Description
This lighter Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip blends sweet and tangy flavors for a festive and delicious holiday appetizer. Featuring low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt, it’s easy to prepare and perfect for serving with crackers, pretzels, or sliced apples. Chill for a smooth, refreshing taste that’s ideal for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz low-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Fresh herbs (like mint or parsley) for garnish
Serving Suggestions
- Assorted crackers
- Pretzels
- Sliced apples
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients. If needed, microwave the low-fat cream cheese for 10-15 seconds to soften it for easy mixing.
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing continuously until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Mix in Greek Yogurt: Add the Greek yogurt to the mixture and mix until well combined for a lighter, tangy creaminess.
- Prepare Cranberries: Chop fresh cranberries or, if using frozen, thaw and drain them. Fold the cranberries into the mixture.
- Add Nuts (Optional): If using, chop pecans or walnuts and add to the dip, mixing evenly.
- Flavor the Dip: Add vanilla extract, cinnamon if desired, and salt. Mix thoroughly to distribute the flavors and ingredients uniformly.
- Chill: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl, cover it, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and the dip to firm up. For best flavor, refrigerate overnight.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, stir the dip gently and garnish with additional chopped nuts, whole cranberries, or fresh herbs as desired.
- Serve: Present the dip with assorted crackers, pretzels, or sliced apples for a delightful appetizer experience.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeños.
- Swap cranberries with chopped apples, pears, or dried fruits to explore different flavor profiles.
- Using low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt keeps the dip lighter without sacrificing taste.
- Chilling the dip overnight enhances the flavor and texture.
- Fresh herbs like mint or parsley add a refreshing garnish and visual appeal.
