Mediterranean Creamy Baked Cranberry & Goat Cheese Dip with Rosemary
Creamy, warm, festive, and irresistibly tangy — this Baked Cranberry & Goat Cheese Dip with Rosemary is the perfect holiday-season appetizer that tastes elegant but is secretly incredibly easy to make. The combination of creamy goat cheese, mild cream cheese, and sweet-tart cranberries creates a rich dip with a beautiful balance of flavors. Fresh rosemary adds an earthy aromatic note, while honey ties everything together with gentle sweetness.
This dip feels gourmet but requires only a handful of ingredients and about 20 minutes in the oven. Serve it bubbling-hot with toasted baguette slices, crackers, pita chips, or even fresh veggies. It’s ideal for holiday dinners, family gatherings, potlucks, and cozy winter nights when you want something warm and comforting.
Total Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6–8 as an appetizer
Ingredients
For the Creamy Goat Cheese Base
225g (8 oz) goat cheese, softened
115g (4 oz) cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon rosemary, finely chopped
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
For the Cranberry Topping
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
2–3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon orange zest (optional but delicious)
1 tablespoon water
For Serving
Toasted baguette slices
Crackers, crostini, or pita chips
Fresh rosemary for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Base
In a mixing bowl, combine:
Goat cheese
Cream cheese
Honey
Rosemary
Garlic powder
Salt
Black pepper
Using a spoon or electric mixer, beat until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly into your baking dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Cranberry Topping
In a small saucepan, add:
Cranberries
Honey/maple syrup
Lemon juice
Orange zest
Water
Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and form a thick, jam-like sauce. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 4: Assemble
Spread the cranberry mixture evenly over the cheese base. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of rosemary if you like.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are lightly golden.
Step 6: Serve
Remove from the oven and let rest for 3–4 minutes. Serve warm with toasted bread or crackers.
Tips
Use Softened Cheeses
Goat cheese and cream cheese blend more easily when softened at room temperature for at least 20 minutes. This ensures a smoother dip.
Balance Sweetness to Taste
Cranberries are naturally tart. Adjust the honey in the topping based on how sweet you prefer your dip.
Don’t Overcook the Cranberries
You want them soft and jammy, not dried out. If they thicken too much, add 1–2 teaspoons water.
Use an Oven-Safe Skillet
A small cast-iron skillet holds heat beautifully and looks gorgeous on the table.
Add Nuts for Texture
A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts adds a lovely crunch.
Serve Immediately
This dip is best enjoyed warm. If it cools, reheat in the oven for 5 minutes.
Variations
Goat Cheese & Fig
Replace cranberries with:
½ cup fig jam
Sprinkle thyme instead of rosemary
Great for fall and date nights.
Spicy Cranberry Dip
Add to the cranberry topping:
¼ teaspoon chili flakes
Sweet-spicy flavor loved by guests.
Orange-Cranberry Brie Fusion
Swap half the goat cheese for brie for a milder, creamier dip.
Vegan Version
Use:
Vegan cream cheese
Vegan goat-style cheese or cashew cheese
Maple syrup instead of honey
Cranberry Pomegranate
Add 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds after baking for a burst of freshness.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the cheese base and cranberry topping in the dish (without baking), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake right before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this dip?
Freezing is not recommended because cream cheese can change texture.
Q: Can I use dried cranberries?
Fresh or frozen cranberries work best. If you only have dried, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before using.
Q: What can I serve this with?
Baguette slices, crostini, crackers, pita chips, naan, or even fresh apple slices.
Q: Can I substitute rosemary?
Yes — thyme is the best alternative, or you can omit herbs for a milder flavor.
Approximate Nutrition (per serving)
Based on 8 servings, without bread/crackers
Calories: 160
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Sugar: 12g
Protein: 5g
Sodium: 170mg
Conclusion
This Creamy Baked Cranberry & Goat Cheese Dip with Rosemary is the perfect blend of festive flavors, combining tangy goat cheese, silky cream cheese, and a sweet-tart cranberry topping scented with rosemary. It’s rich, elegant, and incredibly simple to make — exactly the kind of warm, cozy appetizer everyone loves during fall and winter gatherings. With endless variations and reliable make-ahead options, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a beautiful addition to your holiday table. Enjoy every creamy, sweet-savory bite!