Description
Rich cream cheese, tangy homemade cranberry sauce, and savory green onions make a simple but delicious appetizer for any holiday gathering. Perfect for Christmas or Thanksgiving, this cranberry cream cheese dip is sweet, creamy, and delightfully festive.
Ingredients
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6 oz fresh cranberries
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1/4 cup sugar
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1/2 cup water
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1 jalapeño (optional), finely diced
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1/8 tsp salt
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8 oz cream cheese (softened)
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3 green onions, sliced
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1 box crackers (for serving)
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1 apple, sliced (optional, for serving)
Instructions
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Rinse cranberries and combine with sugar, water, and salt in a small saucepan.
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Add diced jalapeño if using, then stir and bring to a boil.
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Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until the berries burst and the sauce thickens.
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Remove from heat and refrigerate for 10 minutes to cool.
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Spread cream cheese on a small plate or shallow bowl, creating a shallow groove along the center.
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Pour the cooled cranberry sauce over the cream cheese.
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Sprinkle sliced green onions on top.
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Serve immediately with crackers and apple slices.
Notes
Fresh cranberries give the dip a brighter, more natural flavor than canned sauce.
Canned cranberry sauce can be used in a pinch but may taste muted or metallic.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Leftover cranberry sauce can be used on sandwiches, pancakes, or mixed into yogurt.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-bake / Simmer
- Cuisine: American