Description

This Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread is a delightful, easy-to-make appetizer perfect for holidays and gatherings. Combining tangy cream cheese with sweet whole berry cranberry sauce and a hint of warm spices, it offers a vibrant, marbled look and rich flavor. Optional additions like chopped pecans add a satisfying crunch, while fresh parsley provides a fresh garnish. Serve chilled with crackers or crostini for a crowd-pleasing snack that can be prepared ahead of time.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt

Optional Ingredients

1/4 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Crackers or crostini for serving

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Instructions

Combine Cream Cheese and Flavorings: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with honey, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Fold in Cranberry Sauce: Gently fold in the cranberry sauce, leaving some swirls visible for a beautiful marbled effect.
Add Pecans (Optional): If using, stir in the chopped pecans to add a crunchy texture.
Transfer and Garnish: Transfer the mixture to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Chill: Chill the spread for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serve: Serve chilled with crackers or crostini as a delicious appetizer.

Notes

You can prepare this spread a day in advance to enhance the flavors.
For a dairy-free version, substitute with plant-based cream cheese.
To make it nut-free, omit the pecans or swap them for walnuts if preferred.