Warm Cranberry-White Cheddar Holiday Dip Recipe

Introduction

This warm cranberry-white cheddar holiday dip is a festive and comforting appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering. Creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet, it combines the richness of cheeses with the tartness of cranberries for a delightful bite every time.

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/4 cup fresh cranberries (optional, for extra tartness)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (plus more for garnish)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Crackers, crostini, or fresh bread, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded white cheddar, sour cream, fresh thyme leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
3. Step 3: Transfer the cheese mixture to a small oven-safe baking dish and spread it evenly.
4. Step 4: Spoon the cranberry sauce over the cheese mixture and spread gently to cover the surface.
5. Step 5: If using, sprinkle fresh cranberries evenly over the cranberry sauce for added tartness.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the cranberries have softened.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let the dip cool for a few minutes. Drizzle with honey, if desired, and garnish with additional thyme leaves.
8. Step 8: Serve warm with crackers, crostini, or fresh bread.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.
• Use goat cheese in place of cream cheese for a tangier flavor.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, pulse the mixture briefly in a food processor before baking.
• Fresh thyme can be substituted with rosemary or sage for a different herbal note.
• To make this dip ahead, assemble it in the baking dish and refrigerate. Bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Storage

Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warm, or microwave in short intervals, stirring often. This dip is best enjoyed warm to retain its creamy texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip vegan?

You can substitute the cream cheese, cheddar, and sour cream with vegan alternatives. Use a plant-based cream cheese and cheddar-style shreds, and opt for a dairy-free sour cream to keep the creamy texture.

Is it necessary to use fresh cranberries?

Fresh cranberries add extra tartness and texture but are optional. Cranberry sauce alone provides plenty of flavor and sweetness for the dip.

Warm Cranberry-White Cheddar Holiday Dip Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 65 reviews

This Warm Cranberry-White Cheddar Holiday Dip is a festive and creamy appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Combining tangy cranberry sauce with rich cream cheese and sharp white cheddar, baked until bubbly and topped with fresh thyme and optional honey drizzle, it pairs beautifully with crackers, crostini, or fresh bread for a delightful start to any celebration.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Mixture

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (plus more for garnish)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cranberry Topping

• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/4 cup fresh cranberries (optional, for extra tartness)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)

For Serving

• Crackers, crostini, or fresh bread

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the dip evenly and properly.
2. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded white cheddar, sour cream, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
3. Assemble Dip: Transfer the cheese mixture into a small oven-safe baking dish, spreading it out evenly for consistent baking. Spoon the cranberry sauce over the top and gently spread it to cover the cheese layer.
4. Add Fresh Cranberries (Optional): Sprinkle fresh cranberries on top of the cranberry sauce to introduce an additional tart flavor and festive look, if desired.
5. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese mixture is bubbly and the cranberries have softened, ensuring a warm and inviting dip.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Drizzle honey over the top for sweetness and garnish with additional thyme leaves. Serve warm with crackers, crostini, or fresh bread for dipping.

Notes

• Use a high-quality white cheddar for the best flavor.
• The cranberry sauce can be homemade or store-bought depending on convenience.
• Fresh cranberries add texture and tartness but are optional.
• Honey can be skipped or substituted with maple syrup for vegan option adjustments.
• Serve immediately after baking for best taste and texture.
• For a dairy-free variation, substitute cream cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives.

Keywords: holiday dip, cranberry dip, white cheddar dip, baked appetizer, creamy cheese dip, festive dip