Cranberry Dip

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Delight your guests with this festive Cranberry Dip that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. Creamy and tart, this easy-to-make holiday treat is ideal for holiday gatherings and pairs beautifully with crackers, bread, or fresh veggies. Serve it at your Christmas party for an unforgettable appetizer that will impress everyone!

Ethan

Created by

Ethan

Last updated on 2025-11-17T04:56:11.898Z

This Cranberry Dip is a delightful blend of flavors that will be a hit at your holiday gatherings. Its creamy texture and vibrant color will not only impress your guests but also add a festive touch to your table.

Perfect for Holiday Gatherings

This Cranberry Dip is not just a delicious appetizer; it's a centerpiece that will brighten up your holiday spread. The vibrant colors of the cranberries, combined with the creamy texture, make for an eye-catching dish that guests will admire. Whether you're hosting a Christmas party or bringing a dish to a potluck, this dip is a surefire hit. Its balance of sweet and tart flavors resonates with the festive spirit, ensuring that it stands out among other appetizers.

As guests arrive, the tantalizing aroma of the dip will draw them in, encouraging mingling and sharing. Pair it with an assortment of crackers, artisan bread, or even fresh veggies to cater to everyone's tastes. This versatility makes it an ideal choice for holiday gatherings where you want to accommodate various dietary preferences without compromising on flavor.

Easy to Make Yet Impressive

One of the best aspects of this Cranberry Dip is its simplicity. Made with just a handful of ingredients, it can be whipped up in under 15 minutes. This makes it perfect for those busy holiday schedules when time is of the essence. Even novice cooks will find this recipe easy to follow, resulting in a dish that looks and tastes like it came from a gourmet kitchen.

Not only is it quick to prepare, but the fresh cranberries add a level of sophistication that will impress your guests. The creamy base, complemented by the tartness of the cranberries, creates a delightful contrast that will be a memorable addition to your holiday menu. Your guests will be begging for your secret recipe!

Customize Your Cranberry Dip

One of the joys of this Cranberry Dip is its adaptability. While the base recipe is delicious on its own, you have the option to take it a step further with various customizations. Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a touch of warmth that complements the holiday flavors. You can also experiment with adding different nuts or fruits to provide a unique twist and personal flair to your dip.

If you're looking for a healthier variation, consider substituting Greek yogurt for the sour cream. This swap will give you a protein boost and a tangier flavor without sacrificing creaminess. The options are endless, making this dip not just a recipe, but a versatile canvas for your culinary creativity.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients to make this delicious dip:

Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) for topping

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let's make the dip!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your Cranberry Dip:

Combine Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, powdered sugar, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Add Cranberries

Fold in the fresh cranberries and mix until evenly distributed throughout the cream mixture.

Season and Serve

Add salt to taste and if desired, top with chopped walnuts or pecans. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later use.

Your Cranberry Dip is now ready to impress!

Storage Tips

To maintain the freshness of your Cranberry Dip, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it can last for up to three days. This makes it ideal for meal prep, allowing you to make it ahead of time for your holiday events. Just give it a good stir before serving to restore the creamy texture.

If you're considering making larger batches for a party, keep in mind to scale your ingredients accordingly. Due to the nature of cranberries, this dip freezes well, too! Just ensure it's in a freezer-safe container, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you're ready to enjoy it.

Serving Suggestions

This Cranberry Dip is best served chilled, making it a refreshing appetizer during festive gatherings. Pair it with a variety of dippers to enhance your guests' experience. Classic choices include buttery crackers, crunchy breads, and colorful vegetable platters. Consider providing a mix of textures with both soft and crisp dippers for an engaging presentation.

For a more upscale feel, serve it alongside a charcuterie board filled with meats, cheeses, and fruit. The dip's sweet and savory profile will create a harmonious balance with the salty notes of cured meats and the richness of cheeses. By incorporating this dip into a larger spread, you elevate your holiday entertaining game and impress your guests even further.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dip a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

→ What can I serve with Cranberry Dip?

It's great with crackers, bread, or fresh vegetable sticks.

Cranberry Dip

Delight your guests with this festive Cranberry Dip that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. Creamy and tart, this easy-to-make holiday treat is ideal for holiday gatherings and pairs beautifully with crackers, bread, or fresh veggies. Serve it at your Christmas party for an unforgettable appetizer that will impress everyone!

Prep Time15 mins
Cooking Duration0 mins
Overall Time15 mins

Created by: Ethan

Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 1 cup fresh cranberries
  2. 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  3. 1/2 cup sour cream
  4. 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  5. 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  6. Salt to taste
  7. Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) for topping

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, powdered sugar, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 02

Fold in the fresh cranberries and mix until evenly distributed throughout the cream mixture.

Step 03

Add salt to taste and if desired, top with chopped walnuts or pecans. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later use.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 150
  • Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Protein: 3g