Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip: A Festive and Delicious Holiday Appetizer Recipe

Introduction

This Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is a festive and delicious holiday appetizer that combines sweet and tangy flavors. It’s quick to prepare, lighter with low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt, and perfect for serving with crackers, pretzels, or sliced apples.

Ingredients

• 8 oz low-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Fresh herbs (like mint or parsley) for garnish (optional)
• Assorted crackers, pretzels, or sliced apples for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Gather all your ingredients. If needed, microwave the low-fat cream cheese for 10-15 seconds to soften.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated and smooth.
4. Step 4: Add the Greek yogurt and mix until well combined.
5. Step 5: Chop fresh cranberries or ensure frozen ones are thawed and drained. Add them to the mixture.
6. Step 6: If using nuts, chop and add them to the bowl.
7. Step 7: Add vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), and salt. Mix gently until cranberries and nuts are evenly distributed.
8. Step 8: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight is best for flavor).
9. Step 9: Before serving, stir the dip and garnish with extra chopped nuts, whole cranberries, or fresh herbs if desired.
10. Step 10: Serve with assorted crackers, pretzels, or sliced apples. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeños to the dip.
• Swap cranberries for chopped apples, pears, or dried fruits for a different flavor.
• Using low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt makes this dip lighter without sacrificing taste.

Storage

Store the dip covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving again. This dip is best enjoyed chilled, but you can let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cream cheese instead of low-fat?

Yes, regular cream cheese works well and will make the dip richer and creamier. Adjust sweetness as needed.

Can this dip be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! Preparing the dip a few hours or even the night before helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip: A Festive and Delicious Holiday Appetizer Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 61 reviews

• Author: Hailey
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 2 cups of dip 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This lighter Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip combines the sweet tartness of cranberries with creamy low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt, enhanced with vanilla and cinnamon. Perfectly chilled and served with crackers, pretzels, or sliced apples, it’s an easy and festive appetizer ideal for holiday gatherings or any party occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dip Ingredients

• 8 oz low-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
• 1/4 tsp salt

For Serving

• Assorted crackers, pretzels, or sliced apples
• Fresh herbs like mint or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients. If the cream cheese is not soft enough, microwave it for 10-15 seconds to reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
2. Beat Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese for 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
3. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly until completely incorporated and the texture is smooth.
4. Incorporate Greek Yogurt: Add the Greek yogurt to the mixture and mix until the ingredients combine evenly, creating a creamy base.
5. Prepare Cranberries: Chop fresh cranberries or thaw and drain frozen cranberries before adding to the dip mixture.
6. Add Cranberries and Nuts: Fold the chopped cranberries into the cream cheese mixture. If using, chop and add the pecans or walnuts at this stage.
7. Season Dip: Add vanilla extract, optional cinnamon, and salt; mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors and ingredients.
8. Refrigerate: Transfer the dip into a serving bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. For best flavor, refrigerate overnight.
9. Garnish Before Serving: Stir the dip well, then garnish with additional chopped nuts, whole cranberries, and fresh herbs if desired.
10. Serve: Present the dip with a variety of crackers, pretzels, or sliced apples. Enjoy as a festive and flavorful appetizer!

Notes

• For a spicy variation, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeños.
• Try swapping cranberries with chopped apples, pears, or dried fruits for a different flavor profile.
• Using low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt makes this dip lighter without sacrificing creaminess and taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cranberry cream cheese dip, holiday appetizer, low-fat dip, festive dip, creamy cranberry dip