Cream cheese cranberry dip layers a cool creamy base with tart red cranberry topping and fresh herbs. It is a quick no-bake appetizer that can be assembled in one shallow serving dish.
The measured recipe and complete sequence are in the card below. Read the method once before starting, then keep the ingredients close by.
Table of Contents
What you need
Gather and measure the ingredients before turning on the cooker. Keep optional adjustments small so the finished texture remains predictable.
- 2 packages cream cheese, 8 ounces each, softened
- 1 can (14 ounces) whole-berry cranberry sauce
- 1/8 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/8 cup chopped green onion
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Crackers, for serving
How to prepare it
Soften the cheese just enough to spread without tearing up the layer. Mix the cranberry topping separately so the herbs and lemon are distributed evenly, then spoon it across the cheese without fully blending the layers.
The order matters: prepare the base first, add the remaining ingredients, then use the cooker time in the card. Check the final texture and seasoning before serving.
Serving and storage
Offer sturdy crackers or toasted bread alongside the dish. Keep this dairy-based dip refrigerated until serving and promptly refrigerate leftovers in a covered container.
Frequently asked questions
Can it be made ahead?
Yes. Assemble it ahead, cover and refrigerate; set out with crackers when ready to serve.
Can jellied cranberry sauce be used?
It can, but whole-berry sauce gives a chunkier topping like the one shown in the featured image.
Conclusion
The card below keeps the ingredient amounts, cooker setting and timing together. Use the visual doneness cues in addition to the clock.
Recipe card
PrintCream Cheese Cranberry Dip
Cream cheese cranberry dip layers a cool creamy base with tart red cranberry topping and fresh herbs. It is a quick no-bake appetizer that can be assembled in one shallow serving dish.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: About 12 1x
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 packages cream cheese, 8 ounces each, softened
- 1 can (14 ounces) whole-berry cranberry sauce
- 1/8 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/8 cup chopped green onion
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Crackers, for serving
Instructions
- Spread the softened cream cheese in an even layer across a shallow serving dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine the whole-berry cranberry sauce with cilantro, green onion, cumin and lemon juice.
- Spoon the cranberry mixture across the cheese. Serve with crackers, keeping the dip chilled until it is time to eat.
