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🎄 Easy Holiday Appetizer Recipe

Holiday Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Sauce Recipe

This holiday cranberry cream cheese dip sauce recipe is creamy, tangy, sweet, and perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, holiday parties, and family gatherings.

Cranberry Dip Holiday Appetizer Cream Cheese BeSureToCook
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Holiday Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Sauce Recipe by BeSureToCook

Easy Holiday Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

This cranberry cream cheese dip is a simple holiday appetizer that brings together creamy, sweet, tangy, and crunchy flavors in one dish. The softened cream cheese mixes with mayonnaise for a smooth base, while cranberry sauce and chopped pecans make it festive and full of holiday flavor.

Prep Time15 minutes
Chill Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Servings8 servings
Serve this cranberry cream cheese dip cold with crackers, toasted bread, pita chips, or a holiday snack board.

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup chopped pecans, or more to taste
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cans cranberry sauce, 14 oz each
  • Crackers or bread slices, for serving

Instructions

  1. Let the cream cheese soften so it is easier to mix and spread.
  2. Chop the pecans into small pieces.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth.
  4. Add the chopped pecans into the cream cheese mixture and stir until combined.
  5. Prepare the cranberry sauce by slicing or spreading it into your serving dish.
  6. Add a layer of cranberry sauce to the bottom of the dish.
  7. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cranberry layer.
  8. Add the second cranberry layer on top.
  9. Cover and refrigerate until chilled and set.
  10. Serve with crackers, bread slices, or your favorite holiday dippers.

Why This Recipe Works

Easy holiday appetizer This recipe uses simple ingredients and comes together fast for parties, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Creamy and tangy The cream cheese and mayonnaise make a smooth base that balances the cranberry sauce.
Sweet with crunch Cranberry sauce adds sweetness and tang while pecans give the dip a festive crunch.

Serving Tips

  • Chill the dip before serving so the layers hold together better.
  • Serve with buttery crackers, toasted bread, pita chips, or pretzel crisps.
  • Add extra pecans on top before serving for a pretty holiday look.
  • Use whole berry cranberry sauce if you want more texture.
  • Keep the dip refrigerated until ready to serve.

Video Timestamps

  • 00:00 Welcome to Be Sure to Cook
  • 00:19 Chopping pecans
  • 02:05 Preparing the cream cheese mixture
  • 03:00 Adding chopped pecans
  • 03:43 Setting the mixture aside
  • 03:47 Preparing the cranberry sauce
  • 05:00 Layering cranberry slices
  • 05:45 Spreading the cream cheese mixture
  • 07:00 Adding the second cranberry layer
  • 09:17 Refrigerating the dish
  • 10:00 Final presentation and serving tips
  • 10:17 Thank you and goodbye

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make cranberry cream cheese dip ahead of time?

Yes. This recipe is great to make ahead because it needs time to chill. Prepare it, cover it, and refrigerate until ready to serve.

What do you serve with cranberry cream cheese dip?

You can serve it with crackers, bread slices, pita chips, toasted baguette slices, pretzels, or a holiday snack board.

Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?

Yes. Homemade cranberry sauce works well as long as it is thick enough to layer over the cream cheese mixture.