Description
This Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip combines creamy cheese, tangy cranberry sauce, and flaky puff pastry for a delicious holiday appetizer. Perfect for festive gatherings, this easy-to-make dip is sweet, savory, and irresistibly golden brown!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp orange zest
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
For the Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry or crescent roll dough
- 1 egg + 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
Optional Garnish & Serving:
- 2 tbsp chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts, optional)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme
- Crackers, toasted bread, or apple slices
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the cream cheese base – Place the cream cheese block in the center of the baking sheet.
Make the cranberry topping – In a small bowl, mix cranberry sauce, honey (or maple syrup), orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar until combined.
Assemble the dip – Spoon the cranberry mixture evenly over the cream cheese.
Wrap with pastry – Roll out puff pastry or crescent dough and gently drape it over the cream cheese and cranberry topping. Press the edges to seal.
Apply egg wash – Brush the pastry with the egg wash to ensure a golden, crisp finish.
Bake – Bake for 20–25 minutes until the pastry is golden brown.
Garnish & serve – Let cool slightly before garnishing with chopped nuts and fresh herbs. Serve warm with crackers, toasted bread, or apple slices.
Notes
Spicy kick – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a sweet-spicy contrast.
Nutty crunch – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts inside the pastry.
Cheese blend – Mix in goat cheese or brie for extra creaminess.
Savory twist – Swap cranberry sauce for caramelized onions and fig jam.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cranberry cream cheese dip, holiday appetizer, baked cheese dip, festive dip recipe, puff pastry dip