This Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread is the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and creamy — a holiday-ready dip that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. With rich cream cheese, chewy cranberries, zesty orange, and buttery pecans, every bite bursts with flavor and festive texture. Serve it with crackers, crostini, or bagels for a quick party appetizer or a breakfast treat that feels special.
Who Is This Recipe For
This recipe is perfect for:
- Holiday hosts who want a make-ahead appetizer.
- Busy families looking for something easy yet elegant.
- Cheese-lovers who enjoy creamy spreads with texture and brightness.
Why You’ll Love It
✅ Made with simple ingredients — no cooking required.
✅ Takes just 10 minutes to prepare.
✅ Beautiful color and flavor for holiday gatherings.
✅ Great for spreading, dipping, or gifting in small jars.
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
- ½ cup finely chopped pecans
- ½ teaspoon salt
Preparation
- Blend the base: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, orange zest, cranberries, and apricots with an electric mixer until well combined and creamy.
- Add texture: Stir in the chopped pecans and salt until evenly mixed.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
- Serve: Spread onto crackers, toast, or bagels — or serve as a dip at your next holiday gathering!
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended, as the texture may change once thawed.
- Tip: For extra flavor, let the spread sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Make it up to 2 days in advance and keep refrigerated until serving.
Can I use other nuts?
Absolutely — walnuts or almonds work great too.
What can I serve this with?
Try it with buttery crackers, toasted baguette slices, or even as a spread for turkey sandwiches!
Conclusion
This Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread is a simple yet stunning recipe that adds instant cheer to any table. With its creamy base and bursts of fruity sweetness, it’s the kind of appetizer that disappears fast — just like Grandma used to make during the holidays.
