Warm Cranberry-White Cheddar Holiday Dip Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the dip evenly and properly.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Fresh Cranberries (Optional): Sprinkle fresh cranberries on top of the cranberry sauce to introduce an additional tart flavor and festive look, if desired.
- 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.
- 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
