This creamy cranberry walnut dip is a cold, make-ahead holiday appetizer made with cream cheese, mayonnaise, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, Swiss cheese, and smoky bacon bits. It takes about 10 minutes to mix, then chills for at least 2 hours so the sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy flavors can come together.
Serve it with crackers, toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or crisp vegetables for Thanksgiving, Christmas, potlucks, parties, or any snack table that could use one very good bowl of dip.
A Holiday Dip Worth Hovering Around the Snack Table For
You know the appetizer everyone keeps circling back to while pretending they are just passing through the kitchen? This is that dip.
The cream cheese and mayonnaise make it rich and creamy, dried cranberries bring little bursts of sweetness, walnuts add crunch, Swiss cheese makes it savory, and bacon bits finish everything with smoky flavor. Somehow, every scoop gets a little bit of everything.
Best of all, this cranberry walnut dip actually benefits from being made ahead. Mix it, tuck it into the refrigerator, and cross one more thing off your holiday hosting list.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Walnut Dip
- Quick prep: It takes only about 10 minutes of hands-on time.
- Make-ahead friendly: Chill it for at least 2 hours or prepare it the day before serving.
- Sweet and savory: Cranberries, Swiss cheese, walnuts, and bacon give every bite plenty of flavor and texture.
- Easy to serve: Set it out with crackers, bread, pita chips, or vegetables.
- Holiday ready: Cranberries make it especially at home on Thanksgiving and Christmas appetizer tables.
Readers also make: If your party philosophy is that one dip is never enough, try my Kraft Queso Dip or this loaded Supreme Queso Dip.
Watch How to Make Creamy Cranberry Walnut Dip
See how easy it is to make this creamy cranberry walnut dip from start to finish. In the video, you’ll mix the cream cheese and mayonnaise base, fold in the dried cranberries, walnuts, Swiss cheese, bacon, and onion, chill the dip until the flavors come together, and serve it with crackers, toasted baguette, pita chips, or fresh vegetables. It’s an easy make-ahead holiday appetizer for Thanksgiving, Christmas, parties, and potlucks.
Cranberry Walnut Dip Recipe at a Glance
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: At least 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Method: No-cook
- Best for: Thanksgiving, Christmas, holiday parties, potlucks, and make-ahead entertaining
Ingredients for Creamy Cranberry Walnut Dip
You only need a handful of familiar ingredients, but each one brings something different to the bowl.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Softening it first makes the creamy base easier to blend.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: Loosens the cream cheese and gives the dip its scoopable consistency.
- 1 cup finely diced yellow onion: Adds savory flavor and a little bite.
- 1 cup dried sweetened cranberries: Adds chewy texture and sweet-tart cranberry flavor.
- 1 cup chopped walnuts: Brings plenty of nutty crunch.
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese: Adds a mild, savory cheese flavor.
- 1 cup bacon bits: Gives the dip its smoky, salty finish.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
You will also need crackers, baguette slices, pita chips, or fresh vegetables for serving.
How to Make Cranberry Walnut Dip
1. Make the Creamy Base
Place the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
2. Add the Cranberries, Walnuts, Cheese, and Bacon
Fold in the finely diced onion, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, shredded Swiss cheese, bacon bits, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mix-ins are evenly distributed throughout the creamy base.
3. Chill the Dip
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the cranberry walnut dip for at least 2 hours. For even more make-ahead convenience, prepare it the day before and let it chill overnight.
4. Serve
Give the dip a quick stir before serving, transfer it to a serving bowl, and set out plenty of crackers, toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or fresh vegetables.
Expert Tips for the Best Cranberry Walnut Dip
Soften the Cream Cheese First
Room-temperature cream cheese blends much more easily with the mayonnaise. Cold cream cheese can leave little lumps in the base.
Dice the Onion Finely
The onion should add flavor without dominating each bite. A fine dice distributes it throughout the dip more evenly.
Chop the Walnuts
Smaller walnut pieces make the dip easier to scoop and help ensure you get cranberry, walnut, cheese, and bacon in the same bite.
Do Not Skip the Chill Time
The dip can technically be eaten as soon as it is mixed, but chilling gives the ingredients time to settle into each other and makes this an especially convenient appetizer to prepare ahead.
Easy Cranberry Walnut Dip Variations
- Use pecans: Substitute chopped pecans for the walnuts.
- Add orange zest: A little finely grated orange zest complements the dried cranberries.
- Try dried cherries: Replace part of the cranberries with chopped dried cherries.
- Make it less sweet: Use unsweetened dried cranberries if available.
- Leave out the walnuts: You can omit them if you do not want nuts in the dip. If serving someone with a nut allergy, always check the labels on the remaining packaged ingredients for cross-contact information.
What to Serve with Cranberry Walnut Dip
This is a thick, creamy dip, so sturdy dippers work especially well.
- Buttery crackers
- Whole-grain crackers
- Pita chips
- Toasted baguette slices or crostini
- Pretzel crisps
- Celery sticks
- Carrot sticks
- Bell pepper strips
- Cucumber slices
Perfect with: Building a full holiday spread? Add my Cranberry Bread and Pistachio Cranberry Sauce to keep the festive cranberry theme going.
How to Make Cranberry Walnut Dip Ahead of Time
This is one appetizer you can happily make the day before your gathering. Prepare the dip completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight.
Before serving, stir the dip and transfer it to your serving bowl. Add the crackers, bread, or vegetables only when you are ready to serve so they stay crisp.
How to Store Leftover Cranberry Walnut Dip
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days.
Keep the crackers, bread, and other dippers stored separately so they do not become soft.
Can You Freeze Cranberry Walnut Dip?
I prefer this dip fresh from the refrigerator rather than frozen. Cream cheese- and mayonnaise-based dips can change texture after freezing and thawing, so for the creamiest result, make it a day ahead instead.
Troubleshooting Cranberry Walnut Dip
Why is my dip lumpy?
The cream cheese was probably still too cold. Let it soften before mixing, then beat it thoroughly with the mayonnaise before adding the remaining ingredients.
Why is my dip difficult to scoop?
Very cold cream cheese firms up in the refrigerator. Let the dip sit briefly while you arrange the serving platter, then stir before serving.
Why does one ingredient overpower the dip?
Finely dice the onion and chop the walnuts so the ingredients are distributed evenly rather than landing in large pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make cranberry walnut dip ahead of time?
Yes. This is an excellent make-ahead holiday appetizer. Prepare it the day before, cover, refrigerate, and stir before serving.
What can I serve with cranberry walnut dip besides crackers?
Try pita chips, toasted baguette slices, pretzel crisps, celery, carrots, bell pepper strips, or cucumber slices.
How long does cranberry walnut dip last in the refrigerator?
Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I substitute pecans for walnuts?
Yes. Chopped pecans are an easy substitute and work well with the cranberries and creamy base.
Can I use unsweetened dried cranberries?
Yes. Unsweetened dried cranberries will make the dip noticeably more tart, which can be a good choice if you prefer less sweetness.
Is cranberry walnut dip good for Thanksgiving or Christmas?
Yes. The cranberry flavor and make-ahead preparation make this dip especially convenient for Thanksgiving, Christmas, holiday parties, and seasonal appetizer spreads.
Related Holiday Dips and Appetizers
Keep the snack table stocked with these easy party recipes:
- Kraft Queso Dip
- Supreme Queso Dip
- Turkey Cookie Platter with Cheesecake Dip
- Pistachio Cranberry Sauce
The Holiday Dip That Knows How to Work a Room
There is nothing complicated about this creamy cranberry walnut dip, and that is exactly why it works. Ten minutes of mixing gives you a sweet, savory, crunchy appetizer you can make ahead and pull from the refrigerator when the party starts.
Set it down with a pile of crackers and walk away. The dip can handle the introductions.
Next recipe to try: If cranberries have officially taken over your holiday menu, make my Pistachio Cranberry Sauce next.
Creamy Cranberry Walnut Dip
This creamy cranberry walnut dip combines cream cheese, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, Swiss cheese, and bacon bits in an easy make-ahead holiday appetizer. Mix it in about 10 minutes, chill for at least 2 hours, and serve with crackers, toasted baguette, pita chips, or fresh vegetables.
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
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Crackers, toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or fresh vegetables, for serving
Instructions
1. Place the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and evenly combined.
2. Fold in the finely diced onion, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, shredded Swiss cheese, bacon bits, salt, and pepper. Stir until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for a convenient make-ahead appetizer.
4. Stir before serving and transfer to a serving bowl. Serve chilled with crackers, toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric hand mixer
- Rubber spatula or sturdy spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Serving bowl
- Airtight container or bowl cover
Expert Tips
Soften the cream cheese first. Room-temperature cream cheese blends much more smoothly with the mayonnaise and helps prevent lumps.
Finely dice the onion. Small pieces distribute the onion flavor throughout the dip without overpowering individual bites.
Chop the walnuts. Smaller walnut pieces make the dip easier to scoop and help you get cranberries, walnuts, cheese, and bacon in every bite.
Don't skip the chill time. Refrigerate the dip for at least 2 hours before serving so the flavors have time to come together.
Variations
- Pecans: Substitute chopped pecans for the walnuts.
- Orange zest: Add a little finely grated orange zest for a bright citrus note that pairs well with cranberries.
- Dried cherries: Replace part of the dried cranberries with chopped dried cherries.
- Less sweet: Use unsweetened dried cranberries for a more tart cranberry flavor.
- Nut-free variation: Omit the walnuts if desired. If serving someone with a nut allergy, check the labels of all packaged ingredients for possible cross-contact.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Creamy Cranberry Walnut Dip with buttery crackers, whole-grain crackers, pita chips, pretzel crisps, toasted baguette slices, crostini, celery sticks, carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, or cucumber slices.
Storage
Store leftover cranberry walnut dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Keep crackers, bread, and other dippers stored separately so they stay crisp.
Reheating
No reheating is needed. This cranberry walnut dip is served chilled. If it becomes very firm in the refrigerator, allow it to sit briefly at room temperature and stir before serving.
Make Ahead
This dip is ideal for making ahead. Prepare it completely up to one day before serving, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Stir before transferring it to a serving bowl.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for the best texture. Cream cheese- and mayonnaise-based dips may separate or become grainy after freezing and thawing.
Troubleshooting
Dip is lumpy: The cream cheese may have been too cold. Allow it to soften before beating it with the mayonnaise.
Dip is too firm: Let the chilled dip sit briefly at room temperature, then stir before serving.
One ingredient overwhelms the dip: Finely dice the onion and chop the walnuts so the ingredients distribute more evenly throughout the creamy base.
More Recipes to Try
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is provided as an estimate only and will vary depending on the brands, serving size, and specific ingredients used.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 612Total Fat: 52gSaturated Fat: 12gUnsaturated Fat: 40gCholesterol: 44mgSodium: 766mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 6gSugar: 4gProtein: 20g
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.