Description
This creamy, cheesy dip with bursts of tart cranberries is the perfect holiday appetizer! The combination of warm cream cheese, gooey mozzarella, and sweet-tart cranberry sauce makes it a crowd-pleaser. Serve with crackers, bread, or pita chips for dipping.
Ingredients
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, room temperature
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ teaspoon crushed dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup canned whole berry cranberry sauce
- ⅔ cup fresh cranberries
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
2️⃣ Prepare the cheese mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, rosemary, and garlic powder. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
3️⃣ Add cranberries: Gently fold in the cranberry sauce and fresh cranberries to the cheese mixture. Be careful not to crush the fresh cranberries too much to maintain their texture.
4️⃣ Assemble the dip: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.
5️⃣ Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 22-26 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the top starts to turn golden brown.
6️⃣ Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve the dip hot with your choice of crackers, sliced baguette, or pita chips.
Notes
- Make it festive: Garnish with a few extra fresh cranberries and a sprinkle of rosemary for a festive presentation.
- Cheese swap: Substitute mozzarella with sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
- Leftovers: Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8