Baked Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Dip

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Warm, festive, and irresistibly creamy, this Baked Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Dip brings together the perfect blend of tangy cranberries, toasted pecans, and rich cream cheese. With hints of vanilla and cinnamon for cozy holiday flavor, it bakes into a bubbly, golden dip that pairs beautifully with crispy toasted baguette slices. Whether you’re hosting a winter gathering or simply craving a comforting seasonal appetizer, this dip is guaranteed to be the shining star of the table.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
  • 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 baguette, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  3. Fold in the chopped cranberries, pecans, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until evenly incorporated.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a small baking dish and spread it evenly across the surface.
  5. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the dip is visibly bubbly and lightly golden on top.
  6. While the dip bakes, brush the baguette slices with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet.
  7. Toast the baguette slices in the oven during the last 10 minutes of the dip’s bake time, or until golden and crisp.
  8. Remove the dip and baguette from the oven. Serve warm with the toasted slices for dipping.

Variation

  1. Cranberry-Orange Twist: Add a teaspoon of fresh orange zest to the mixture for a bright citrus note that pairs perfectly with the cranberries.
  2. Extra Cheesy Bake: Stir in an additional 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella or Gruyère for a gooey, melty texture.
  3. Savory Herb Edition: Replace the vanilla with a touch of fresh thyme or rosemary for an herb-forward flavor more suited to savory palates.
  4. Walnut Swap: Substitute chopped walnuts for pecans for an earthier crunch and deeper nutty flavor.

Cooking Notes

  1. Chop fresh cranberries finely large chunks can be overly tart and may prevent even flavor distribution.
  2. A shallow baking dish helps the dip brown more evenly and gives a perfect ratio of golden top to creamy interior.
  3. Letting the dip cool slightly before serving helps it thicken and makes scooping easier.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Holiday Appetizer Board: Serve surrounded by toasted baguette slices, crackers, apple slices, and pretzel crisps for a variety of dipping options.
  2. Brunch Spread Addition: Pair with warm pastries, fruit salads, and breakfast meats for a cozy seasonal brunch.
  3. Warm Gatherings: This dip stays warm beautifully place it in a small warming dish or mini slow cooker for longer events.

Tips

  • Pre-Soften the Cream Cheese: This ensures ultra-smooth mixing and prevents lumps.
  • Toast the Nuts: Toasting pecans beforehand elevates their flavor and gives a richer, deeper crunch to the dip.
  • Let the Dip Rest: A few minutes out of the oven helps the flavors settle and prevents it from being too molten to scoop.

Prep Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

(Approximate values for 8 servings)

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: ~6 g
  • Sodium: ~210 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I make this dip ahead of time?
    Yes! Assemble the ingredients in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
  2. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
    You can use 2/3 cup dried cranberries. The dip will be sweeter and slightly less tart.
  3. Can I freeze this dip?
    It’s best not to freeze due to dairy separation. Prepare fresh for the best texture.
  4. What can I use instead of a baguette?
    Crackers, pita chips, toasted flatbread, or even apple slices all pair wonderfully.

Conclusion

This Baked Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Dip is everything you want in a festive appetizer warm, creamy, sweet, slightly tart, and wonderfully comforting. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, it’s the perfect centerpiece for holiday gatherings, cozy nights in, or any moment that deserves a little seasonal magic.

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Baked Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Dip

  • Author: Avery
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Warm, festive, and irresistibly creamy, this Baked Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Dip brings together the perfect blend of tangy cranberries, toasted pecans, and rich cream cheese. With hints of vanilla and cinnamon for cozy holiday flavor, it bakes into a bubbly, golden dip that pairs beautifully with crispy toasted baguette slices. Whether you’re hosting a winter gathering or simply craving a comforting seasonal appetizer, this dip is guaranteed to be the shining star of the table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
  • 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 baguette, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  3. Fold in the chopped cranberries, pecans, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until evenly incorporated.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a small baking dish and spread it evenly across the surface.
  5. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the dip is visibly bubbly and lightly golden on top.
  6. While the dip bakes, brush the baguette slices with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet.
  7. Toast the baguette slices in the oven during the last 10 minutes of the dip’s bake time, or until golden and crisp.
  8. Remove the dip and baguette from the oven. Serve warm with the toasted slices for dipping.

Notes

  1. Chop fresh cranberries finely large chunks can be overly tart and may prevent even flavor distribution.
  2. A shallow baking dish helps the dip brown more evenly and gives a perfect ratio of golden top to creamy interior.
  3. Letting the dip cool slightly before serving helps it thicken and makes scooping easier.
  • Category: Appetizer / Dip
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: ~14 g
  • Sodium: ~210 mg
  • Fat: ~22 g
  • Saturated Fat: ~10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: ~10–11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~22 g
  • Fiber: ~2 g
  • Protein: ~6 g
  • Cholesterol: ~40 mg

Keywords: cranberry pecan dip, cream cheese dip, holiday dip recipe, baked cream cheese appetizer

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