Cranberry Dip
User Reviews
5
Cranberry Dip
Description
The Cranberry Dip combines cream cheese with cranberry sauce, honey, lime juice and zest, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt for a creamy texture and balanced flavor. The lime adds a refreshing citrus note that brightens the dip. Using a food processor blends ingredients smoothly, but the dip can also be mixed by hand for a coarser texture. The candied pecans are made by sautéing pecans in butter, honey, sugar, and salt until coated and warm-glazed, adding a sweet, crunchy topping.
This dip works well served with a selection of crackers—especially multi-seed varieties—fresh apple or pear slices, pita wedges, or pretzels, making it an appealing choice for holiday parties or casual snacking.
The recipe encourages making cranberry sauce ahead and freezing it for convenience. Leftover or homemade cranberry sauce works interchangeably. The dip can be adjusted with more or less honey and cinnamon to taste.
Ingredients
- 12 oz cream cheese regular or neufchâtel, softened
- 1/2-3/4 cup cranberry sauce leftover
- 2-4 TBSP honey
- lime zest of 1
- lime juice of 1/2
- ¼ tsp cinnamon or to taste
- pinch salt
EASY CANDIED PECANS:
- 1 cup pecans
- 1 TBSP butter unsalted
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 2 TBSP honey
- salt the teeniest dash
- Feel free to use pecans or walnuts for this recipe. As I mentioned above, you can get super nutty and additional nuts into the dip too. It's beyond fantastic that way!
- Serve with an array of fun crackers, pretzels, grahams, apple slices, sliced pears, and even fluffy pita wedges.The crackers I used are multi-seed cranberry hazelnut crisps.
Instructions
- Soften cream cheese to room temperature
- Add to a food processor with your cranberry sauce, honey, lime juice, cinnamon, and salt.
- Next add about 1/2 the lime zest and reserve the rest for a zesty (hah!) green garnish. The lime is 100% optional (I love this spreadable dip both ways!) but adds a welcome burst of refreshing citrus. If you love limes, totally snag one for this dip.
- Blend away to creamy cranberry perfection!
- Give it a taste and feel free to adjust honey and cinnamon as desired.
- Just be sure to unplug the food processor before trying to lick it clean. You're welcome.
- Top with your candied pecans (instructions below) and a sprinkle of lime zest for a burst of color.
- NO FOOD PROCESSOR? No problem! You can totally do the legwork by hand. Stir baby stir!
- CANDIED PECANS: Feel free to use whole pecans or chopped, whichever you prefer! Heat a skillet or saucepan to medium heat and butter to melt. Next add in your pecans, honey, salt, and sugar. Saute for 5-6 minutes and pour onto parchment paper or a cutting board to cool, using a spatula to separate the nuts. Otherwise you'll have yummy pecan brittle that will probably end up in your face instead of on top of this dip. It's so good! Allow to cool for several minutes until the coating hardens and your pecans have officially been candied! Woot!
Notes
- Cranberry sauce for this dip can be prepared ahead and frozen for holiday convenience.
- Adjust honey and cinnamon amounts after blending to suit your preferred sweetness and spice levels.
- Candied pecans provide a sweet, crunchy topping but can be replaced with walnuts or enjoyed without nuts.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 16servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 153 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 153kcal | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 10g | 3% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 25mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 71mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 57mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 315IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 25mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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