Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip made with cream cheese, sour cream, chopped pecans, and cranberry sauce. Perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and tangy!

Okay, so here’s the thing—I never planned on becoming that person who brings the same dip to every party, but here we are. It all started a couple of years ago when I showed up late to my sister’s Christmas party. It was one of those crazy December days where you’re running around like a maniac, trying to buy last-minute gifts and get the kids dressed in something that’s not covered in dog hair. And, of course, I forgot I was supposed to bring an appetizer.

So, what did I do? I grabbed some random ingredients from my fridge, threw them together, and hoped for the best. Cream cheese? Check. Cranberry sauce? Sure, why not. Pecans? They were hanging out in the back of the pantry, and I figured they’d work. I remember muttering something about how I’d officially hit a new low of winging it.

this recipe

Well, let me tell you—somehow, that last-minute scramble turned into a huge hit. People were literally scraping the bowl clean and asking for the recipe. And me? I just laughed and pretended it was some fancy recipe I’d perfected over time. The truth? It was pure panic magic.

Now, it’s become a tradition. My mom actually called me last Thanksgiving and asked, “You’re bringing your Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip, right?” Like she just assumed I’d have it prepped and ready to go. And you know what? It’s weirdly nice to have something people count on you for, even if it was a total accident.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe?

• Ridiculously Easy: I mean, we’re talking about five minutes of effort here. Maybe ten if you’re really taking your time.

• Sweet, Tangy, Crunchy: The whole thing is like a perfect storm of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and tart. It’s like a party in your mouth.

• Everyone Loves It: Even people who claim they “don’t like cranberry sauce” can’t seem to resist it.

• It Looks Fancy Without Trying: Somehow, cranberry sauce on top of anything makes it look like you actually tried.

• Endlessly Customizable: You can tweak this however you want, and it still works. Seriously, it’s foolproof.

Ingredient Notes:

Alright, so this is one of those recipes where you can pretty much eyeball everything. But here’s the rundown:

• Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): The base. It’s rich, creamy, and honestly, it’s what makes the dip feel so indulgent. Let it soften for easy mixing—unless you enjoy fighting with a block of cheese.

• Sour Cream (¼ cup): Adds a little tang and makes the texture smoother. I’ve also used Greek yogurt in a pinch. It works, but the sour cream just has that perfect bite.

• Chopped Pecans (½ cup): Crunchy goodness. You can toast them if you want, but who has time for that?

• Salt (Pinch): It’s amazing what a pinch of salt can do. It just makes everything pop.

• Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce (14 oz can): The crowning glory. I’ve made it with homemade cranberry sauce before, but honestly, the canned stuff works just fine.

How To Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip?

Step 1: Mix It Up

Toss your cream cheese, sour cream, pecans, and salt into a mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer if you’ve got one, but a fork works just fine if you’re okay with a little arm workout. Mix it all together until it’s light and fluffy. You’ll know it’s ready when you can’t stop sneaking tastes.

Step 2: Spread It Out

Transfer that creamy goodness into your serving dish. A shallow dish works best because, well, you want that cranberry sauce to cover as much surface area as possible.

Step 3: Top It Off

Now comes the fun part. Spread your cranberry sauce over the cream cheese mixture. Don’t overthink it—just get a nice, even layer. And hey, if it’s a little messy, it’s all part of the charm.

Step 4: Serve & Devour

Serve it with crackers, pretzels, or honestly, even a spoon. It’s that good. Just be prepared for people to ask you for the recipe.

Storage Options:

If you somehow manage to have any leftovers, just cover the dip and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3–4 days. Just give it a little stir before serving if it looks a bit separated. Honestly, though, I’ve never had this last longer than a day.

Variations and Substitutions:

• Go Nut-Free: Swap pecans for sunflower seeds or just leave them out.

• Spice Things Up: Add chopped jalapeños for a sweet-and-spicy combo.

• Homemade Sauce: Feeling fancy? Make your own cranberry sauce.

• More Sweetness: Drizzle honey or maple syrup on top for extra richness.

What to Serve with Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip?

You can’t go wrong with:

• Crackers: Buttery, salty, crunchy—you name it, it works.

• Pretzels: That salty-sweet combo is so addictive.

• Sliced Apples: Weirdly amazing. Trust me.

• Veggies: For when you’re pretending to be healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Absolutely. Just prep the base and cover it. Add the cranberry sauce right before serving.

Can I use fresh cranberries?
Totally! Just cook them down with sugar until you get a nice, jammy consistency.

Is this dip gluten-free?
Yes, the dip itself is gluten-free. Just be mindful of what you serve it with.

So, what do you think? Is this Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip calling your name or what? It’s creamy, tangy, sweet, crunchy—basically a little bit of everything you want on your cracker. Let me know how it turns out for you!

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5 from 1 vote

Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

This Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is more than a recipe; it's a celebration of flavors and textures in every scoop. Picture a creamy base made with cream cheese perfectly blended with the tangy freshness of sour cream creating a smooth backdrop for this culinary work of art. The chopped pecans add a crunch giving you an unexpected textural experience, alongside the creamy goodness. To top it all off there's a layer of whole-berry cranberry sauce that brings a burst of tart sweetness beautifully contrasting the velvety base. With every bite you'll savor the blend of crunchiness, sweetness and tanginess making this dip not just an appetizer but an unforgettable gastronomic journey.

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1 Servings

Ingredients

1x2x3x

• 8 oz Cream Cheese softened
• 1/4 c Sour Cream
• 1/2 c Chopped Pecans
• A small pinch of Salt
• 14 oz Can Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce

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Instructions

 

1. In a bowl use a hand mixer to blend the cream cheese that has been softened, cream chopped pecans and a pinch of salt. Keep mixing until the texture becomes light and fluffy.
2. Move the mixture into your serving dish.
3. Carefully spread the berry cranberry sauce, over the cream cheese mixture ensuring an even coverage.
4. Serve the dip with a selection of crackers. Enjoy!

Notes

Transforming this delightful Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip into a gluten-free treat is wonderfully simple and does not compromise on taste or texture. The dip itself is naturally gluten-free, thanks to its creamy cheese base and cranberry topping. The key change lies in the accompaniments. Instead of traditional crackers, opt for a variety of gluten-free options. Think outside the box - rice crackers, gluten-free pretzels, or even fresh vegetable sticks like carrots and cucumbers can be excellent carriers for this dip.

Audrey

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Bitty

I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!

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