Easy Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Dip
This cranberry orange dip is an easy appetizer made by combining cream cheese, orange zest, and honey with a sweet and tart cranberry topping.
Cranberry orange cream cheese dip is super simple to put together before a holiday gathering, and it pairs perfectly with crackers, bread slices, pita wedges, pretzel crisps, and more.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. If you make a purchase, this site may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. You can read my full disclosure policy here.
You know how there are times around the holidays when you’re asked to bring a dish to a party that can be shared?
Or how sometimes you’re the one hosting and need one or two of low-effort, high-impact dishes to round out the meal?
This cranberry orange cream cheese dip is one of those ultra-simple appetizers that comes together quickly with just a few ingredients, while still being delicious.
The cream cheese base pairs honey with citrus, which is then topped with cranberry sauce or cranberry relish, and a little bit of orange zest as a colorful garnish.
It’s the perfect combo of sweet and tangy!
I generally just serve this with an assortment of crackers (we’re keeping things simple here!), but you could also add in some sliced baguette pieces, pita wedges, pretzel crisps, or even some sliced apples.
Tips for Making Cranberry Cream Cheese Appetizer Ahead of Time
Because this is a no-bake appetizer, you can start working on it ahead of time.
I recommend whipping the cream cheese base ahead of time, then transferring it to the serving dish you’ll be using. Cover it and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve.
Just before serving, spoon the cranberry sauce or relish over the cream cheese mixture. Grate a bit of orange zest on top if you want, then you’re set!
This keeps it looking nice, but ensures you’re not scrambling to get things ready while your guests are arriving.
I do the same thing when making my cranberry Boursin dip or my cranberry whipped ricotta dip.
Prefer a sweeter dip? Try this cranberry pecan dessert dip!
More Cranberry Recipes for the Holidays:
- Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread
- Cake Mix Cranberry Orange Cookies
- No-Bake Cranberry Cream Pie
- Cranberry Pistachio Bread
- Cake Mix Cranberry Orange Muffins
How to Make Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Dip
It’s really easy to whip up this simple appetizer.
Find the full printable recipe available below
Make the cream cheese base. First, you’ll combine the softened cream cheese, honey, orange zest, and freshly squeezed orange juice in a small mixing bowl.
Use an electric mixer to beat everything together until smooth.
I recommend starting with just a couple of tablespoons of honey, then adding more if you want the cream cheese a bit sweeter.
Add cranberries. Then, you’ll spread the cream cheese mixture out onto a plate or into a dip bowl.
Grab your cranberry sauce or cranberry relish and spoon it over the surface of the cream cheese.
I like using the Stonewall Kitchen cranberry relish when I’m short on time (it has great flavor!). Otherwise, I’ll use leftover homemade cranberry sauce if I have it on hand.
Garnish and serve. Then, you’ll garnish with a little bit more orange zest, if you’d like.
Serve the dip alongside an assortment of crackers or your favorite dippers!
Notes and Adaptations:
- The amount of honey used will depend on how sweet you want the dip. I most often use the full 4 tablespoons, because I like the sweetness to contrast the tart flavor of the cranberries. But depending on how sweet your cranberry sauce/relish is, you may prefer to have less honey in the cream cheese.
- If you’re making this ahead of time, I would recommend transferring the cream cheese mixture to the refrigerator until ready to serve, then top with the cranberries just before serving.
- I highly recommend using either homemade whole berry cranberry sauce or Stonewall Kitchen cranberry relish.
Recommended Equipment:
Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (plus more for garnish, if desired)
- 2 tablespoons orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2-4 tablespoons honey (to taste)
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (or cranberry relish)
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, orange zest, orange juice, and 2 tablespoons of honey. With the mixer on medium speed, beat together until smooth. Taste the mixture–if you prefer it a bit sweeter, add up to 2 more tablespoons of honey, then mix to combine.
- Transfer cream cheese mixture to a dip bowl or spread it on a small plate.
- Spoon cranberry sauce or cranberry relish over the cream cheese mixture, spreading it gently.
- Garnish with additional orange zest, if desired. Serve alongside your favorite dippers, such as buttery crackers, pretzel crisps, bagel chips, pita chips, etc.
Notes
- The amount of honey used will depend on how sweet you want the dip. I most often use the full 4 tablespoons, because I like the sweetness to contrast the tart flavor of the cranberries. But depending on how sweet your cranberry sauce/relish is, you may prefer to have less honey in the cream cheese.
- If you’re making this ahead of time, I would recommend transferring the cream cheese mixture to the refrigerator until ready to serve, then top with the cranberries just before serving.
- I highly recommend using either homemade whole berry cranberry sauce or Stonewall Kitchen cranberry relish.
Equipment
Nutrition
Did you try this recipe?
Don’t forget to leave a rating below and make sure to follow on Instagram and Pinterest for more easy recipes!
Don’t forget to save this recipe to your holiday board on Pinterest!
Categories:
Appetizers & Snacks, Christmas, Condiments and Spreads, Easy Recipes, Fall Recipes, Holidays,
Easy family-friendly recipes in your inbox!