Baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip

Ingredients:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup sour cream

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup fresh or dried cranberries (see notes)

1/4 cup honey (or sugar, for a sweeter dip)

1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional)

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for topping)

Fresh rosemary, for garnish (optional)

Crackers, baguette slices, or pita chips, for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish or pie pan.
2. Prepare Cranberry Mixture:
   If using fresh cranberries, cook them in a small saucepan with honey (or sugar), 1-2 tbsp of water, and cinnamon over medium heat until softened and saucy, about 5-7 minutes. Let cool slightly.
3. Mix the Base:
   In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and salt. Stir in 3/4 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
4. Assemble the Dip:
   Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Spoon the cranberry mixture over the top and gently swirl it in. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the dip.
5. Bake:
   Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly and the cheese is golden.
6. Optional Garnish:
   Sprinkle chopped nuts on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for extra texture. Garnish with fresh rosemary before serving, if desired.
7. Serve:
   Serve warm with crackers, baguette slices, or pita chips.

Tips:

Use dried cranberries for a quicker version; just soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to plump them up before mixing.