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A festive bowl of holiday cranberry cream cheese dip garnished with herbs.

Holiday Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

This festive and delicious dip combines creamy cream cheese with tart cranberry sauce, making it a perfect holiday appetizer.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened Ensure it's left at room temperature for easier mixing.
  • 1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1/4 cup orange marmalade
  • 2 pieces green onions, finely chopped Set aside some for garnish.
  • 1/2 cup pecans, chopped Can substitute with walnuts or almonds.
  • 8 oz whole grain crackers For serving.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Remove the cream cheese from the refrigerator and allow it to soften at room temperature for about 20 to 30 minutes.
  2. Place the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth, creamy, and fluffy.
  4. Spread the whipped cream cheese evenly into the bottom of a shallow serving dish using a spatula.
  5. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the whole berry cranberry sauce and orange marmalade.
  6. Stir gently until the orange marmalade is evenly mixed into the cranberry sauce.
  7. Finely chop the green onions and set aside a small portion for garnish.
  8. Fold most of the chopped green onions into the cranberry mixture.
  9. Carefully spoon the cranberry mixture over the cream cheese layer.
  10. Spread the cranberry topping evenly across the surface to cover the cream cheese.
  11. Sprinkle the chopped pecans generously over the cranberry layer.
  12. Garnish with the remaining chopped green onions for a beautiful festive finish.
  13. Cover the serving dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
  14. Remove the dip from the refrigerator about 10 minutes before serving so the cream cheese softens slightly.
  15. Arrange the whole grain crackers around the serving dish or place them in a separate bowl.
  16. Serve the cranberry cream cheese dip with crackers for scooping.
  17. Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

Serve this dip chilled or at room temperature. Add a pinch of cinnamon for extra holiday flavor or chopped jalapeños for heat.