Description
A festive and creamy spread combining rich cream cheese with tart cranberries, perfect for crackers, bagels, or pastries.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 blocks (8 oz each) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (about 8 oz)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest, finely grated
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt (about 1/8 teaspoon)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts, lightly toasted (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse and sort the cranberries, discarding any bruised ones.
- In a saucepan, combine rinsed cranberries, 1/2 cup sugar, orange juice, and salt. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in orange zest and optional cinnamon.
- Cool the compote to room temperature, then refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
- Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and airy, optionally adding sugar and vanilla.
- Fold in the chilled cranberry compote until combined.
- Chill in an airtight container for 30-60 minutes before serving.
Notes
Store in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days; can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cream cheese, cranberry spread, festive appetizer, holiday recipe, easy dip