Description
Holiday Cranberry Cream Cheese is a festive spread that perfectly blends the creamy richness of cheese with the tartness of fresh cranberries. Ideal for holiday gatherings, this colorful dish offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that will impress your guests. Serve it on crackers or bagels for an elegant appetizer that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups fresh cranberries (rinsed)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tsp orange zest
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, sugar, and water. Cook until cranberries burst and form a sauce, about 10 minutes.
- Allow the cranberry mixture to cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Fold in cooled cranberry mixture and orange zest.
- If using nuts, fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.
- Transfer to a serving dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving with crackers or baguette slices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Cooking, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 60g
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg