Description
This Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip features a smooth and tangy cream cheese base swirled with sweet whole berry cranberry sauce, all topped with a flaky golden puff pastry crust. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy get-togethers, this warm dip pairs wonderfully with crackers, bread, or fresh vegetables, combining creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For Serving
- Crackers, bread, or veggies
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix cream cheese base: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy without any lumps.
- Spread cream cheese mixture: Evenly spread the prepared cream cheese mixture in the bottom of the greased baking dish, creating a smooth, level layer for the topping.
- Add cranberry sauce and nuts: Spoon the whole berry cranberry sauce over the cream cheese layer. Using a knife or spatula, gently swirl the cranberry sauce into the cream cheese mixture to create a marbled effect. If using, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans evenly on top.
- Apply puff pastry: Carefully lay the thawed puff pastry sheet over the cranberry and cream cheese layers. Trim any excess pastry from the edges and lightly press the edges against the sides of the dish to seal.
- Brush with egg wash: Using a pastry brush, coat the top of the puff pastry with beaten egg. This will give the crust a beautifully golden and glossy finish once baked.
- Bake until golden: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed, golden brown, and flaky.
- Cool and serve: Allow the dip to cool slightly after baking. Serve warm with assorted crackers, bread slices, or fresh vegetables for dipping and enjoying.
Notes
- You can prepare this dip a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated; just bake it right before serving for freshness.
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or pecans.
- Try different nut varieties like almonds or pecans to customize the crunch.
- Use store-bought or homemade whole berry cranberry sauce for best flavor.
- If you don’t have puff pastry, crescent roll dough can be a substitute but will yield a slightly different texture.
