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To make this delicious dip, gather these simple ingredients: - 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature - 1 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/4 cup chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish, optional) - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme For extra crunch and flavor, consider adding: - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional, for added texture) This dip pairs well with a range of items. Try serving it with: - Assorted crackers - Toasted baguette slices {{ingredient_image_2}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for a good bake. While the oven warms up, gather your ingredients. You will need cream cheese, cranberry sauce, mozzarella cheese, and green onions. Also, get your garlic powder, black pepper, and dried thyme ready. If you want a crunchy twist, have walnuts on hand. In a medium mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese. Then, pour in the cranberry sauce and add the shredded mozzarella. Next, toss in the chopped green onions. Sprinkle the garlic powder, black pepper, and dried thyme into the bowl. Mix everything until it becomes creamy and smooth. If you choose to add walnuts, fold them in gently at this stage. Now, take a small baking dish and transfer your creamy mixture into it. Spread it out evenly so it cooks well. Place the dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes. You will know it’s ready when the dip is bubbly and the top is golden. After taking it out of the oven, let it cool for 5 minutes. This will help you serve it without burning your fingers! Serve the warm dip with assorted crackers or toasted baguette slices. If you like, add extra chopped green onions for a pop of color. Bake your dip at 350°F (175°C). This temperature helps it bake evenly and stay creamy. Set your timer for 25-30 minutes. Look for bubbling edges and a golden top. This tells you it’s ready to serve. To get a smooth texture, use softened cream cheese. Mix it well with the cranberry sauce and cheese. If you want crunch, add chopped walnuts. Fold them in gently to keep the dip creamy. Let it cool for a few minutes after baking. This makes it easier to scoop without burning your fingers. For a great look, use a nice baking dish. A rustic or colorful dish makes the dip pop. Arrange crackers or toasted baguette slices around it. This invites guests to dive in. You can also sprinkle extra green onions on top for color and flavor. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth and creamy dip. This will help it blend better with the other ingredients. Experiment with Cheese: While mozzarella adds a nice stretch, feel free to mix in other cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a richer flavor profile. Customize Your Garnish: Add a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds or fresh herbs like thyme or parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Make Ahead for Convenience: Prepare the dip a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve for a hassle-free appetizer. {{image_4}} You can change the cheese for a new taste. Try using goat cheese for a tangy kick. Feta cheese adds a salty flavor. Creamy ricotta gives a smooth texture. Mix and match to find your favorite blend. Want to spice things up? Add jalapeños for heat. Fresh herbs like basil or rosemary add zest. For a sweet twist, stir in some honey or maple syrup. Each add-in brings a new layer to your dip. If you want a vegetarian dip, skip the walnuts. Replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower. They add crunch without the nuts. You can also use a nut-free cream cheese alternative to keep it safe for everyone. Enjoy your dip without worry! To keep your baked cranberry cream cheese dip fresh, let it cool down first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy it later without losing its rich flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy the dip again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dip in an oven-safe dish. Heat it for about 15 minutes or until it’s warm and bubbly. You can also use a microwave. Just warm it in short bursts, stirring in between, until it’s hot. If you want to save some dip for later, freezing is a good option. Use a freezer-safe container and store it for up to three months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready, follow the reheating instructions to enjoy it like new. Yes, you can prepare this dip ahead of time. Mix all the ingredients and place them in a baking dish. Cover it and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, bake it as directed. This makes it easy for parties or gatherings. If you want to swap cream cheese, try using Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese. These options will give a creamy texture. However, the taste will change slightly. If you use Greek yogurt, choose plain to avoid added flavors. The dip is done when it bubbles and has a golden brown top. Bake it for about 25-30 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. A light golden color means it’s ready to enjoy. This dip is best served warm. Cold, it may not have the same creamy texture. However, if you prefer it cold, you can chill it and serve it as a spread. Just remember, it won’t have that gooey, melty feel. This blog covered all you need for Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip. We explored the key ingredients, baking steps, and great tips. You can customize the dip for added texture and taste. Remember to store leftovers properly and know how to reheat them. Whether you make it ahead of time or change the flavors, this dip is sure to please. Dive into this easy recipe and enjoy every bite!

Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

A warm and creamy dip featuring the delightful combination of cream cheese, cranberry sauce, and mozzarella, perfect for gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.25 cup chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish, optional)
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 0.5 cup chopped walnuts (optional, for added texture)
  • 1 serving assorted crackers or toasted baguette slices, for serving

Instructions
 

  • Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important to achieve the perfect baked texture for your dip.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the softened cream cheese, cranberry sauce, shredded mozzarella, and chopped green onions. Add the garlic powder, black pepper, and dried thyme, mixing until all ingredients are well incorporated and creamy.
  • If you’re adding walnuts for a delightful crunch, gently fold them into the mixture now, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout.
  • Carefully transfer the creamy mixture into a small baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure even baking.
  • Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for the dip to be bubbly with a lightly golden brown top, indicating it’s ready to be enjoyed.
  • Once baked, remove the dip from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. This resting time will make it easier to serve without burning your fingers!
  • Serve your warm baked dip alongside an assortment of crackers or slices of toasted baguette for an exquisite dipping experience. Garnish with extra chopped green onions if desired for added color and flavor.

Notes

For an appealing display, serve the dip in a rustic or decorative baking dish and arrange the crackers or baguette slices around it on a platter.
Keyword appetizer, cranberry, cream cheese, dip