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Easy 15-Minute Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Appetizer, Cranberry Recipes, Dip, Holiday
Cuisine: American
Calories: 156
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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)

Method
 

  1. Prepare Cranberry Mixture: Add cranberries, sugar, apricot preserves, and water to a large saucepan.
  2. Cook: Heat over medium-high until the mixture begins to boil. Stir constantly for about 5 minutes until cranberries pop and mixture thickens.
  3. Add Pecans: Remove from heat and stir in chopped pecans. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled.
  4. Prepare Cream Cheese Base: Place softened cream cheese bricks on a serving platter and gently press the center to create a small divot.
  5. 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.