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This tangy cranberry cheese mix brings total happiness to my festive gatherings. I adore seeing everyone's reaction when they first try the perfect blend of tangy dried fruits with smooth cheese. That hit of orange peel gives such a fantastic zing making this spread completely addictive on both crackers and piled high on day-after-holiday turkey sandwiches.
Why This Spread Stands Out
I first whipped this up decades ago at our family events and now it's practically mandatory. The way the velvety cheese meets those pops of fruit creates something truly special. Folks always beg me for the instructions and I'm happy sharing how incredibly easy it is to prepare ahead. This lets them focus on their guests rather than being trapped in food prep all day.
Basic Components
- 2 blocks cream cheese: Leave them out for roughly an hour so they're completely soft for easy mixing.
- 1 cup fresh cranberries: Cut these super small for little bursts of sourness throughout.
- 1/2 cup dried apricots: These naturally sweet bits perfectly counter the sharp cranberries.
- 2 oranges worth of zest: Don't skip this - it totally wakes up all the other flavors.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger: Shred it really fine to add that subtle heat that ties everything together.
Fast Simple Instructions
- Combine Everything
- Throw your room-temperature cream cheese into a bowl and mix in your fruit, orange peel and ginger until you've got a nice even mixture.
- Chill It Down
- Stick it in your refrigerator for at least 60 minutes. This lets all those amazing flavors get friendly with each other.
- Serve It Up
- Put it on your fanciest dish with crackers around the edges and watch it quickly vanish.
Creative Variations
I sometimes add a sprinkle of crunchy toasted pecans for texture. My husband's favorite version includes chopped green onions for a savory kick. When my sister visits, I mix in finely chopped jalapeños because she can't get enough spicy food. You can also try swapping out cranberries for dried cherries for something different.
Great Companions
I usually grab buttery Ritz or plain water crackers for this. Don't bother with anything too sugary since the fruit already adds plenty of sweetness. I enjoy offering lots of choices like fresh bread slices, bagel chips and thin pretzels so guests can find their own favorite way to scoop it up.
Storage Tips
This mixture stays good in your fridge for about two weeks if you wrap it tightly or put it in an airtight container. Pull it out about 15 minutes before guests arrive so it gets a bit softer. Just don't forget that it shouldn't sit out longer than a couple hours during your get-together.
Recipe Q&A
- → How long will it keep?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it soften a little before digging in.
- → Can I prep this in advance?
Sure! Make it a day or two ahead of time. It actually tastes better as the flavors blend in the fridge.
- → What goes well with it?
Pair it with crackers, baguette slices, crisp apple slices, or crunchy celery sticks. It's perfect for any of these.
- → Can I swap the dried fruit?
Absolutely, try using dried cherries, golden raisins, or dates. Just keep the same total amount for balance.
- → Is ginger necessary?
Not at all. It adds a mild spice, but the spread works perfectly fine without it.