When it’s the holiday season, you always need quick appetizer ideas that you can just throw together. This Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Dip might be my new favorite go-to appetizer for when unexpected company comes over. It can be put together in minutes and everyone raves about the depth of flavor with the sweet orange marmalade added. It adds great festive color to any table and just you simply add a few of your favorite types of crackers around it. You can’t go wrong.

Topping softened cream cheese with a jelly or spread is something that’s very southern. I grew up with it and it’s always served at events. You can’t go to a baby shower without finding a cream cheese dip! This version is great for the holidays with the use of whole-berry cranberry sauce.

It’s a sweet dip and the cranberries are so festive. If you want to add a little heat to the sweetness, you can add some green chiles. It’s an alternative version of the dip that adds heat to the sweetness. I prefer just sweet, but some people like to change it up.

So call over some friends, exchange a few gifts and crack a bottle of wine. Christmas entertaining doesn’t get any easier than this dip. Stress-free hosting always saves the holiday season.

Looking for more great Christmas appetizer recipes? Check out these favorites of mine. They can be prepped ahead of time and they’re great for a cocktail hour:

• Bacon & Fontina Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
• Spiced Mixed Nuts
• Crunch and Spicy Oyster Crackers

How To Make Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Dip

The key to making a traditional cream cheese dip, like this one, is to soften the cream cheese. It needs to be softened enough that a cracker can glide through it. That only takes a few minutes (especially during the winter months in a warm house).

What To Serve With Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Dip

I love to add several different types of crackers or flat breads around the dip. If you’re feeling fancy, and actually have some time to prep, feel free to make some homemade crackers. Baguette slices are another great option for dipping.

A sweeter red wine would be a great pairing and a wheat beer would balance the flavors well. The dip makes a great appetizer and whatever you pair it with, it’s sure to be a big hit.

How To Store Leftover Dip

Unfortunately this dip doesn’t freeze well. The brick of cream cheese is better in the refrigerator. So store any leftover dip in an airtight food storage container. The dip will be good to enjoy for 2-3 days before discarding.

What You’ll Need To Make The Dip:

• Brick of Cream Cheese
• Whole-Berry Cranberry Sauce
• Orange Marmalade
• Granulated Sugar
• Crackers
• Optional: Orange Zest for Garnish

Recipe Subsitutions

I use regular cream cheese and I’m very favorable to the Philadelphia Cream Cheese brand. However, you can use a reduced fat version of cream cheese if you’d like. Additionally, if you want to add some heat to the sweet, a can of green chopped green chilis will add a touch of heat. Just follow the recipe as directed for everything else!

Step-By-Step Instructions To Make Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Dip

Place cream cheese on a serving platter and set aside to soften.

In a small bowl, combine cranberry sauce, marmalade and sugar.

Mix well. Let stand for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until sugar is completely dissolved.

Pour on top of cream cheese and serve with crackers.