Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The orange zest brightens up the rich cream cheese and cheddar.
Cranberries add a tart sweetness, for contrast.
Baking gives a lovely melted, gooey cheese crust.
Easy to prepare, yet feels special and festive.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cream cheese, softened
Sharp or extra‑sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided into parts for mixing & topping)
Cranberry sauce (whole or jellied)
Fresh cranberries
Orange, for zest
Optional: extra cranberry sauce for topping

Directions

Preheat your oven to about 175 °C (350 °F). Grease a baking dish (e.g. 9×13‑inch) or suitable oven‑safe dish.
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until light and fluffy.
Zest the orange (avoiding the white pith) and stir the zest into the cream cheese.
Fold in most of the shredded cheddar and cranberry sauce (reserving some cheese and some sauce for topping). Mix until evenly combined. Add fresh cranberries and gently fold in.
Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top. Sprinkle the reserved cheddar over the top, and dollop or swirl remaining cranberry sauce over that.
Bake uncovered for ~25 minutes until the edges are bubbling. Then broil for 1‑2 minutes (if desired) to get a golden, bubbly top.
Remove from oven and let rest for ~5 minutes before serving (it’ll be very hot).

Servings and timing

Serves about 8 as an appetizer.
Preparation time: ~15 minutes.
Baking time: ~25 minutes (plus optional broil ~1‑2 minutes).
Total time: ~40 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: After cooling to room temperature, cover and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Good for 3‑4 days.
Reheating: Warm in an oven at ~175 °C (350 °F) until heated through and cheese is bubbly again — about 10‑15 minutes. You can also reheat portions in the microwave, though the texture may be less gooey.

FAQs

What kind of cheddar is best?

Extra‑sharp or sharp cheddar works well, because it adds a punch of flavor that balances the sweetness of the cranberries.

Can I use jellied cranberry sauce instead of whole cranberry sauce?

Yes. Jellied works fine. If you want texture, you can add fresh cranberries or whole sauce in parts.

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate until baking time. Then bake just before serving.

Is this dip vegetarian?

Yes, if your cheeses are made without animal rennet. Always check the cheese label if that matters to you.

Can I reduce the sweetness?

Yes. Use less cranberry sauce or choose a sauce with less sugar. You might also reduce any extra sugar if using fresh cranberries.

What should I serve this with?

Great with crackers, sliced baguette, toasted bread, crudités (carrots, celery), or even apple slices.

Can I use a different citrus instead of orange?

Yes—lemon or even blood orange zest would work. Just adjust amount (lemon can be more pungent).

Is it possible to freeze this dip?

Freezing is not ideal. The dairy and baked cheese texture may separate or become grainy upon thawing. Better to make fresh or refrigerate.

Can I omit the fresh cranberries?

Yes. They’re mainly for bursts of texture and look. If omitted, the dip will be smoother and more uniform in texture.

How do I make the top extra crisp or golden?

Use the broiler for the last 1‑2 minutes. Also, a light sprinkle of additional cheese on top helps crisp in spots under high heat.

Conclusion

This Baked Orange Cranberry Dip is a warm, festive crowd‑pleaser—rich, tangy, and sweet in all the right ways. It’s simple to put together, bakes up beautifully, and pairs with many dippers. If you want something special but not too fussy for your next gathering, this dip hits all the marks.