Cranberry Sauce Cream Cheese Dip
If you’re hosting for the holidays, this baked Cranberry Sauce Cream Cheese Dip is the ultimate appetizer! It starts with a creamy layer of Philadelphia cream cheese, feta, and a hint of jalapeño, topped with cranberry sauce and toasted pecans.
- Cranberry Sauce: This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. For added convenience, you can opt for canned cranberry sauce. However, if you prefer making your own, I have an easy maple cranberry sauce recipe that pairs perfectly with this dip!
- Easy Appetizer: This cranberry cream cheese dip is the ultimate hassle-free appetizer, requiring minimal prep and cooking. Simply combine the ingredients in a food processor, then spread the mixture into your favourite baking dish.
- Make ahead: Easy appetizers are my go-to during the busy holiday season, especially when you want to focus on hosting rather than being stuck in the kitchen. For this cranberry dip, simply prepare the cream cheese layer, spread it in a baking dish, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Once your guests arrive, top it with cranberry sauce and pecans. The whole process takes less than 15 minutes!
Ingredients For Cranberry Sauce Cream Cheese Dip
- Cream cheese – You’ll need a block of full-fat cream cheese but I recommend using Philadelphia Original. Ensure it’s at room temperature before adding it to your food processor for easier mixing.
- Feta – Choose any feta in brine, as the extra moisture makes the dip creamier.
- Jalapeno – For mild spice, remove the seeds from the jalapeños before adding them. You can also substitute fresh jalapeños with jarred or canned ones, but just give them a rough dice before tossing them into the food processor.
- Seasonings – This recipe uses garlic powder, parsley flakes, salt and pepper.
- Cheese – Use mozzarella cheese, or mix it with other types of cheese. I like to use half-sharp cheddar and half mozzarella for extra flavour.
- Red pepper jelly – Any brand of red pepper jelly works.
- Cranberry sauce – Use homemade cranberry sauce or canned cranberry sauce.
- Pecans—Pecans add a great crunch and texture to this dip, so don’t skip them! If you don’t have pecans, you can substitute them with pistachios, walnuts, or cashews.
- Honey and Paprika – To add more flavor, I mix honey and a dash of paprika with the pecans. It creates a delicious sweet and savory taste.
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1 and 2: Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a food processor, combine cream cheese, feta, red pepper jelly, jalapeño, mozzarella, garlic powder, parsley flakes, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until everything is smooth and well-mixed.
Step 3 and 4: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 15–20 minutes.
Step 5: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Over medium-low heat, toast the pecans until they become fragrant. Remove from the heat and stir in honey and paprika until the pecans are fully coated. Spread them out on the parchment paper and set aside.
Step 6: Once the cheese mixture is done baking, spread cranberry sauce over the top and sprinkle the toasted pecans on top. Serve immediately with slices of baguette or crackers.
Serving Suggestions
Baguettes – Serve fresh baguettes alongside the dip. I love slicing the baguettes and toasting them in a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil right before serving. Alternatively, you can line the baguette slices on a sheet pan, drizzle with oil, and toast them in the oven.
Crackers – Use your favorite crackers. Salty or rosemary crackers would be great. Or serve with pretzel crisps.
Vegetables – Chop up a fresh tray of carrots, broccoli, and celery sticks.
Chips – Tortilla or pita chips
More Appetizer Recipes
Cranberry Sauce Cream Cheese Dip FAQ
Can I prepare this ahead?
Yes! Assemble the cream cheese mixture, spread it onto a baking dish, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
Will canned cranberry sauce work?
This recipe works great with either homemade or canned cranberry sauce.
How many people will this appetizer serve?
This recipe is a great appetizer for about 5 to 8 people, but you can double or triple it if you’re hosting a crowd.
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Cranberry Sauce Cream Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 8 oz Cream cheese, room temperature
- 100 grams Feta
- 1/4 cup Red pepper jelly
- 1 Jalapeño, diced
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Parsley flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1/2 cup Pecans, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup Cranberry sauce, see notes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a food processor, combine cream cheese, feta, red pepper jelly, jalapeño, mozzarella, garlic powder, parsley flakes, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until everything is smooth and well-mixed.8 oz Cream cheese,, 100 grams Feta, 1/4 cup Red pepper jelly, 1 Jalapeño,, 1 cup Mozzarella cheese,, 1 teaspoon Garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Parsley flakes, 1/2 teaspoon Salt, 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 15–20 minutes.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Over medium-low heat, toast the pecans until they become fragrant. Remove from the heat and stir in honey and paprika until the pecans are fully coated. Spread them out on the parchment paper and set aside.1/2 cup Pecans,, 1 tablespoon Honey, 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Once the cheese mixture is done baking, spread cranberry sauce over the top and sprinkle the toasted pecans on top. Serve immediately with slices of baguette or crackers.1 cup Cranberry sauce,
Notes
- Use homemade or canned cranberry sauce. If you’re looking for a homemade recipe, try out my maple cranberry sauce
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