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Cranberry Dip
5 from 15 votes

Cranberry Dip

Cranberry Dip features softened cream cheese blended with leftover cranberry sauce, honey, lime juice and zest, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt for balanced sweetness and tang. It is topped with candied pecans that add crunch and a warm honey glaze. This creamy, spreadable dip pairs naturally with crackers, apples, pears, and pita wedges, making it a versatile appetizer especially suited to holiday gatherings or any time you want a flavorful contrast of tart, sweet, and nutty textures.

Prep Time
5 mins
Total Time
5 mins
Servings: 16 servings
Calories: 153 kcal
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

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

    Cup of Yum
  1. Soften cream cheese to room temperature
  2. Add to a food processor with your cranberry sauce, honey, lime juice, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. 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.
  4. Blend away to creamy cranberry perfection!
  5. Give it a taste and feel free to adjust honey and cinnamon as desired.
  6. Just be sure to unplug the food processor before trying to lick it clean. You're welcome.
  7. Top with your candied pecans (instructions below) and a sprinkle of lime zest for a burst of color.
  8. NO FOOD PROCESSOR? No problem! You can totally do the legwork by hand. Stir baby stir!
  9. 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

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%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 16 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 153

% 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.