Description
This Warm Cranberry-White Cheddar Holiday Dip is an irresistible blend of creamy white cheddar and cream cheese, topped with tart cranberries for a perfectly sweet, savory, and festive appetizer. With the warmth of thyme and a drizzle of honey, it’s ideal for holiday gatherings and sure to impress your guests with its cozy, holiday-inspired flavors. Serve it with crackers, crostini, or fresh bread for dipping, and watch it become the star of your holiday table!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup fresh cranberries (optional, for extra tartness)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (plus more for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Crackers, crostini, or fresh bread, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Cheese Mixture – In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded white cheddar, sour cream, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well-mixed.
- Assemble Dip – Transfer the cheese mixture to a small oven-safe baking dish, spreading it evenly. Spoon the cranberry sauce over the top of the cheese mixture and spread gently.
- Add Fresh Cranberries (Optional) – Sprinkle fresh cranberries over the cranberry sauce for an extra tart flavor.
- Bake – Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and cranberries are softened.
- Garnish and Serve – Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, drizzle with honey, and garnish with additional thyme leaves. Serve warm with crackers, crostini, or fresh bread.
Notes
- Make Ahead – The cheese mixture can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, add cranberry sauce and bake as directed.
- Cheese Alternatives – Try gruyere or gouda for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Serving Suggestions – This dip pairs well with crackers, crostini, fresh bread, or even veggie sticks for a gluten-free option.
- Adjust Sweetness – Add more or less honey depending on your desired level of sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Size: Approximately 1/8 of the recipe
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg