Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip – Sweet, Savory, and Perfectly Festive

This Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip is the ultimate holiday appetizer — creamy, tangy, and bursting with the sweet-tart flavor of cranberries. Warm, melted cream cheese forms the perfect base for a vibrant cranberry topping that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Served with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or pita chips, this dish brings a touch of elegance and comfort to any celebration.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, a cozy dinner, or just want a simple appetizer that feels special, this dip is a guaranteed hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive & Flavorful: Perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and tangy flavors.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and bakes in one dish.
• Crowd Favorite: Warm, cheesy, and impossible to resist.
• Perfect for the Holidays: Cranberries add seasonal charm and color.

Ingredients

• 8 oz light cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp orange juice (or water)
• ½ tsp orange zest
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Optional garnish: chopped pecans, rosemary sprigs, or a drizzle of honey

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish or pie plate.

2. Make the Cranberry Mixture
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and zest. Cook for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and form a thick sauce. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Base
In a bowl, mix cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and honey until smooth and creamy. Spread evenly into the prepared baking dish.

4. Add the Cranberry Topping
Spoon the cranberry mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.

5. Bake
Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until bubbly around the edges and warm throughout.

6. Serve
Top with chopped pecans or a drizzle of honey for extra texture and sweetness. Serve warm with crackers, crostini, or pita chips.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 160
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fat: 9g
Protein: 4g
Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Cranberries: They create the best color and texture.
• Adjust Sweetness: Add more or less honey depending on how tart you like it.
• Serve Warm: This dip tastes best right from the oven.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the cranberry topping up to two days in advance, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.

Why This Recipe Works

The creamy richness of the warm cheese pairs perfectly with the bright, tangy cranberry topping for a festive balance of sweet and savory. It’s visually stunning, quick to make, and sure to impress guests — all while being wonderfully comforting.

Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip is everything you want in a holiday appetizer — creamy, colorful, and bursting with festive flavor. Simple yet sophisticated, it’s the kind of dish that keeps everyone coming back for “just one more bite.” Serve it warm and watch it disappear in minutes!