Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup pecans or walnuts, toasted and chopped
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh green onions or chives, thinly sliced (optional)
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Soften the Cream Cheese – Place the cream cheese in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Use a spatula or an electric hand mixer to beat the cheese until it is completely smooth and creamy. Ensuring the cheese is at room temperature is vital for avoiding lumps.
- Step 2: Prepare the Add-ins – Finely chop your dried cranberries and toasted nuts. If you prefer a more uniform texture, you can pulse them a few times in a food processor, but be careful not to turn them into a powder.
- Step 3: Combine Ingredients – Add the chopped cranberries, nuts, honey, orange zest, and salt to the bowl with the cream cheese. If you are using green onions for a savory touch, add them now as well.
- Step 4: Fold and Mix – Gently fold all the ingredients together using a spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese. Avoid over-mixing if you want to keep the distinct flecks of color visible.
- Step 5: Chill and Set – Transfer the spread to a serving bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the cranberries to soften slightly and the flavors to deepen.
Find it online: https://www.pleasecook.com/snacks/cranberry-cream-cheese-spread/