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Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

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4.1 from 29 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A tangy and creamy Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip perfect for holiday gatherings or any snack time. This easy-to-make dip combines fresh cranberries simmered with a hint of jalapeño for subtle heat, layered over smooth cream cheese, and topped with green onions. Served with crackers and apple slices, it offers a delightful balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors.

Ingredients

Cranberry Sauce

  • 6 oz. fresh cranberries
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 jalapeño (optional)
  • 1/8 tsp salt

Dip Base and Garnish

  • 8 oz. cream cheese
  • 3 green onions, sliced

For Serving

  • 1 box crackers
  • 1 apple, sliced

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cranberries: Rinse the fresh cranberries and add them to a small sauce pot along with the sugar, water, and salt to start building the sauce base.
  2. Prep Jalapeño: If using, remove the stem from the jalapeño, slice it lengthwise, scrape out some or all of the seeds depending on your spice preference, then finely dice the pepper. Add the diced jalapeño to the sauce pot.
  3. Cook Cranberry Sauce: Stir to combine all ingredients in the pot and cover with a lid. Place over medium-high heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, stir well, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
  4. Cool Sauce: Turn off the heat and transfer the hot cranberry sauce to the refrigerator to cool completely. This prevents it from melting the cream cheese when assembled.
  5. Prepare Cream Cheese: Place the cream cheese block on a small plate or shallow bowl. Use the back of a spoon to make an indentation in the center, creating space for the cranberry sauce.
  6. Assemble the Dip: Pour the cooled cranberry sauce over the cream cheese, allowing it to fill the indentation and spread slightly. Sprinkle the sliced green onions over the top for freshness and crunch.
  7. Serve: Serve the cranberry cream cheese dip chilled or at room temperature alongside crackers and sliced apples for dipping.

Notes

  • You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar according to taste.
  • For less heat, remove all jalapeño seeds; keep some or all seeds for more spice.
  • The dip can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated to meld flavors.
  • If you prefer, substitute cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free version.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://saraflavors.com/cranberry-cream-cheese-dip-recipe/