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Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread

Cranberry cream cheese spread combines smooth, tangy cream cheese with a thick, tart cranberry mixture and finely grated orange zest. Simmer the cranberries until most have burst, then chill the streaked spread before serving.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
chilling 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 130
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

cranberry mixture
  • 1 cup cranberries fresh
  • 0.25 cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp water
spread
  • 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese softened
  • 1 tsp orange zest finely grated

Method
 

Cook the cranberry mixture
  1. Combine the cranberries, sugar, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most cranberries have burst and the mixture is thick.
  3. Transfer the cranberry mixture to a bowl and cool completely.
Make the spread
  1. Beat the cream cheese and orange zest in a medium bowl until smooth.
  2. Fold in the cooled cranberry mixture until evenly streaked.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

For the best texture, cool the cranberry mixture completely before folding it into the cream cheese. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; freezing is not recommended because it can affect the texture. For a dairy-free option, use plant-based cream cheese.