Name: You’ve Gotta Try This Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce (homemade or canned); 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese (or mozzarella); 2 tablespoons chopped green onions; Optional: pinch of salt, black pepper to taste; Cooking spray or butter for greasing

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Okay, I have to tell you about this little number I whipped up last weekend—it’s this warm, creamy, sweet-and-savory cranberry cream cheese dip that’s totally the star of the table every time. I made it for a last-minute get-together and people were hovering around it like bees on honey. It’s cozy, festive, and ridiculously easy.

A Cozy Dip That Tastes Like the Holidays

This baked cranberry cream cheese dip is rich, tangy, just a little sweet, and the cranberries give it that perfect pop of tartness. The whole thing comes together with just a handful of ingredients, and once it’s out of the oven, it’s bubbly, golden, and totally irresistible. It’s perfect for holiday parties, Sunday snacking, or anytime you want something warm and cheesy to scoop up with crackers or crusty bread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dip checks all the boxes. It’s:

Ridiculously easy to make
A total crowd-pleaser
Sweet, tart, creamy, and just the right amount of savory
Made with ingredients you can keep on hand for last-minute guests
Perfect with crackers, crostini, or even fresh fruit slices

Ingredients (Just a Peek!)

Here’s what you’ll need to pull this together: cream cheese, cranberry sauce (yes, the canned stuff works just fine), shredded white cheddar, green onions, and a few pantry staples. You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements down in the recipe card below.

Preheat and Prep Your Baking Dish

Get your oven going at 375°F and lightly grease a small baking dish or pie plate. This helps everything bake up golden without sticking.

Soften the Cream Cheese

Pop the cream cheese in a bowl and let it soften a bit so it spreads more easily. You can microwave it for a few seconds if you’re in a hurry. Then spread it evenly into the bottom of your prepared dish.

Add the Cranberry Sauce

Spoon your cranberry sauce right over the cream cheese layer. You can use homemade if you have it, or grab a can from the pantry. I like the whole-berry style for a bit more texture.

Sprinkle on the Cheese

Next, layer on a generous handful of shredded white cheddar (or mozzarella if that’s what you’ve got). It melts like a dream and balances the sweetness of the cranberries beautifully.

Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Pop the dish into the oven and bake for about 15–20 minutes, until the edges are bubbling and the top starts to get that irresistible golden color.

Top with Green Onions and Serve Warm

Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle on some chopped green onions for color and a little fresh bite. Then serve it warm with crackers, bread, or anything else you like to dip.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Let the cream cheese soften fully—it makes spreading way easier
Don’t skip the green onion garnish, it really brings the whole thing together
Use a small baking dish so the layers stay thick and gooey
You can prep the whole dish ahead and bake just before serving

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Try goat cheese instead of cream cheese for a tangier version
Add a pinch of chopped rosemary or thyme for a more savory twist
Use a spicy cranberry chutney for a little heat
Swap white cheddar for brie or even gouda

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This dip is a dream with buttery crackers, toasted baguette slices, or sturdy chips. For a fresh contrast, serve it with sliced apples or pears. It also makes a great addition to a holiday appetizer spread alongside mixed nuts and charcuterie.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you somehow have leftovers (doubtful!), cover and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly again, or microwave individual portions for about 30–45 seconds.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble everything up to a day ahead, then bake just before serving.

Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?
Of course! Any kind of cranberry sauce works, just make sure it’s not too runny.

What if I don’t like green onions?
You can skip them or swap with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish and keep an eye on the baking time—it may need a few extra minutes.

Conclusion

Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy weekend hangout, this baked cranberry cream cheese dip is one of those recipes you’ll keep in your back pocket forever. It’s simple, comforting, and always a hit. Let me know if you try it—I’d love to hear what you pair it with!

You’ve Gotta Try This Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

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This warm, gooey dip combines tangy cream cheese, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, and melty white cheddar for a festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer. It’s the perfect cozy dish for holidays or gatherings, served with crackers, bread, or fresh fruit.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
Optional: pinch of salt, black pepper to taste
Cooking spray or butter for greasing

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a small baking dish or pie plate.
Spread softened cream cheese evenly across the bottom of the dish.
Spoon cranberry sauce over the cream cheese layer.
Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the cranberry layer.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the top is lightly golden.
Remove from oven, top with chopped green onions, and serve warm with crackers, bread, or sliced fruit.