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Fresh homemade cranberry sauce with orange juice in glass bowl, featuring ruby red cranberries and citrus garnish for holiday meals

Easy Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe - Ready in 15 Minutes!

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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Method
 

  1. In a large saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, apricot preserves, and water. Stir gently to mix.
  2. Heat over medium-high until mixture reaches a rolling boil and cranberries start to pop.
  3. Boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and turns glossy.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in chopped pecans. Let cool completely, then refrigerate until chilled.
  5. Place softened cream cheese on a serving plate and press a shallow well in the center.
  6. Spoon chilled cranberry mixture over cream cheese, allowing some to cascade over edges. Garnish with mint leaves.
  7. 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.