Description

This Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip combines tangy cranberries, creamy cheese, and crunchy pecans in one easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer. Perfect for holiday entertaining, it’s a make-ahead recipe that’s festive, flavorful, and sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

Scale

1 package (12 oz) frozen whole cranberries, thawed (fresh cranberries also work)
1 cup white sugar (adjust to taste)
1 cup apricot preserves or jam (peach or orange marmalade work well)
1/2 cup water
1 cup chopped pecans (or substitute walnuts or toasted almonds)
2 bricks (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Buttery crackers, pretzel chips, or apple slices for serving

Instructions

In a large saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, apricot preserves, and water. Stir gently to mix.
Heat over medium-high until mixture reaches a rolling boil and cranberries start to pop.
Boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and turns glossy.
Remove from heat and stir in chopped pecans. Let cool completely, then refrigerate until chilled.
Place softened cream cheese on a serving plate and press a shallow well in the center.
Spoon chilled cranberry mixture over cream cheese, allowing some to cascade over edges. Garnish with mint leaves.
Serve with crackers, pretzel chips, or fruit slices for dipping.

Notes

Avoid overcooking cranberries to keep the perfect chunky texture. Always cool the topping before assembly to prevent melting the cream cheese. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze the topping for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/12 of recipe
Calories: 285
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: cranberry cream cheese dip, holiday appetizer, thanksgiving dip, festive party dip, cranberry pecan appetizer