Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread

Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread is a delightful treat that will elevate any gathering. This easy-to-make recipe combines the tartness of cranberries with the creaminess of cream cheese, creating a perfectly balanced spread. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, a casual get-together, or simply satisfying a craving, this dish captures the warmth of comfort food and nostalgia. With its vibrant colors and rich flavors, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for more. In this step-by-step guide, you’ll find all the details you need to create this delectable spread effortlessly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread is not only easy to prepare, but it also brings a touch of elegance to your table with minimal effort. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a delicious appetizer that’s sure to impress. The quick cooking time of around 20 minutes means that you won’t be spending hours in the kitchen, allowing you to focus on enjoying your time with friends and family. Additionally, the combination of creamy texture and sweet-tart flavor makes it a delightful addition to any platter, making it perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed: Bursting with juicy flavor, these little gems are the star of our spread.
5 Tbsp. granulated sugar: Just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tartness of the cranberries.
2 Tbsp. brandy: (Optional for flavor enhancement; for an alcohol-free version, you can omit this ingredient.)
2 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, room temperature: Rich, creamy, and smooth, forming the base of our spread.
6 Tbsp. heavy cream: Adds a luscious texture to the mix.
2 tsp. finely grated lemon zest: Provides a refreshing tang that brightens the flavors.
1/4 tsp. kosher salt: Enhances all the wonderful tastes in the dish.
1 Tbsp. sliced almonds or crushed walnuts: For a delightful crunch that adds texture.
2 tsp. finely sliced scallions: A touch of mild onion flavor to complement the spread.
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper (optional): A hint of spice, if desired.
Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling: Adds a touch of richness to the final dish.
Assorted crackers or bagel chips, for serving: Perfect for scooping up that luscious spread!

Step-by-Step Directions

In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, and half a cup of cold water. Allow this mixture to come to a gentle simmer.
Cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces into a thick, syrupy consistency and the cranberries begin to burst, about 12 to 14 minutes.
Add the brandy (if using) and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally until most of the liquid has evaporated.
Transfer the cranberry mixture to a medium heatproof container or bowl and set aside to cool.
In the meantime, in a large bowl, using a handheld mixer on low speed (or in the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment), beat together the cream cheese, heavy cream, lemon zest, and kosher salt until smooth and fluffy, which should take about 1 minute.
Dollop the cream cheese mixture into a serving bowl, creating an inviting base for our cranberry sauce.
Spoon the cooled cranberry sauce over the cream cheese layer, allowing the vibrant red color to shine through.
Sprinkle with sliced almonds or crushed walnuts and finely sliced scallions for added texture and flavor. If desired, season with freshly ground black pepper.
Drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil over the top for an extra touch of richness.
Serve this delectable spread with assorted crackers or bagel chips, and watch it disappear in minutes!

Tips & Tricks

Make Ahead: Prepare the cranberry sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
Texture Variation: For a chunkier texture, consider gently smashing some cranberries after cooking the sauce instead of blending it completely.
Flavor Infusion: Feel free to experiment with different nuts or herbs to personalize your spread. Chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can add an aromatic touch.
Cracker Variety: Serve with a variety of textures—choose crispy, whole-grain, or gluten-free options to accommodate your guests’ preferences.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread makes a fantastic addition to holiday gatherings, brunches, and festive parties. Pair it with an assortment of crackers, bagel chips, or even fresh baguette slices. It also works wonderfully as a spontaneous snack with a glass of sparkling water or sweet iced tea. For a well-rounded appetizer platter, consider including cheese, cured meats, and fresh fruit, making it visually appealing and deliciously diverse.

Nutritional Information

This dip serves about 12 and contains approximately 130 calories per serving. It offers a balance of carbohydrates from the cranberries and sugar, healthy fats from the cream cheese and nuts, as well as essential vitamins from the lemon zest and scallions. As with any delicious treat, enjoy this spread in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Storing Tips & Variations

Storage: Store any leftover Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing: For long-term storage, you can freeze the cranberry sauce portion for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving. It is best to prepare the cream cheese mixture fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Variations: Feel free to switch the nuts; try using pecans or pistachios instead! You can also substitute Greek yogurt for cream cheese if you’re looking for a lighter option. For additional sweetness, consider folding in a bit of honey or maple syrup to the mix.

Conclusion

Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread is not only a delightful addition to any appetizer spread, but it’s also incredibly easy to make! Its perfect balance of tart and creamy flavors paired with delightful textures make it a must-try recipe. We encourage you to give this a go at your next gathering and share your experiences in the comments below!

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the cream cheese with a vegan alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. The cranberry sauce remains the same as it is naturally vegan.

2. What can I use instead of brandy?
You can easily omit the brandy if you prefer not to use alcohol. For a similar flavor profile, consider adding a splash of apple cider or a little bit of juice.

3. How can I serve the spread creatively?
Consider using mini graham cracker crust cups for individual servings of the spread, or layer it in a glass between alternating layers of crackers for a beautiful presentation.

4. Is it possible to use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
While fresh or frozen cranberries are best for this recipe, you could rehydrate dried cranberries in warm water for about 30 minutes to use them. However, the texture and flavor profile will differ.

5. Can I add spices to the cranberry sauce?
Certainly! You can enhance the flavor by adding warming spices like cinnamon or cloves in the cranberry sauce while it cooks. This adds a lovely fall flavor that many people find comforting.