slightly over the edges. A thin almond slice and two small bright green leaves rest on top, adding fresh detail. A small dollop of the same red sauce appears nearby on the white plate, which sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread with Almonds and Scallions, festive appetizer, holiday cheese spread, cranberry cheese dip, quick party appetizer

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here brings something special to the table — from the zing of the cranberries to the richness of cream cheese. When you shop, I recommend grabbing fresh cranberries if you can, but frozen works great too, just thaw and drain well.

Flat lay of fresh bright red cranberries, a wedge of creamy soft cream cheese, a small pile of sparkling granulated sugar, thinly sliced vibrant green scallions, a scattering of golden sliced almonds, a lemon with a few pieces of finely grated lemon zest, a small splash of clear amber brandy in a glass drop, and a swirl of thick white heavy cream, all beautifully arranged with careful spacing and natural light highlighting their textures, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread with Almonds and Scallions, festive appetizer, holiday cheese spread, cranberry cheese dip, quick party appetizer

Fresh or frozen cranberries: Tart and vibrant, they’re the star of this recipe. I like to use fresh when in season for best texture.
Granulated sugar: Helps balance the tartness of the cranberries for a smooth, approachable flavor.
Brandy: Adds a subtle warmth and depth. If you prefer, you can substitute with orange juice or skip it altogether.
Cream cheese: Room temperature for easy blending; it makes the spread creamy and smooth.
Heavy cream: Gives a light fluffiness, turning the spread into something truly dreamy.
Lemon zest: Brings a bright, fresh note that lifts all the flavors.
Kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor without overpowering.
Sliced almonds or crushed walnuts: For crunch and nuttiness. Almonds are my favorite, but walnuts add a nice earthiness too.
Finely sliced scallions: Adds a mild onion kick and a gorgeous pop of green color.
Freshly ground black pepper (optional): A little touch rounds out the flavor. I usually add it, but feel free to skip.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Just a drizzle for richness and sheen that finishes this spread beautifully.
Assorted crackers or bagel chips: Choose your favorite for serving — something sturdy enough to hold the creamy mixture.

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

I love that this Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread with Almonds and Scallions Recipe is super adaptable depending on what you have on hand or your mood. I’ve tried a few tweaks that totally elevate it or suit different dietary needs, so don’t hesitate to experiment!

Swap nuts: I once swapped almonds for pecans and it added a lovely buttery note my guests adored.
Add herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary can bring an earthy aroma that pairs wonderfully with the cranberries.
Make it dairy-free: Use vegan cream cheese and a plant-based cream to accommodate dairy sensitivities.
Extra kick: A pinch of cayenne pepper adds subtle heat, which I discovered surprisingly complements the sweetness.

How to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread with Almonds and Scallions Recipe

Step 1: Simmer the Cranberries into a Tangy Sauce

Start by placing your cranberries, sugar, and about half a cup of cold water into a small saucepan over medium-high heat. As the cranberries begin to pop and soften, stir occasionally so nothing sticks. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture thickens into a sauce-like consistency, usually around 12 to 14 minutes. This part fills your kitchen with a fantastic aroma — trust me, it keeps me coming back to the stove just for that! Then, stir in brandy and let it cook for another couple of minutes until most of the liquid evaporates. Transfer it to a bowl and let it cool while you move on to the cream cheese.

Step 2: Whip the Cream Cheese Mixture Fluffy and Dreamy

Using a handheld mixer or stand mixer, beat the room-temperature cream cheese with heavy cream, lemon zest, and kosher salt. I usually start on low speed to avoid splatter, then crank it up until the mixture is smooth, silky, and fluffy — about one minute. This is where the magic happens to create that perfectly light base that contrasts so nicely with the tangy cranberry sauce.

Step 3: Assemble and Garnish for the Perfect Presentation

Spoon the fluffy cream cheese spread into your serving dish, then dollop or spoon the cranberry sauce on top — don’t worry about making it too neat; I love the rustic look. Sprinkle almonds and sliced scallions over everything, season with a bit of black pepper if you like a touch of spice, and finish with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Serve alongside your favorite crackers or bagel chips, and get ready for compliments!

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Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread with Almonds and Scallions Recipe

Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Bringing cream cheese to room temp is a game changer — it whips up so much smoother and fluffier.
Don’t Rush the Cranberry Sauce: Letting the cranberries fully break down and the sauce thicken adds amazing depth instead of a watery mix.
Chop Nuts Just Before Serving: To keep that wonderful crunch, I always add almonds or walnuts right before serving rather than mixing them in early.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: After mixing everything, give it a quick taste — sometimes a pinch more salt or lemon zest really brightens it up.

How to Serve Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread with Almonds and Scallions Recipe

Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread with Almonds and Scallions Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I genuinely love finishing this spread with a drizzle of good quality extra-virgin olive oil — it adds shine and silkiness that’s just irresistible. A few extra chopped scallions sprinkled on top freshen things up visually and flavor-wise. Sometimes, I even add a few whole almonds for extra texture and decoration.

Side Dishes

This spread pairs beautifully with a crunchy cracker platter or a simple veggie tray for a bit of balance. My go-to is classic water crackers or multigrain crispbreads. Also, it’s a lovely companion to charcuterie boards — try adding some sliced apples and pears to serve alongside for a well-rounded snack or appetizer.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays, I like to serve this spread in a pretty glass bowl or even hollow out a small round loaf of bread to use as a serving vessel — it’s always a hit and looks so inviting. Another fun idea is layering cream cheese and cranberry sauce in a clear trifle dish to show off the vibrant colors. Trust me, presentation can turn this simple recipe into a festive star!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After serving, I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The cream cheese spread and cranberry sauce can separate a bit, so just give it a gentle stir before serving again. It stays fresh and delicious for about 3 to 4 days, so it’s great for prepping in advance.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing the cranberry sauce portion alone, and it freezes well, but I recommend making the cream cheese spread fresh. If you freeze the entire spread, the texture of the cream cheese changes and becomes grainy upon thawing.

Reheating

This spread isn’t really meant to be reheated since it’s best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you want to warm the cranberry sauce, do so gently on the stove and then mix it into freshly whipped cream cheese spread for best texture.

FAQs

Can I make the Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread with Almonds and Scallions Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the cranberry sauce a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. The cream cheese spread is best made the same day, but you can prepare it a few hours ahead and keep chilled until serving.
What can I substitute for brandy if I don’t drink alcohol?

If you prefer to avoid alcohol, orange juice or apple cider vinegar (a splash, not too much) work well as substitutes, adding brightness without the alcohol flavor.
Can I use this spread on anything besides crackers?

Yes! It’s fantastic on bagels, toasted English muffins, as a sandwich spread, or even dolloped over roasted vegetables for an unexpected twist.
How do I make this recipe vegan?

Swap the cream cheese and heavy cream with your favorite plant-based alternatives—like vegan cream cheese and coconut cream—and ensure your drizzle and nuts are vegan-friendly.
What’s the best type of cream cheese to use?

Use a good quality, full-fat cream cheese for best taste and texture. Low-fat versions tend to lack the richness and fluffiness that make this spread shine.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread with Almonds and Scallions Recipe has become such a staple in my home, especially around the holidays. It’s one of those easy yet elegant recipes that always impresses, and it feels like a little gift every time I set it out. I hope you give it a whirl — whether for a festive gathering or an everyday snack — because I think you’ll discover a new favorite just like I did. Truly, it’s a delicious way to brighten any table and moment.