cranberry dip
This delicious cranberry dip combines the tartness of cranberries with the creaminess of cheeses, creating a perfect holiday appetizer. It’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 9-inch pie dish or baking dish
- 1 oven
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts can be substituted with favorite nuts or omitted
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 optional fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries and sugar. Cook until the cranberries burst and release their juices, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let it cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until creamy. Add the sour cream and mix until smooth.
- Fold in the cooled cranberry mixture, chopped nuts, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
- Spread the mixture into the prepared pie dish.
- Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm with crackers, toasted bread, or apple slices.
Notes
You can substitute the pecans or walnuts with your favorite nuts or leave them out entirely based on preference.
For a tangier dip, consider adding a tablespoon of lemon juice to the cranberry mixture.
This dip can be prepared ahead of time and heated just before serving.