If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that delivers both festive flair and serious comfort, Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip will quickly earn a permanent spot in your entertaining rotation. Imagine creamy, melt-in-your-mouth layers contrasted by bright bursts of tart cranberry and a dreamy golden topping. It’s lusciously decadent yet delightfully easy — the type of dish you’ll want to share with friends and family around a cozy table, holiday or not. With just a handful of pantry staples, this dip brings color, flavor, and that special wow factor to any gathering.

Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the appeal of Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is just how simple the ingredient list is. Each element has a job to do: from creaminess to tanginess to little gems of color and sparkle. Here’s what you’ll need, plus why it deserves a spot in the recipe.

Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The dip’s luscious base — make sure it’s soft so your mixture turns out smooth and creamy.
Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds fresh tang and lightens the texture perfectly.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into gooey richness and gives the top its golden, irresistible finish.
Cooked cranberry sauce (1/2 cup): Provides sweet-tart pops of flavor and that lovely garnet color — use whole berry sauce if you like bursts of fruit.
Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Brings a warm note of sweetness to balance the tangy cranberries.
Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Warms every bite with gently spicy, cozy aroma.
Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch, but it makes the flavor so much richer and deeper.
Fresh parsley, chopped (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds a pop of green for color and freshness when serving.

How to Make Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your dip bakes evenly and develops that gorgeous golden top you want. A hot oven means bubbly, melty cheese and perfectly warm dip every time.

Step 2: Mix the Dip Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, cranberry sauce, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Resist the urge to skip the softening step for your cream cheese — it helps everything blend smoothly without lumps. Mix until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated and the mixture looks creamy with flecks of ruby red cranberry throughout.

Step 3: Transfer to a Baking Dish

Scoop the well-blended mixture into your favorite baking dish. A shallow dish helps the top get extra golden. Just smooth out the surface with a spatula; don’t worry about being too precise — the more rustic, the better.

Step 4: Bake the Dip

Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbling edge and a beautifully browned top. The aroma of melting cheese and cinnamon is your invitation to get excited!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

If you want to add a finishing touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a lovely contrast of green against the rosy dip. Give it just a minute or two to cool so it sets a bit, then dive in!

How to Serve Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

Garnishes

That final sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds vibrant color but also a little herbal brightness that pops against the rich cheese and sweet cranberry. You can also top the Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip with a bit more cranberry sauce for extra shine or even some toasted pecans for crunch if you want to go the extra mile.

Side Dishes

This dip is a natural companion to a variety of dippers. Serve with sturdy crackers, toasted baguette slices, crispy pita chips, or crunchy crudités like carrot and celery sticks. For a festive twist, try rosemary crackers or sweet potato chips, both of which play well with the flavors of the dip.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd, try baking the dip in individual ramekins for personal appetizer portions. For a rustic touch, present it right in a small cast iron skillet. Or, spoon the Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip into a hollowed sourdough round for a stunning centerpiece that doubles as an edible bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (and that’s a big “if”!), simply spoon the remaining Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well in the fridge for up to three days and makes an outstanding snack when warmed up.

Freezing

You can freeze this dip either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly or store in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or baking fresh to serve. Just know that the texture may be even creamier when freshly baked.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, place the dip in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes or until hot and melty again. For smaller portions, a quick zap in the microwave works well too — just heat in short bursts and stir as you go, so everything heats evenly.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese or sour cream?

Absolutely! Low-fat versions will still give you a delicious result with slightly less richness, though the texture might be a bit lighter. If you’re after extra creaminess, stick with full-fat, but feel free to experiment based on your preferences.

What can I use if I don’t have cranberry sauce?

No cranberry sauce on hand? Try a good-quality raspberry or cherry preserves for a different but equally tasty twist. You’ll still get that beautiful fruitiness and vibrant color.

Is this dip gluten-free?

The dip itself is naturally gluten-free; just pay attention to the dippers you choose. Sliced veggies, gluten-free crackers, or chips work perfectly if you need to keep things gluten-free for your guests.

Can I make Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the dip a day in advance and refrigerate it (unbaked). When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and bake until bubbly and golden. Fresh-baked is always best, but it reheats like a dream too.

What type of cheddar cheese is best?

Both mild and sharp cheddar work beautifully, but I recommend using sharp if you love a bigger, bolder flavor. Freshly shredded from a block will melt the smoothest and won’t have any extra anti-caking ingredients.

Final Thoughts

Once you try Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip, you’ll find yourself looking for more occasions to make it. It’s rich, vibrant, and always a conversation starter at the table. Give it a go the next time you want something a little special and don’t be surprised if it disappears faster than you’d planned!