Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread Recipe
A delightful and festive cranberry cream cheese spread that is perfect for holiday gatherings or as an easy appetizer. Creamy cream cheese topped with a sweet and tangy homemade cranberry jam, finished with a sprinkle of pecans.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Cranberry Topping:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Spread:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans (optional)
- Crackers or toasted baguette slices for serving
Instructions
- Cranberry Topping: In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, orange zest, and cinnamon. Cook until cranberries burst and mixture thickens, about 10-12 minutes. Let cool.
- Spread Assembly: Place softened cream cheese on a serving plate, spread into an even layer. Spoon cooled cranberry mixture over cream cheese. Sprinkle with pecans. Serve with crackers or baguette slices.
Notes
- You can make the cranberry topping up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne to the cranberry mixture.
- Goat cheese can be used instead of cream cheese for a tangier flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
