Description

This Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread is a vibrant and creamy appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers. It combines the tartness of homemade cranberry sauce with smooth whipped cream cheese, enhanced by lemon zest, nuts, and scallions for added texture and flavor. Serve it with crackers or bagel chips for a delightful crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to make and elegant.

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 Garnishes

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

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Instructions

Cook the Cranberries: 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 and the cranberries burst, about 12 to 14 minutes.
Add Brandy and Reduce: Stir in the brandy and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid evaporates, about 2 more minutes. Transfer the cranberry sauce to a medium heatproof bowl and let it cool completely.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: While the cranberry sauce cools, place the cream cheese, heavy cream, lemon zest, and kosher salt into a large bowl. Using a handheld mixer on low speed or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the mixture, gradually increasing to high speed, until smooth and fluffy, about 1 minute.
Assemble the Spread: Spoon the whipped cream cheese mixture into a serving bowl, then dollop or spoon the cooled cranberry sauce over the top.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the spread with sliced almonds or crushed walnuts, scallions, and, if desired, freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and serve alongside assorted crackers or bagel chips.

Notes

For a non-alcoholic version, omit the brandy and add a splash of orange juice or water instead.
Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to ensure a smooth and fluffy spread.
Use fresh cranberries if possible for the best flavor, but frozen cranberries work well too—just thaw before cooking.
This spread can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated; bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
For a nut-free version, omit the nuts and garnish with extra scallions or additional zest.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Calories: 120
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 110mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg