The Easiest Way To Use Leftover Cranberry Sauce
When I shared my Homemade Cranberry Sauce recipe, I promised you I was going to share a couple of easy appetizer recipes that use leftover cranberry sauce.
Weve all found ourselves after Thanksgiving is over, realizing we have a weird amount of cranberry sauce left. Too much to throw out, but not enough to use for another full holiday meal.
And as much as people love a turkey sandwich, you can only eat so many turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce on them.
When I find myself wondering what to do with leftover cranberry sauce beyond the basics, I turn to a couple of super easy appetizers. Even if we arent having holiday parties this year, that doesnt mean we cant make ourselves some snacks for a Christmas movie marathon, right?
Todays recipe for Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is so easy it hardly counts as a recipe. It only requires 2 ingredients:
- Cranberry sauce
- Softened cream cheese
That. Is. It.
Now, I like to grab some sliced green onions for garnish to brighten things up, but thats not even technically required.
What Can I Substitute For Seasoned Salt
Seasoned salt comes in a variety of flavors, and everyone has their favorite. A common combination is salt, pepper, paprika, garlic and onion powders. Some additional flavors can include red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper, turmeric, or even sugar.
To substitute, start with salt and pepper, then add your favorite seasonings from the list above until you reach your desired flavor.
Bringing this to a BBQ? Try our potato salad recipe too!
More Easy Party Recipes
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Fresh Herb Cream Cheese Dip is the perfect dip to pair with just about anything! Quick and easy to make and full of fresh herbs, try it with your favorite chips, crackers, or raw veggies.
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 clove garlic
- salt and pepper to taste
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Tools To Make Crack Dip
Tap the links below to see the items used to make this recipe.
- Double Boiler Although a specialty piece of cookware, this double boiler is really handy to have. Its great for melting chocolate, coconut oil, or warming cream cheese for this crack dip.
- 1/2 Liter Stoneware Dish This dish is the perfect size for serving dips or dressings in.
How To Make Cream Cheese Dip

The most difficult part about these recipe is that you have to wait to eat it. Making the cheese is easy, but you will have to let it sit in the refrigerator overnight before serving. However, that means you can easily prepare it ahead of time instead of having to worry about it right before the party starts!
When youre ready to serve the herb cream cheese dip, just invert it on to a plate or serving dish, and serve with crackers! Youll definitely want to prepare this the day before a party so that its quick and easy to serve when your guests arrive. If you want to use this herb cream cheese for other purposes , store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use as needed.
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Expert Tips For Cream Cheese Dip
Below are some helpful recipe tips for this loaded cream cheese dip!
- HOW TO SOFTEN CREAM CHEESE: Remove cream cheese from foil packaging. Place it on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave the block of cheese on high power for 15-18 seconds. Its now ready to use for this cracker dip recipe!
- USE A BOX GRATER TO SHRED THE CHEESE! When making this cheese dip recipe, I highly recommend shredding your own good-quality cheddar and Jack cheeses. Packaged shredded cheese has a coating to keep the pieces separated so they dont clump together. While perfect for other recipes , the coating on pre-shredded cheese is not ideal for melting. It will turn this beautifully-textured dip into a greasy hot mess!
Ingredients For Ranch Crack Dip With Bacon And Cream Cheese
The ingredients for creamy homemade ranch crack dip are super simple. All you need is:
- Cream cheese
- Cayenne pepper
Easy, peasy! And if you want to make substitutions, there are a few options
The basic crack dip recipe uses plain cream cheese, but you can even use a flavored one. Sour cream & chives or fresh herb both sound good.
I used pre-cooked bacon bits for convenience. You can also make your own. Cook bacon using your favorite method until crispy, then crumble it before using in the dip.
The cayenne pepper is optional for homemade crack dip. I think its delicious with a little kick, but feel free to omit it, especially if youre serving it with kids around. You can also adjust the heat to your liking.
Finally, the ranch dressing! I used my favorite homemade ranch dressing recipe. I pretty much always have some in my fridge, anyway!
But, if you prefer to use a store bought kind, you can. Get one thats a little on the thicker side. Worst case, you can always adjust the consistency of the crack dip with a little more dressing if its too thick or more cream cheese if its too thin.
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Warm And Cheesy Bacon Dip
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How To Make Warm Crack Dip
It doesnt get any easier than the steps for how to make warm crack dip. It will take you all of five minutes to prep!
Heat the cream cheese, either in the microwave or a double boiler, so that it softens.
Next, add the ranch and sour cream. Stir until smooth, then add the remaining ingredients.
Transfer the mixture into a 1/2 quart ceramic appetizer dish. A glass one should also work fine.
Viola easy ranch crack dip with bacon!
Thats all it takes for the prep. Now, you can enjoy this crack dip recipe warm or cold.
Feel free to try it cold if you really want to, but trust me when I say that warm crack dip is the best! Stick it in the oven for ten minutes, until hot and bubbly.
Otherwise, if youre not serving it right away, you can refrigerate the crack dip overnight. It will even last a few days in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven once you are ready!
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How To Make Fresh Herb Cream Cheese Dip
Youre going to love how easy this cream cheese dip is to whip up! Simply add all of the ingredients to a food processor and blend, then chill until youre ready to enjoy it. Serve your dip with an assortment of fresh-cut veggies such as carrots, celery, tomatoes, broccoli, radishes, cucumber, cauliflower and sliced bell peppers. I also like to have crackers and chips available for dipping too.
- How long can this veggie dip sit out? Dips shouldnt be left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature. Because this dip contains dairy, youll want to serve it straight out of the fridge. If you go over the 2 hour mark, you can always cover it and put it back in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before letting people eat it again.
- Can you freeze this dip? Typically sour cream and mayo dont freeze well and I would not recommend freezing cream cheese dip.
Herb Coeur A La Creme
Traditional Coeur a la Creme is a dessert, similar to a cheesecake. Its usually made in a heart-shaped mold, which is where the coeur part comes from. Herb Coeur a la Creme is sort of a savory version of this recipe .
By adding in herbs, it becomes a delicious dip or spread that is absolutely perfect for parties or served as an appetizer. Its cheesy, its creamy, and its sooo delicious! One of my favorite EASY cream cheese recipes for a quick dip or spread.
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How To Make The Best Crack Dip Recipe
Scroll to the bottom for full, printable recipe and video.
What to use for dipping
There are many different things you can use to scoop up this delicious spread. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Crackers : butter crackers, saltine crackers, wheat and more.
- Vegetables: celery sticks, carrot sticks, cucumbers, bell peppers and more.
- Chips: Fritos, tortilla chips, and potato chips work well.
- Other: This is also great spread on a tortilla and rolled up for a pinwheel appetizer.
What Can I Stir Into Cream Cheese Dip

If you want to change up the flavors on your recipe, consider adding some finely chopped veggies, like carrots or celery. Herbs and spices can also be a good addition and compliment an overall menu.
Sun dried tomatoes, for example, would compliment an Italian dinner, or some dill, lemon, and diced cucumber would be a Mediterranean flavor. One of my favorites is everything bagel seasoning. YUM!
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Bacon Scallion And Cream Cheese Dip For Crackers
July 30, 2021 By Jessica
Im absolutely smitten with cream cheese dip for crackers, especially when it includes bacon and scallions! Wow your guests with this easy combo that no one can resist.
I first came across Miltons Craft Bakers when I needed a cheesy cracker for these Chicken Salad Stuffed Avocados. Ive been working my way through their product line and recently discovered their gluten-free varieties. These are perfect for snacking, as theyre extra crunchy and come in six different flavors. They would go nicely on a Cheese & Charcuterie Board, served with my Smoked Cheddar White Bean Soup, or alongside this Baba Ganoush as a dipper!
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My younger daughters first birthday is just around the corner, and Im excited! I made this warm ranch crack dip recipe with bacon and cream cheese for my other daughters party last month and it was a big hit. Its definitely making an appearance again this time!
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How Long Does Veggie Dip Stay Fresh
Kept refrigerated, in an airtight container, this creamy veggie dip will last for 5-7 days. I actually think this dip tastes better the day AFTER you make it. All the flavors really get a chance to meld and marry together. I normally make this dip the night before I plan to serve it.
This cream cheese dip is one of my favorite things to pull out when Im hosting! Its super tasty and it balances out all the desserts and cheesy appetizers. You might just find everyone hanging out at the vegetable tray enjoying this creamy deliciousness!
How To Make Cream Cheese Dip For Crackers:
I like to create mini open-sandwich snacks. See the photo below for reference! My personal favorite is the Miltons cracker + cream cheese dip + green apple slice + fresh parsley for garnish. However, all the combinations are pretty tasty. Go ahead and get creative!
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Ingredients For Loaded Cream Cheese Dip
The Pied Piper of appetizers, loaded cream cheese dip is fantastic for game-day gatherings and holiday festivities. Below are the tasty ingredients for this recipe. Find everything you need for this cracker dip and more at Walmart!
- Monterey Jack cheese , hand-grated
- Mayonnaise
- Chipotle powder
- Mild, diced, fire-roasted green chilies
- Thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy then crumbled
- Green onions
Sweet Dessert Cream Cheese Dips
Dips arent just for appetizers. They make really great crowd-favorite desserts too!
Dessert dips are best served with Nilla wafers, fruit, animal crackers, graham crackers, wafer cookies, or pretzels.
Here are some really easy dessert dip recipes!
24. Butterfinger Cream Cheese Dip
This mind-blowing dip only has 4 ingredients. Its delicious with apples. Everyone will be obsessed with it!
Ingredients:
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Loaded Cream Cheese Dip
This irresistible cheese dip is savory and delicious! Its the must-serve appetizer of the holiday season. Brimming with color, flavor, and beautiful textures, its a real crowd pleaser. Make this easy recipe in 25 minutes!
Im delighted to partner with RITZ Crackers to share this scrumptious recipe for loaded cream cheese dip made with Philadelphia Cream Cheese! All opinions are my own.
How To Make Cold Bacon Cheese Dip

Using the same ingredients you can make a dip that is perfect for hot weather. Make cold bacon cheese dip by mixing in all the ingredients and chill it for few hours before serving.
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How To Make Crack Dip
This is so easy its ready in just 2 simple steps!
How To Serve This Dip
If you ask me, theres no shame in grabbing the plate and digging in with a box of Wheat Thins while you watch back-to-back Hallmark Christmas movies.
But if you really want to be a little classier
I like to serve Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip alongside an assortment of crackers. I also like to throw some fresh fruit such as sliced apples or even some grapes and maybe some Cranberry Brie Bites and candied pecans or chai spiced candied pecans onto the platter.
It makes for an impressive-looking snack platter that will take you maybe 10 minutes tops to pull together.
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Tips From The Pillsbury Kitchens
- tip 1 Crack dip is loaded with all the flavors you cant stop eating: sour cream, dill and buttermilk-spiked Ranch seasoning, green onions and crumbled bacon. Dip in off-the-shelf veggie chips or spread on toasted baguette slices.
- tip 2 Save time with pre-cooked slices of bacon that are reheated in the microwave just until crisp. Chop or crumble into small bits, then mix into your Ranch Crack Dip.
- tip 3 Make this easy cream cheese dip by using a Cheddar cheese with some personality, like a sharp Cheddar. Smoked Gouda, dilled Havarti and crumbled blue cheese are other bold-flavored varieties you can play with as well.
Cheese Dip And Crackers
Cheese dip and crackers are a family tradition! Grandma always kept a variety of these trusted brands on hand for pairing with appetizers like my loaded cream cheese dip! We kids looked forward to opening the boxes and digging in! Perfect for holiday and year-round enjoyment, pair them with soup, salad, fruit, meat and cheese. Heres a close-up view of our family favorites:
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Herb Cream Cheese Dip Ingredients
- cream cheese
- lemon zest
- lemon pepper seasoning
Cream Cheese You can use the full fat, reduced fat, or fat free cream cheese versions. Just be sure to soften or bring it to room temperature before mixing to avoid clumps.
Mayo Use your favorite brand of mayo. Mine is Dukes!
Sour Cream You can substitute plain Greek yogurt for this if you like.
Herbs Fresh herbs are always best, but if you are in a pinch or dont have any you can use dried herbs. Just use about half the amount as they will have a stronger flavor.
- add cream cheese, mayo, and sour cream
- mix until smooth
- mix and chill
Crock Pot Broccoli Cheese Dip
Crock pot broccoli cheese dip is a guaranteed hit for your favorite dippers, and it makes a great potato skin topping. It’s easy to prepare with frozen broccoli, boxed cheese, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and a dash of garlic powder. Give it an extra zing of flavor with roasted peppers, onions, or Dijon mustard if you like.
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