Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread

Name: Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup fresh cranberries; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/4 cup chopped pecans; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Elevate your holiday gatherings with this delightful Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread! This easy-to-make dip combines the creamy richness of cream cheese with the tart sweetness of fresh cranberries, creating a stunning and flavorful appetizer perfect for any occasion. Serve it with crackers or toast points for a festive treat that will impress your guests and brighten up your snack table.

Created by

Noah

Last updated on 2025-10-21T02:43:32.781Z

This Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread is not only visually appealing but also a delightful blend of textures and flavors. Perfect for holiday festivities!

Elevate Your Appetizer Game

This Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread is not just a recipe; it's a game-changer for your appetizers. The combination of creamy cheese and tart cranberries creates an irresistible flavor profile that is sure to impress your guests. Whether you're hosting a cozy family gathering or a large holiday party, this spread is an elegant yet straightforward option that stands out on any snack table.

What sets this spread apart is its versatility. It pairs beautifully with a variety of dippers such as whole grain crackers, crunchy toast points, or even fresh fruits. You can easily customize the serving options based on your crowd's preferences, ensuring that everyone finds something they love. Its festive red and white hues also make it visually appealing, adding a touch of elegance to your holiday spread.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it's Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply a get-together with friends, this Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread is perfect for any occasion. The sweetness of the cranberries complements the savory cream cheese, making it an ideal appetizer for your holiday menu. Plus, it's simple to prepare, leaving you with more time to enjoy the festivities with your loved ones.

This spread is also a fantastic way to leverage seasonal ingredients. Fresh cranberries are abundant during the fall and winter months, allowing you to create this delightful dish with peak flavor and freshness. Incorporating seasonal produce into your recipes not only enhances the taste but also supports local farmers and producers.

Health Benefits and Substitutions

While this recipe shines as it is, there are plenty of ways to tweak it for different dietary needs. If you want a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese. This will maintain the creamy texture while reducing calories. You can also use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a vegan option that still delivers on flavor.

Don't hesitate to experiment with additional ingredients, such as a hint of orange zest or some chopped fresh herbs, like parsley or chives. These additions can elevate the flavor further and add a refreshing twist to your spread, making it personalized and unique.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup fresh cranberries
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1 tsp vanilla extract

Combine all ingredients for a delightful spread.

Instructions

Prepare the Spread

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract. Mix until well blended.

Add Cranberries

Gently fold in the fresh cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese mixture.

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Serve with crackers or toast points.

Enjoy your delicious cranberry cream cheese spread!

FAQs

Can I make this spread in advance? Absolutely! This Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread tastes even better after sitting for a day, as the flavors meld together. Prepare it the night before your event for the best results.

What type of crackers or dippers work best? Whole grain crackers, water crackers, or baguette slices are all excellent choices. For a healthier option, consider fresh vegetable sticks such as celery or carrots.

Storage Advice

Store any leftover Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors will continue to develop, but be sure to keep it covered to maintain its freshness.

If you think you won't be able to finish it within a few days, consider freezing the spread. Place it in a freezer-safe container, and it should remain good for about three months. When ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

Serving Suggestions

For an elegant presentation, consider serving this spread on a charcuterie board alongside various cheeses, cured meats, and seasonal fruits. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also offers your guests a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

If you're looking to up the holiday spirit, you can garnish the spread with additional pecans or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color. This little touch adds a festive flair that is sure to entice your guests even more.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use canned cranberries?

Fresh cranberries result in the best flavor, but canned can be used in a pinch.