Description
This Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is a lighter, festive appetizer combining sweet and tangy flavors with a creamy texture. Made with low-fat cream cheese, Greek yogurt, fresh cranberries, and optional nuts and spices, it’s perfect for holiday parties and easy to prepare ahead of time. Serve chilled with crackers, pretzels, or sliced apples for a delightful and customizable treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dip Ingredients
- 8 oz low-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (instead of sour cream)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 tsp salt
Garnish
- Fresh herbs (like mint or parsley) for garnish (optional)
Serving Suggestions
- Assorted crackers, pretzels, or sliced apples for serving
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all the ingredients listed, and if needed, microwave the low-fat cream cheese for 10-15 seconds to achieve a softened consistency for easier mixing.
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using an electric mixer or whisk until it becomes smooth and creamy, approximately 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the beaten cream cheese, mixing thoroughly until the mixture is fully incorporated and smooth.
- Mix in Greek Yogurt: Add the Greek yogurt to the mixture and stir until well combined, enhancing the dip’s texture and lightness.
- Prepare Cranberries: Chop fresh cranberries or thaw and drain frozen cranberries; then fold them gently into the mixture to maintain their shape and texture.
- Add Nuts (Optional): If using, finely chop the pecans or walnuts and add them to the bowl, folding them evenly throughout the dip.
- Season Dip: Stir in the vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), and salt, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed for balanced flavor.
- Chill the Dip: Transfer the dip into a serving bowl, cover it securely with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. For best flavor, chill overnight.
- Garnish and Stir: Before serving, stir the dip gently to loosen it up, then garnish with additional chopped nuts, whole cranberries, and fresh herbs if desired.
- Serve: Offer the finished dip with your choice of assorted crackers, pretzels, or sliced apples for a delicious and festive appetizer experience.
Notes
- For a spicier variation, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeños to the dip mixture.
- You can swap cranberries for chopped apples, pears, or dried fruits to create different flavor profiles.
- Using low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt helps keep the dip lighter while maintaining a creamy texture and rich taste.
