Creamy Cranberry Walnut Dip Recipe: The Holiday Appetizer That Wows Every Time
A Dip So Good, It Deserves Gossip
Looking for a dip that makes guests whisper, “What is this magic?” without you breaking a sweat? This Creamy Cranberry Walnut Dip recipe is your new secret weapon. Sweet, savory, and crunch-tastic, it’s perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or cozy nights with a glass of wine and crackers. Ready to spread happiness—literally? Let’s dive in.
This appetizer is more than just a dip—it’s a conversation starter. With cream cheese, cranberries, walnuts, and a sprinkle of bacon bits, it’s the kind of dish that makes people linger by the snack table. Think of it as your shortcut to holiday hostess fame, minus the stress.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cranberry Walnut Dip
- Flavor symphony: Smooth cream cheese meets tangy cranberries, nutty walnuts, Swiss cheese, and smoky bacon bits.
- Crowd-pleaser: Perfect with crackers, baguettes, or veggie sticks.
- Quick prep: Just 10 minutes of hands-on time, then let the fridge do the work.
- Make-ahead magic: Chill overnight for flavors that mingle beautifully.
Pro tip: Let it chill for a few hours or overnight—the flavors deepen and get even better with time.
Prep Time, Chill Time, and Servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours (or overnight for maximum flavor)
- Servings: 10
Ingredients for Cranberry Walnut Dip
- 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise
- 1 cup (160 g) finely diced yellow onion
- 1 cup (150 g) dried sweetened cranberries
- 1 cup (120 g) chopped walnuts
- 1 cup (120 g) shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup (112 g) bacon bits
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving
Expert Tips for the Best Holiday Dip
- Soften Your Cream Cheese: Room temperature cream cheese blends smoother.
- Lighter Version: Swap for reduced-fat cream cheese and mayo.
- Adjust Sweetness: Prefer less sweet? Use unsweetened dried cranberries.
How to Make Creamy Cranberry Walnut Dip
Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, blend softened cream cheese with mayonnaise using an electric mixer until smooth. This silky mixture forms the dip’s luscious foundation.
Step 2: Mix in the Flavors
Fold in diced onion, cranberries, walnuts, Swiss cheese, bacon bits, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until fully incorporated, creating a balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy.
Step 3: Chill and Serve
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor. Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or veggie sticks. Watch your guests dive in immediately!
Variations & Creative Serving Tips
- Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds.
- Add orange zest for a citrusy pop.
- Mix in dried cherries for extra sweetness.
- Serve in a hollowed-out mini pumpkin for festive flair.
Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Walnut Dip
- Pair with crackers, baguette slices, or pita chips.
- Add to a charcuterie board for an elegant spread.
- Serve alongside cheesy breadsticks or roasted vegetables for a hearty snack platter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use other nuts besides walnuts? A1: Yes! Pecans or almonds work perfectly, or leave them out for nut-free guests.
Q2: Can I make this ahead? A2: Definitely! In fact, making it a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Q3: What else goes well with this dip besides crackers? A3: Try pita chips, sliced veggies, or toasted baguette.
Q4: How long does it last in the fridge? A4: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Q5: Can I use unsweetened cranberries? A5: Yes! See my cranberry sauce recipe for a less sweet version.
More Recipe Ideas
Final Thoughts: The Dip That Steals the Show
Whether it’s a family holiday, casual gathering, or weeknight snack, this Creamy Cranberry Walnut Dip delivers a sweet-and-savory punch. It’s easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to become a fan favorite. Spread the joy—and maybe a little gossip about how simple it was to whip up!
Get creative, enjoy the process, and happy dipping.
Creamy Cranberry Walnut Dip
This Creamy Cranberry Walnut Dip is a sweet-and-savory holiday appetizer that wows every time. Made with cream cheese, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, Swiss cheese, and bacon bits, it’s creamy, crunchy, and perfect with crackers, baguette slices, or veggie sticks. Make it ahead for flavors that meld beautifully, and pair it with my Cheesy Breadsticks Recipe or Pistachio Cranberry Sauce for a complete festive spread.
Ingredients
- 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise
- 1 cup (160 g) finely diced yellow onion
- 1 cup (150 g) dried sweetened cranberries
- 1 cup (120 g) chopped walnuts
- 1 cup (120 g) shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup (112 g) bacon bits
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Base In a large bowl, blend softened cream cheese with mayonnaise using an electric mixer until smooth. This forms a luscious, creamy foundation for the dip.
Step 2: Mix in the Flavors Gently fold in diced yellow onion, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, shredded Swiss cheese, bacon bits, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly combined, creating the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy.
Step 3: Chill and Serve Cover the dip and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor. Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or veggie sticks. For a festive presentation, pair with my Cheesy Breadsticks Recipe or use a hollowed-out mini pumpkin as a bowl.
Notes
Expert Tips:
- Room temperature cream cheese blends smoother for a creamier dip.
- For a lighter version, swap in reduced-fat cream cheese and mayonnaise.
- Use unsweetened dried cranberries if you prefer a less sweet flavor.
Variations & Creative Tips:
- Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds.
- Add a touch of orange zest for a citrusy pop.
- Mix in dried cherries for extra sweetness.
- Serve in a hollowed-out mini pumpkin for festive flair.
Serving Suggestions:
- Perfect with crackers, baguette slices, or pita chips.
- Include in a charcuterie board for a sophisticated appetizer.
- Serve alongside roasted vegetables or festive breadsticks.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
10Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 606Total Fat: 53gSaturated Fat: 14gUnsaturated Fat: 39gCholesterol: 71mgSodium: 1049mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 4gSugar: 4gProtein: 23g
The Nutritional Information may not be accurate. This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.