Description

This Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip with a Golden Crust is a delightful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or casual parties. Creamy, tangy cream cheese is combined with sweet sour cream and powdered sugar, layered with vibrant whole berry cranberry sauce, and topped with flaky puff pastry that bakes to a perfect golden crust. The optional nuts add a lovely crunch, making this dip irresistibly delicious served alongside crackers, bread, or fresh vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Dip Base

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping

1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Crust

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Serving

Crackers, bread, or veggies for serving

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a small baking dish or an oven-safe skillet to prevent sticking.
Prepare the cream cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Layer the dip base: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating a flat, uniform layer.
Add the cranberry sauce: Spoon the whole berry cranberry sauce over the cream cheese mixture. Use a knife or spatula to gently swirl the cranberry sauce into the cream cheese layer for a marbled effect. If desired, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the top for added texture and flavor.
Apply puff pastry crust: Lay the thawed sheet of puff pastry over the top of the layered mixture. Trim any excess pastry so it fits neatly in the dish, and press the edges lightly against the sides to seal.
Brush with egg wash: Using a brush, apply the beaten egg evenly over the surface of the puff pastry. This step ensures a golden and glossy crust when baked.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed, golden brown, and flaky.
Cool and serve: Allow the dip to cool slightly before serving. Present it alongside crackers, slices of bread, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Notes

Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth texture.
If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or pecans.
The puff pastry should be properly thawed but cold to handle easily and bake evenly.
Leftover dip can be refrigerated and gently reheated; however, the pastry may lose some crispness.
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or orange zest to the cream cheese mixture.