My Go-To Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip (Print Version)

This easy Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is my holiday party savior! A warm, festive, and ridiculously delicious appetizer that always disappears first.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

# Ingredients:

→ For the Cranberry Topping

01 - 12 oz fresh cranberries
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/4 cup orange juice
04 - 1/4 cup water
05 - 1 sprig fresh rosemary

→ For the Creamy Base

06 - 8 oz block cream cheese, softened
07 - 1 tsp orange zest
08 - Pinch of salt

→ Finishing Touches

09 - 1/4 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
10 - Fresh rosemary leaves for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, water, and sugar. Stir over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the fresh cranberries and the sprig of rosemary.
02 - Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Cook for 10-12 minutes, until you hear the cranberries start to pop and the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
03 - Remove the saucepan from the heat and discard the rosemary sprig. Let the cranberry sauce cool completely to room temperature. This is a crucial step to prevent a melted dip.
04 - In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, orange zest, and a pinch of salt. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to whip the cream cheese until it is light, fluffy, and completely smooth.
05 - Spread the whipped cream cheese onto a serving plate or in a shallow bowl. Use the back of a spoon to create swirls and a small well in the center.
06 - Once the cranberry sauce is completely cool, spoon it over the cream cheese. Sprinkle with the toasted pecans and garnish with a few fresh rosemary leaves. Serve immediately with your favorite crackers or breads.

# Notes:

01 - Let the cranberry topping cool COMPLETELY to avoid a soupy mess.
02 - Make the cranberry sauce up to a week ahead and store it in the fridge for easy party prep.
03 - Try swapping pecans for toasted walnuts or even spicy candied nuts.
04 - Serve with sturdy crackers that won't break when you scoop up all that goodness.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Saucepan
02 - Spatula
03 - Hand Mixer (optional)
04 - Serving Dish

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 180
Total Fat: 12g
Total Carbohydrate: 15g
Protein: 3g

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