Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
Introduction
This lighter Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy, making it an ideal appetizer for holiday gatherings. Quick to prepare and customizable, it pairs wonderfully with crackers, pretzels, or sliced apples for a festive treat.
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
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Fresh herbs (like mint or parsley) for garnish (optional)
- Assorted crackers, pretzels, or sliced apples for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Gather all your ingredients. If needed, microwave the low-fat cream cheese for 10-15 seconds to soften.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Step 3: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Step 4: Add the Greek yogurt and mix until well combined.
- Step 5: Chop fresh cranberries or ensure frozen ones are thawed and drained, then fold them into the mixture.
- Step 6: If using nuts, chop and add them to the bowl.
- Step 7: Add vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), and salt. Mix until cranberries and nuts are evenly distributed.
- Step 8: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor.
- Step 9: Before serving, stir the dip and garnish with chopped nuts, whole cranberries, and fresh herbs if desired.
- Step 10: Serve with assorted crackers, pretzels, or sliced apples. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeños.
- Swap cranberries for chopped apples, pears, or dried fruits for a different flavor profile.
- Using low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt makes this dip lighter without sacrificing taste.
Storage
Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving again. This dip is best enjoyed chilled and does not require reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this dip?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well. Just make sure they are thawed and drained before adding to avoid excess moisture in the dip.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Absolutely. Preparing the dip a few hours or even the day before allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste.
PrintCranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
This lighter Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip offers a sweet and tangy flavor perfect for holiday gatherings and appetizer spreads. Made with low-fat cream cheese, Greek yogurt, fresh cranberries, and optional nuts and spices, it is quick to prepare and serves as a festive dip with crackers, pretzels, or sliced apples.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 2 cups of dip 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Dip Base
- 8 oz low-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (instead of sour cream)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Mix-ins
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For Serving
- Assorted crackers, pretzels, or sliced apples
- Fresh herbs (like mint or parsley) for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients. Soften the low-fat cream cheese by microwaving it for 10–15 seconds if needed to make mixing easier.
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese for 1–2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar to the cream cheese, mixing until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Mix in Greek Yogurt: Stir in the Greek yogurt until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
- Prepare Cranberries: Chop fresh cranberries or thaw and drain frozen cranberries; then add them to the mixture.
- Add Nuts: If using, chop the pecans or walnuts and fold them into the dip.
- Season the Dip: Add vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), and salt; mix everything until cranberries and nuts are evenly distributed.
- Chill the Dip: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl, cover it, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld, preferably overnight for best taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, stir the dip again and garnish with additional chopped nuts, whole cranberries, and fresh herbs if desired.
- Accompany: Serve the dip with your choice of crackers, pretzels, or sliced apples for a delightful appetizer.
Notes
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeños to the dip.
- You can substitute cranberries with chopped apples, pears, or dried fruits for a different flavor profile.
- Using low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt lightens the dip without compromising creaminess and flavor.
Keywords: Cranberry Dip, Cream Cheese Dip, Holiday Appetizer, Low Fat Dip, No-Bake Dip, Festive Snacks, Christmas Appetizer
