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Bright and festive Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is easy to make with cranberry salsa and whipped cream cheese. This flavorful appetizer is the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, savory, and creamy! Serve with your favorite crackers or pita chips for the ultimate holiday snack!
My cream cheese cracker dip is not only easy to make with super simple ingredients, but it’s delicious and filled with savory, tangy, and takes only 10 minutes.
A great dip recipe to serve at holiday parties and other winter gatherings. On Christmas Day, I always have a spread of finger foods and appetizers, and this cranberry salsa cream cheese dip is always on the menu! It feels a little fancy thanks to the colorful salsa with all of the tasty add-ins – no one will guess you just quickly blended everything in a food processor!
Recipe Summary
- Quick & easy: This cream cheese dip recipe can be ready in just about 10 minutes, including prep time. All you have to do is whip the cream cheese with a mixer and then make the salsa in a blender or food processor.
- Make ahead: A great snack to make in advance of a party or get-together because it tastes even better after the flavors have a chance to marry and meld together in the refrigerator.
- Incredibly flavorful: The combination of creamy whipped cream cheese with the sweet and tangy cranberry salsa paired with crunchy crackers is beyond amazing! You can’t just take one bite!
- Perfect for the holidays: The cranberry salsa makes this dip super festive and a favorite for serving this time of year! It’s unique, too! Everyone will be asking you for the recipe.
Ingredients needed
Only a handful of simple, flavorful ingredients are needed to make this cream cheese dip recipe! Full measurements are further down below.
- Cream cheese: I recommend full-fat cream cheese for extra creaminess and rich flavor.
- Milk: A small amount of milk is used to whip the cream cheese to get the consistency right.
- Cranberries: Only fresh cranberries will work for the salsa. Do not try using frozen and thawed cranberries. They will be too mushy and watery.
- Flavorings: Fresh garlic, green onions and fresh cilantro balance the tang of the cranberries with delicious savoriness.
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds complex flavor that balances the tart, sweet flavors.
- Honey: For the perfect hint of sweetness!
How To Make It
- Make the whipped cream cheese: Add the cream cheese and milk to a mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer and beat on high for about 2 minutes or until light and fluffy. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Make the cranberry salsa: Place the fresh cranberries in a food processor together with the sliced garlic and chopped green onions. Pulse several times, just until finely chopped.
- Complete the salsa: Transfer to a bowl and add the minced cilantro, balsamic and honey; stir well to combine and season with some salt and pepper, to your taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve: Assemble the dish just before serving, by spreading the whipped cream cheese over a platter, then top with cranberry salsa. Enjoy with crackers, if desired.
My Pro Tip
Recipe Tip
- Double the recipe: Serving a crowd? As written this recipe serves 4, but feel free to double it, especially if you’re making it for a party or large gathering.
- Make ahead: You can whip the cream cheese and make the salsa one day ahead of time, and store both separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble just before serving.
- Different serving option: To make this cranberry cream cheese dip as a spread, instead of topping the cream cheese with the salsa, stir everything together. Then, you can add festive flavor to sandwiches, breads and wraps.
- Crackers: We love this with crackers or pita chips. Use several different varieties, so your guests have options. Our favorites are Ritz Crackers, Wheat Thins, Pretzel Crisps and Table Water Crackers. There are so many great ones to choose from!
Frequently asked questions
Many cheese varieties pair well with the tart taste of cranberries. We love everything from cheddar to gouda and mozzarella. However, for dip recipes, we love the tangy creaminess of cream cheese with tart cranberries. If you’d like to change things up, you could use another soft cheese, like goat cheese or baked brie as the base in this recipe.
This dip is great with any sturdy cracker. Ritz crackers taste great with it, but they crumble easily, so you may want to consider having a small appetizer knife available for spreading. We also like to serve this with pieces of French bread!
Many people enjoy the combination of jalapeño and cranberries together. If you’d like to add subtle spice to this dip, dice a fresh jalapeño to stir into the salsa.
Storage Recommendations
Once the cranberry salsa is added to the whipped cream cheese and people have been dipping out of it, this dip will only keep for about 1-2 days. Simply, cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container, and store it in the fridge.
More dip recipes to try
- Herbed Whipped Feta Cheese Dip
- Easy Taco Dip Recipe
- Easy Smoked Salmon Dip
- Chili Cheese Dip
- Baked Spinach and Artichoke Dip
- Homemade Cowboy Queso Dip
Appetizer Recipes You May Like
- Baked Zucchini Chips
- Waldorf Salad Recipe
- Baked Avocado Fries
- Air Fryer BBQ Baked Cauliflower Bites
- Baked Spinach and Artichoke Dip
- Tomato Bruschetta Bread
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Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 1 cup full-fat cream cheese, at room temp
- 1 tbsp milk of choice
- 2 cups fresh cranberries, washed and dried
- 1 small garlic clove, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro, minced
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- Optional: crackers for serving
Instructions
- Start by making the whipped cheese. Add the cream cheese and milk to a mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer and beat on high for about 2 minutes, or until light and fluffy. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Place the fresh cranberries in a food processor together with the sliced garlic and chopped green onions. Pulse several times, just until finely chopped.
- Transfer to a bowl and add the minced cilantro, balsamic and honey; stir well to combine and season with some salt and pepper, to your taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Assemble the dish just before serving, by spreading the whipped cream cheese over a platter, then top with cranberry salsa. Serve with crackers, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
