Description
This vibrant cranberry cream cheese spread is sweet, tangy, and festive—perfect for holiday parties, cheese boards, or as a simple make-ahead appetizer!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- Crackers or bread, for serving
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped pecans, if using. Let cool completely.
- Spread softened cream cheese on a serving plate or shape into a log or block.
- Spoon cooled cranberry mixture over the cream cheese.
- Serve with crackers, baguette slices, or as part of a holiday cheese board.
Notes
Make the cranberry topping ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Assemble right before serving for best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: cranberry, cream cheese, holiday appetizer, christmas spread, festive dip