Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread Recipe
This Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread is a festive and creamy appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Combining tangy homemade cranberry sauce with fluffy cream cheese, lemon zest, and a hint of brandy, it’s topped with crunchy nuts and scallions for texture and drizzled with olive oil for richness. Serve it with crackers or bagel chips for a crowd-pleasing starter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Cranberry Sauce
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed
- 5 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp brandy
- 1/2 cup cold water
Cream Cheese Spread
- 2 (8-oz.) packages cream cheese, room temperature
- 6 tbsp heavy cream
- 2 tsp finely grated lemon zest
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
Toppings and Garnish
- 1 tbsp sliced almonds or crushed walnuts
- 2 tsp finely sliced scallions
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper (optional)
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Assorted crackers or bagel chips, for serving
Instructions
- Make the Cranberry Sauce: 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 thickens into a saucy consistency and the cranberries burst, about 12 to 14 minutes.
- Add Brandy: Stir in the brandy and continue cooking for about 2 more minutes, until most of the liquid evaporates. Transfer the sauce to a medium heatproof bowl and allow it to cool completely.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, using a handheld mixer on low (or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment), beat the cream cheese, heavy cream, lemon zest, and kosher salt. Gradually increase the speed to high and beat until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, about 1 minute.
- Assemble the Spread: Spoon the cream cheese mixture into a serving bowl. Dollop the cooled cranberry sauce over the top.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the sliced almonds or crushed walnuts and sliced scallions evenly over the spread. Optionally, season with freshly ground black pepper.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil over the top for added richness. Serve immediately alongside assorted crackers or bagel chips.
Notes
- This spread can be made a few hours in advance; refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Use thawed fresh or frozen cranberries for best results.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the brandy or substitute with orange juice.
- Mix up the nuts topping to suit your preference—pecans or hazelnuts also work well.
- Allow cream cheese to come to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
Keywords: cranberry cream cheese spread, holiday appetizer, cranberry sauce, cream cheese dip, festive appetizer
Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/cranberry-cream-cheese-spread-recipe/
