Description

This Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread is a deliciously tangy and creamy appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion. Fresh cranberries are cooked down into a sweet, thick sauce with a splash of brandy, then layered over a fluffy cream cheese mixture infused with lemon zest. Topped with crunchy nuts, fresh scallions, and a drizzle of olive oil, it pairs exceptionally well with crackers or bagel chips for a festive and flavorful treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cranberry Sauce

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed
5 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 cup cold water
2 tablespoons brandy

Cream Cheese Mixture

2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, room temperature
6 tablespoons heavy cream
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Toppings and Garnish

1 tablespoon sliced almonds or crushed walnuts
2 teaspoons finely sliced scallions
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (optional)
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Assorted crackers or bagel chips, for serving

Instructions

Cook Cranberries: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the cranberries, sugar, and 1/2 cup cold water. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced into a thick sauce and the cranberries have burst, about 12 to 14 minutes.
Add Brandy: Stir in the brandy and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated, approximately 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and transfer the sauce to a medium heatproof bowl to cool.
Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: While the cranberry sauce cools, place the cream cheese, heavy cream, lemon zest, and kosher salt in a large bowl. Using a handheld mixer on low speed or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the ingredients, gradually increasing to high speed, until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, about 1 minute.
Assemble and Serve: Spoon the creamy cheese mixture into a serving bowl. Dollop the cooled cranberry sauce over the cream cheese. Sprinkle the top with sliced almonds or walnuts and scallions. If desired, season with freshly ground black pepper and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil. Serve immediately alongside assorted crackers or bagel chips.

Notes

You can prepare the cranberry sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it, then assemble just before serving.
For a nut-free version, omit the almonds or walnuts and substitute with extra scallions or fresh herbs.
If brandy is not preferred, you can substitute with orange juice or omit it entirely.
Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to ensure smooth and easy mixing.
Serve chilled or at room temperature based on preference; chilling slightly helps the spread firm up.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: cranberry cream cheese spread, holiday appetizer, cream cheese dip, cranberry sauce appetizer, festive spread, easy party dip