Baked Orange Cranberry Dip
Discover the joy of holiday cooking with our Baked Orange Cranberry Dip. Perfect for festive gatherings. Easy to make and ideal for sharing.
Servings: 8
Calories: 414kcal
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.
Notes
Storage and Reheating Instructions
How to Store Baked Orange Cranberry Dip:
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- Cool Before Storing: Allow the dip to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation which can affect the texture.
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- 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:
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- 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.
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- 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
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- Add Nuts: For added texture and flavor, consider sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
Helpful Cooking Notes
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- Cream Cheese Consistency: Ensure your cream cheese is well-softened before mixing to avoid lumps.
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- Zesting Tip: When zesting the orange, avoid the white pith as it’s bitter; you want only the flavorful orange part of the peel.
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- 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.