Name: Baked Orange Cranberry Dip
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 8 oz Blocks Cream Cheese (softened); Zest of 1 Orange; 3 cups Extra Sharp White Cheddar (divided into 2 cups and 1 cup); 2 cups of Whole Cranberry Sauce (plus an additional ¼ cup for topping); 1 cup Fresh Cranberries

Are you ready to add a twist of zest and a burst of berry to your culinary repertoire? Let me introduce you to a delightful creation that’s bound to become a staple in your holiday menu: the Baked Orange Cranberry Dip. This recipe is not just about tantalizing your taste buds; it’s a journey into a world of creamy textures, tangy flavors, and festive cheer.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe
Baked Orange Cranberry Dip Ingredients
How to Make Baked Orange Cranberry Dip
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Helpful Tips & Substitutions
Try Some of our Other Favorite Holiday Recipes

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

Festive Flavor: Every scoop of this dip is a celebration of flavors. The tangy orange zest perfectly complements the sweet and tart cranberry sauce, creating a taste that is both unique and familiar.
A Breeze to Prepare: Despite its gourmet appeal, this dip is surprisingly easy to make. With a prep time of just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for those busy holiday evenings or last-minute gatherings.
Perfect for Sharing: Designed to serve eight, this dip is ideal for sharing. It’s a great way to bring people together and is guaranteed to be a hit at any party or family dinner.
Visually Appealing: Let’s not forget how gorgeous this dip looks! The vibrant red of the cranberries against the creamy white dip, topped with golden melted cheese, makes it a feast for the eyes.
Versatile and Customizable: Whether you’re a fan of extra zest or prefer a bit more sweetness, this recipe is easily customizable to suit your taste.

Baked Orange Cranberry Dip Ingredients

Cream Cheese
Orange
Extra Sharp White Cheddar
Whole Cranberry Sauce
Fresh Cranberries

*Scroll to Printable Recipe Card below for detailed amounts!

How to Make Baked Orange Cranberry Dip

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 8

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9X13 inch square baking pan and set aside.
Cream Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese to a large bowl and cream using a handheld mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.
Zest Orange: Use a zester to zest a large orange over the cream cheese.
Add Cheese and Cranberry Sauce: Grate and add 2 cups of extra sharp white cheddar and spoon in 2 cups of cranberry sauce to the bowl. Mix together until all the ingredients are combined.
Add Fresh Cranberries: Add the whole, fresh cranberries to the bowl and fold in until evenly incorporated.
Pour in & Bake: Spoon in the cream cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth out. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top of the cream cheese mixture and evenly dollop the extra cranberry sauce over the top of the cheese. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, then broil for additional 1-2 minutes until top is golden and bubbly.
Serve Warm: Remove the dish from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving, it will be piping hot. Garnish with a few fresh cranberries and rosemary for a festive vibe.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

How to Store Baked Orange Cranberry Dip:

Cool Before Storing: Allow the dip to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation which can affect the texture.
Refrigeration: Transfer the cooled dip into an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.

How to Reheat Baked Orange Cranberry Dip:

Oven Reheating (Recommended): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dip from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. Then, heat it uncovered for 10-15 minutes or until it’s thoroughly warmed and the cheese is bubbly.
Microwave Reheating: If you’re in a hurry, you can reheat in the microwave. Place a portion of the dip in a microwave-safe dish and heat it on high for 30-60 seconds.

Helpful Tips & Substitutions

Can this be Frozen?

While freezing the Baked Orange Cranberry Dip is possible, eating it fresh is a much better idea. It is easy to mix up and only takes a short amount of time so whip up a new batch when you’re ready to indulge.

Can this be Made Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! This Baked Orange Cranberry Dip is a fantastic make-ahead dish for your gatherings. You can prepare the dip a day or two in advance, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake it following the original instructions.

Substitutions & Variations

Cheese Variations: Try different types of cheese for varying flavors – a mix of mozzarella and cheddar can offer a milder taste, while a bit of blue cheese can add a sharp, tangy twist.
Fruit Swaps: If cranberries aren’t your favorite or aren’t in season, consider using chopped dried apricots or figs for a different kind of sweetness.
Add Nuts: For added texture and flavor, consider sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.

Helpful Cooking Notes

Cream Cheese Consistency: Ensure your cream cheese is well-softened before mixing to avoid lumps.
Zesting Tip: When zesting the orange, avoid the white pith as it’s bitter; you want only the flavorful orange part of the peel.
Serving Temperature: This dip is best enjoyed warm, so try to time your baking so it can be served shortly after coming out of the oven.
Dipping Choices: While crackers and bread are great, don’t overlook fresh vegetables like carrot sticks or cucumber rounds for a healthier dipping option.

Try Some of our Other Favorite Holiday Recipes

Baked Orange Cranberry Dip

4.62 from 39 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Servings

Calories 414 kcal

Discover the joy of holiday cooking with our Baked Orange Cranberry Dip. Perfect for festive gatherings. Easy to make and ideal for sharing.

INGREDIENTS

2 8 oz Blocks Cream Cheese, softened
Zest of 1 Orange
3 cups Extra Sharp White Cheddar, divided into 2 cups and 1 cup
2 cups of Whole Cranberry Sauce, plus an additional ¼ cup for topping
1 cup Fresh Cranberries

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9X13 inch square baking pan and set aside.
Cream Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese to a large bowl and cream using a handheld mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.
Zest Orange: Use a zester to zest a large orange over the cream cheese.
Add Cheese and Cranberry Sauce: Grate and add 2 cups of extra sharp white cheddar and spoon in 2 cups of cranberry sauce to the bowl. Mix together until all the ingredients are combined.
Add Fresh Cranberries: Add the whole, fresh cranberries to the bowl and fold in until evenly incorporated.
Pour in & Bake: Spoon in the cream cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth out. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top of the cream cheese mixture and evenly dollop the extra cranberry sauce over the top of the cheese. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, then broil for additional 1-2 minutes until top is golden and bubbly.
Serve Warm: Remove the dish from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving, it will be piping hot. Garnish with a few fresh cranberries and rosemary for a festive vibe.

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