Name: 8 oz cream cheese, softened Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup cooked cranberry sauce (or whole berry sauce); 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a dish that brings the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors together, then this baked cranberry cream cheese dip is calling your name. Featuring 8 oz cream cheese, softened as the luscious base, this dip effortlessly blends smooth texture with vibrant bursts of cranberry sweetness and warm spices. It’s the ultimate cozy starter that turns any gathering into a festive celebration, and once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed parties without it.

8 oz cream cheese, softened Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering a few simple yet stellar ingredients is all it takes to create this show-stopping dip. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s the creamy tang of cream cheese or the chewy zest of cranberries, ensuring every bite delivers warmth, richness, and a pop of holiday cheer.

8 oz cream cheese, softened: The creamy foundation that makes the dip irresistibly smooth and rich, softening it ahead of time guarantees perfect blending.
1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and silky texture that deepens the dip’s flavor complexity.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharpness and gooey meltiness that create that divine cheesy crust.
1/2 cup cooked cranberry sauce: Imparts a sweet-tart zing and vibrant color that makes this dip pop on any table.
1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances the tartness with a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Injects a cozy warmth that elevates the seasonal vibe.
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a delicate hint of spice, rounding out the flavor profile beautifully.
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): A fresh, green touch that brightens the presentation and adds subtle herbaceous notes.

How to Make 8 oz cream cheese, softened

Step 1: Prepare Your Cream Cheese Base

Begin by ensuring your 8 oz cream cheese, softened is at room temperature; this makes mixing so much easier and results in a perfectly smooth dip. Place the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl, and it will act as the luxurious canvas for the rest of your flavors.

Step 2: Mix in the Supporting Ingredients

Next, add the sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, cooked cranberry sauce, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the bowl with the softened cream cheese. Stir gently but thoroughly so all these ingredients blend into a harmonious mixture. The softened cream cheese ties everything together, creating the creamy texture that defines this dip.

Step 3: Transfer and Bake the Dip

Spread the mixture evenly into a baking dish, smoothing the top for an attractive finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F until you see bubbly edges and a tantalizing golden crust forming—usually about 20-25 minutes. This baking step enhances the flavors, softens the cranberries, and melts the cheese for that comforting gooeyness we all crave.

Step 4: Garnish and Enjoy

Once baked, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. The combination of the warm cheese, sweet cranberries, and fragrant herbs makes this dip a true crowd-pleaser.

How to Serve 8 oz cream cheese, softened

Garnishes

Adding fresh parsley or even a few whole cranberries brightens your dip’s appearance and adds a subtle flavor contrast. For an extra festive touch, try sprigs of rosemary or a light dusting of cinnamon on top before serving. These simple garnishes are an easy way to elevate your presentation and impress guests.

Side Dishes

This baked cranberry cream cheese dip pairs beautifully with a variety of dippers. Think toasted crostini, buttery crackers, or crunchy breadsticks for dipping. Each side adds texture and complements the creamy, sweet, and savory notes of the dip, creating a perfect appetizer spread that everyone will love.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the dip in a rustic ceramic dish placed on a wooden board sprinkled with fresh cranberries and pine nuts to add texture and color. Surround it with colorful veggies like baby carrots or bell pepper strips for a fresh crunch. Adding twinkle lights or seasonal decor around your serving area can also turn your dish into the centerpiece of your holiday table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover dip (though unlikely!), simply cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. The dip will keep well for up to three days while retaining its delightful flavors and creamy texture.

Freezing

This baked dip freezes beautifully before baking. Assemble the dip in a freezer-safe container and cover tightly. When you want to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. This prep-ahead option is perfect for getting a jump start on your entertaining plans.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a low oven or microwave until warmed through. To preserve the creamy texture, stir gently during reheating. This is a fantastic way to enjoy the dip again without losing the magic of the melted cheese and spicy cranberry punch.

FAQs

Can I use regular cream cheese if I don’t soften it?

Softening the cream cheese is key to achieving that smooth and creamy texture. Using cream cheese straight from the fridge will make mixing difficult and can result in lumps, so always let it sit out until soft.

Is it possible to make this dip dairy-free?

While traditional cream cheese is dairy-based, there are great plant-based cream cheese alternatives that can be softened and used in this recipe. Just ensure your sour cream and cheddar substitutes also suit your dietary needs.

What type of cranberry sauce works best?

Whole berry cranberry sauce is ideal because it adds beautiful texture and bursts of flavor. You can use homemade or store-bought, but avoid the overly chunky or overly runny varieties for the best consistency.

Can I prepare this dip without baking?

This dip truly shines when baked, as the heat melts the cheeses and melds the flavors beautifully. If you are short on time, you could serve it chilled, but expect a different texture and flavor experience.

How do I make sure the dip doesn’t burn on top while baking?

Keep an eye on the dip during the last five minutes of baking. If it starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with foil to prevent burning while allowing the dip to finish melting and warming thoroughly.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly heartwarming about sharing a dish like this baked cranberry cream cheese dip with friends and family. The 8 oz cream cheese, softened base ensures every bite is creamy and dreamy, perfectly balanced by the festive flavors of cranberries and warming spices. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you may just find your new favorite holiday tradition packed with joy, flavor, and easy-to-love comfort.

8 oz cream cheese, softened Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 18 reviews

Author: Lana
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is a festive and delicious appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. It features a creamy blend of cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and tangy cooked cranberry sauce, baked to bubbly perfection with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. This easy-to-make dip combines smooth, tangy, and sweet flavors with a golden melted cheese topping, making it a crowd-pleasing starter for any celebration.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked cranberry sauce (or whole berry sauce)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Optional Garnish

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dip evenly.
Mix Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, cooked cranberry sauce, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the mixture into a baking dish, smoothing the top for even baking and presentation.
Bake the Dip: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the top turns golden brown.
Add Garnish and Serve: Remove the dip from the oven and optionally sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a festive touch before serving. Serve warm with crackers, toasted crostini, or breadsticks.

Notes

For best results, soften cream cheese to room temperature before mixing.
You can prepare the mixture ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Serve with a variety of dippers such as crackers, toasted crostini, or breadsticks for different textures.
Add fresh rosemary or extra cranberries around the dish for enhanced holiday presentation.
Adjust sweetness by modifying brown sugar amount to suit your taste.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American