Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
User Reviews
5
Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
Description
The Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip starts with fresh cranberries simmered with sugar and orange juice until the berries burst and the mixture thickens into a vibrant, tangy sauce. Once cooled and chilled, this sauce is spooned over cream cheese, creating a layered dish where the creamy, mild base complements the sharp, fruity topping. The preparation balances textures—smooth cream cheese and a slightly chunky cranberry compote. Served with graham crackers, it provides a sweet and tart combination suitable for casual snacking or entertaining.
The cooking method focuses on gently simmering the berries and stirring frequently until they break down and thicken. This straightforward process brings out the natural pectin in cranberries to create a sauce without additional thickeners. Chilling the dip overnight melds the flavors and firms the texture. The recipe is simple but requires planning ahead for cooling and refrigeration.
This dip can be presented as part of a snack or appetizer spread, where the graham crackers add a mild crunch and complement the fruity and creamy elements. The recipe suggests serving it chilled, highlighting the refreshing qualities of the cranberry sauce layered over the room temperature cream cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cranberries fresh
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese
- graham cracker for serving
Instructions
- In a large sauce pot, add the cranberries, sugar, and orange juice. Place over medium heat. Cook, stirring often, for 12-15 minutes. It’s done when all the cranberries have popped, the juice is bubbling, and the sauce is thick.
- Cool at room temperature for 15 minutes. Transfer to a sealable container. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to two days.
- Place the cream cheese on a serving plate. Stir the cranberry sauce and spoon it over the cream cheese. Serve with graham crackers.
Notes
- Prepare the cranberry sauce ahead to allow thorough chilling and flavor melding.
- Serve with graham crackers or substitute mild crackers for dipping as desired.
- This dip keeps well refrigerated for up to two days for convenient make-ahead options.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 109 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 2tablespoons | |
| Calories | 109kcal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 12g | 4% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 20mg | 7% |
| Sodium | 61mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 60mg | 1% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 285IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 7.3mg | 8% |
| Calcium | 21mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.1mg | 1% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.