Description
This Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or parties. The sweet and tangy cranberry mixture combined with creamy softened cream cheese and crunchy pecans creates a flavorful dip that’s best served chilled with buttery crackers or pretzel chips. Garnish with fresh mint for an extra touch of color and freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Cranberry Mixture
- 12 oz package frozen whole cranberries, thawed
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup apricot preserves or jam
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Cream Cheese Base
- 16 oz (2 bricks) cream cheese, softened
For Serving
- Buttery crackers or pretzel chips
- Fresh mint for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cranberry Mixture: In a large saucepan, combine the thawed cranberries, white sugar, apricot preserves, and water. Heat over medium-high heat until the mixture begins to boil.
- Cook the Cranberries: As the mixture heats, it will bubble and become frothy with popping cranberries. Continue boiling for 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the berries have popped open and the mixture darkens.
- Mix in Pecans and Cool: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the chopped pecans. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until completely chilled.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese: Gently press a spoon into the center of the softened cream cheese to create a small divot where the cranberry mixture will be added.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the chilled cranberry and pecan mixture over the cream cheese. Garnish with fresh mint if desired, and serve immediately with buttery crackers or pretzel chips.
Notes
- For a smoother dip, finely chop the pecans or omit them if preferred.
- If apricot preserves are unavailable, use any mild fruit preserves like peach or apple.
- Allow the dip to chill for at least 2 hours for the best flavor melding.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for best creaminess.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 appetizer brick
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
