Hot Cranberry Cheese Dip

Rich, creamy Hot Cranberry Cheese Dip topped with tangy homemade cranberry sauce – a festive, crowd-pleasing holiday appetiser.

This Hot Cranberry Cheese Dip is the perfect combination of warm, melty cheese and bright, sweet-tart cranberry sauce.

The base is smooth and creamy with just a touch of Dijon and sweeter white wine for depth, while the cranberry topping adds a bold pop of flavour.

It’s simple to make, comes together quickly, and feels special enough for any Christmas party or winter get-together. Serve it warm with toasted bread or your favourite crackers and watch it disappear fast.

Tips for the Best Results

• Stir the cranberries often.
  The cranberry topping thickens quickly, so keep it moving to prevent burning and ensure an even texture.
• Let the dip cool before topping.
  Cooling the cheese layer for 10-15 minutes helps it set slightly so the cranberry sauce sits beautifully on top rather than sinking in.
• Use a sweeter wine or mead.
  A sweeter white wine such as Riesling – or mead – adds a soft, honeyed note that complements the cranberries perfectly.
• Grate your own cheese.
  Freshly grated mozzarella melts more smoothly than pre-shredded blends coated in starch.
• Broil briefly.
  The dip only needs 2-3 minutes under the broiler to bubble and lightly brown, so keep a close eye on it.

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Frozen cranberries: Frozen works perfectly and breaks down quickly into a thick sauce. Fresh cranberries can be used in the same quantity.
• Brown sugar: Adds warmth and richness. Light or dark brown sugar is fine. White sugar works in a pinch but gives a slightly brighter sweetness.
• Balsamic vinegar: Balances the cranberries and adds depth. Red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be substituted.
• Butter: Helps form the roux for the cheese sauce. No substitute recommended for best texture.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce. A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend will also work.
• Milk: Whole milk gives the best creaminess. Semi-skimmed also works, but avoid skim.
• Cream cheese: Adds body and richness. Full-fat is best, but light cream cheese works if needed.
• Mozzarella: Provides a smooth, stretchy melt. You may swap half for a stronger cheese like Gruyère or Emmental for more complexity.
• Dijon mustard: Adds subtle tang. Yellow mustard can be used but will be milder.
• Sweet white wine (such as Riesling), or mead: Gives a soft, fruity flavour that pairs beautifully with the cranberry topping. Dry white wine can be used, but the dip will have a slightly sharper finish.
• Salt: Season to taste.

Looking for More Holiday Appetisers?

Check out more of my favourite Christmas party appetizer recipes!

These Puff Pastry Christmas Trees are a festive appetiser filled with spinach, bacon, and cheese – perfect for holiday parties!

Brighten your holiday table with a stunning Christmas Cheese Ball Wreath! Flavorful and topped with festive colours, it’s a holiday must-have!

Celebrate the holidays with this simple recipe for a Christmas cheese ball made with sharp cheddar, bell peppers, pecans, and more!

Hot Cranberry Cheese Dip

Yields: 6-8 Servings | Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups frozen cranberries (150 g)
• ¼ cup brown sugar (50 g)
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon butter (15 ml)
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (15 ml)
• 1 cup milk (250 ml)
• 4 oz cream cheese, cubed (115 g)
• 7 oz grated mozzarella cheese (200 g, about 2 cups), plus extra for sprinkling
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (15 ml)
• 2 tablespoons sweet white wine
• Salt, to taste

Directions

1. Make cranberry topping:
   In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar. Cook, stirring often so the mixture doesn’t burn, until the cranberries soften and the sauce thickens, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool while preparing the cheese base.
2. Make cheese base:
   In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 30 seconds. Gradually whisk in milk and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, then stir in cream cheese and mozzarella. Whisk until smooth and melted. Stir in Dijon mustard, wine, and salt to taste.
3. Bake:
   Pour the cheese mixture into an oven-safe baking dish. Sprinkle with extra mozzarella. Broil on a foil-lined baking sheet until bubbly and lightly golden, 2–3 minutes.
4. Assemble and serve:
   Let the cheese dip cool for 10–15 minutes before spooning the cranberry topping over it. Serve immediately with bread or crackers.

Continue to Content

Yield: 8 Servings

Hot Cranberry Cheese Dip

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Rich, creamy Hot Cranberry Cheese Dip topped with tangy homemade cranberry sauce – a festive, crowd-pleasing holiday appetiser.

Print

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups frozen cranberries (150 g)
• ¼ cup brown sugar (50 g)
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon butter (15 ml)
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (15 ml)
• 1 cup milk (250 ml)
• 4 oz cream cheese, cubed (115 g)
• 7 oz grated mozzarella cheese (200 g, about 2 cups), plus extra for sprinkling
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (15 ml)
• 2 tablespoons sweet white wine
• Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar.
2. Cook, stirring often so the mixture doesn’t burn, until the cranberries soften and the sauce thickens, about 8 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let cool while preparing the cheese base.
4. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 30 seconds. Gradually whisk in milk and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat, then stir in cream cheese and mozzarella. Whisk until smooth and melted. Stir in Dijon mustard, wine, and salt to taste.
6. Pour the cheese mixture into an oven-safe baking dish. Sprinkle with extra mozzarella. Broil on a foil-lined baking sheet until bubbly and lightly golden, 2–3 minutes.
7. Let the cheese dip cool for 10–15 minutes before spooning the cranberry topping over it. Serve immediately with bread or crackers.

Recommended Products

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

¼ cup
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 207Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 297mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 1gSugar: 9gProtein: 10g

This information is provided as a courtesy and for entertainment purposes only. This information comes from online calculators. Although frugalmomeh.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

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