Easy Sweet and Tangy Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
Make this simple, festive Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip for your next gathering. It features a creamy base topped with a homemade sweet and tart cranberry sauce and crunchy pecans, making it an ideal holiday appetizer.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 (12 ounce) bag fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh green onion (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the cranberry topping: Combine cranberries, water, and brown sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.
- Stir in the orange juice and orange zest into the cranberry sauce. Let the sauce cool completely.
- Prepare the cream cheese base: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture onto a serving plate or shallow bowl, creating an even layer.
- Spoon the cooled cranberry topping evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Sprinkle the toasted pecans over the cranberry topping. If using, sprinkle with green onion.
- Chill the dip for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve cold with crackers, crostini, or fresh fruit for a crowd-pleasing snack.
Notes
- For a warmer dip, you can bake the cream cheese base with a little white cheddar cheese until warm, then top with the cooled cranberry sauce and pecans.
- If you want a spicy kick, add one finely minced jalapeño (seeds removed) to the cranberry sauce while it simmers.
- Toast pecans by spreading them on a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 27
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 55