Description
This Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip combines tart cranberries, creamy cheese, and crunchy pecans for the ultimate sweet-savory holiday appetizer. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any winter celebration, it’s festive, simple, and irresistibly delicious—ready in under 30 minutes of active prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Cranberry Topping:
- 12 oz frozen whole cranberries, thawed (or fresh cranberries in season)
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup apricot preserves or jam
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- For Assembly:
- 2 bricks (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- Buttery crackers or pretzel chips, for serving
- Fresh mint, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Cranberry Mixture: Add cranberries, sugar, apricot preserves, and water to a large saucepan.
- Cook: Heat over medium-high until the mixture begins to boil. Stir constantly for about 5 minutes until cranberries pop and mixture thickens.
- Add Pecans: Remove from heat and stir in chopped pecans. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Base: Place softened cream cheese bricks on a serving platter and gently press the center to create a small divot.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the chilled cranberry mixture over the cream cheese. Garnish with mint if desired and serve with crackers or pretzels.
Notes
Make the cranberry topping ahead and refrigerate separately for easy assembly. Always let cream cheese soften naturally for the smoothest texture—avoid microwaving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Holiday, Dip, Cranberry Recipes
- Method: Stovetop and Assembly
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of recipe
- Calories: 156
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 138mg
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1.6g
- Protein: 2g
Keywords: cranberry cream cheese dip, holiday appetizer, cranberry recipes, easy dip, party food, cream cheese recipes