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Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

A warm and comforting cranberry cream cheese dip, perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in. Easy to make and delicious with crackers or pretzels.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Dip
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup Sugar
  • 1/4 cup Sour Cream
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1 cup Fresh or Frozen Cranberries If frozen, do not thaw
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Pecans or Walnuts optional
  • 1 tablespoon Orange Zest optional, adds a bright citrus flavor

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Oven-safe Dish (small baking dish or ramekin)
  • Electric mixer (optional)

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. An electric mixer works best, but you can do it by hand.
  3. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Gently fold in the cranberries, nuts (if using), and orange zest (if using).
  5. Pour the mixture into an oven-safe dish.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is heated through and the edges are slightly golden brown. Don't overbake, as it will become dry.
  7. Let the dip cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with crackers, graham crackers, pretzels, or your favorite chips.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use whole milk cream cheese. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.