Thank you—truly—for stopping by today. If you’re anything like me, the moment the air turns crisp and sweaters come out of hiding, your cravings shift to warm, comforting foods that make the soul feel hugged. This Sweater Weather Dip? It’s all of that, and more.
Creamy, cheesy, gooey, with a pop of bright cranberry tartness—this baked dip is pure comfort. It’s a little unexpected, a little festive, and totally addicting. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, bringing a dish to Friendsgiving, or just need a couch snack for your favorite cozy movie night—this dip delivers.
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🧀 What Is Sweater Weather Dip?
This dip is everything that’s right about fall food—rich, melty cheeses, creamy tang from sour cream, and little bursts of sweet-tart cranberry sauce. It’s savory meets sweet, with an ultra-smooth texture and a marbled top that looks as gorgeous as it tastes.
Think: hot cheese dip meets your favorite holiday cheese board. Perfect with crackers, baguette slices, or crisp apple wedges!
💕 Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Dip
- Ready in 30 minutes – including prep and bake time!
- No fancy ingredients – just pantry and fridge staples.
- Sweet & savory harmony – cranberry adds balance to all that gooey goodness.
- A total crowd-pleaser – it’s hard to stop dipping!
- Perfect for fall & winter gatherings – Friendsgiving, game day, or movie night.
🧾 Ingredients List
Serves 8 | Prep time: 15 min | Cook time: 15 min
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella, divided
- ½ cup shredded white cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (or cranberry jam)
- ½ cup dried cranberries, divided
- Kosher salt & black pepper, to taste
- Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving
Pro Tip: Use a mix of sharp white cheddar and creamy mozzarella for the best flavor + texture combo.
🍽️ Tools You’ll Need
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula
- 9×5″ baking dish or 9″ pie plate
- Small spoon or knife for marbling
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 baking dish or 9-inch pie plate.
2. Make the Base
In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Then stir in:
- Sour cream
- Half of the mozzarella (½ cup)
- Half of the cheddar (¼ cup)
- Half of the dried cranberries (¼ cup)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix until combined and creamy.
3. Assemble the Dip
Spoon the cream cheese mixture into your prepared dish and smooth out the top.
4. Marble the Cranberry Sauce
Spoon cranberry sauce in dollops on top. Use a butter knife to gently swirl it into the cheese mixture—like marbling a cheesecake.
5. Top & Bake
Sprinkle on the remaining cheese and dried cranberries. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until golden and bubbling around the edges.
6. Serve Warm
Let it rest for a few minutes, then serve it up hot and melty with crackers, bread, pretzels, or sliced fruit.
🍎 What to Serve with Sweater Weather Dip
This dreamy dip pairs perfectly with:
- Buttery crackers (like Ritz or water crackers)
- Toasted baguette rounds
- Pretzel chips or breadsticks
- Sliced apples or pears (adds crunch and contrast)
- Veggies like celery or cucumber for a fresher bite
🍷 Bonus pairing: This dip goes wonderfully with a glass of dry white wine, hard cider, or a warm apple toddy!
💡 Tips for Perfect Dip Every Time
- Use room temp cream cheese: It blends much smoother.
- Don’t skip the cranberry: It balances the richness and adds a gorgeous marbled finish.
- Want a deeper flavor? Try roasting the cranberries with a touch of balsamic vinegar before adding them.
- Make ahead? Prep the dip, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake right before serving.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To Reheat:
Warm in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave in short bursts until hot and gooey again.
❄️ Note: This dip is best fresh, but can be reheated without losing much texture.
❓FAQ
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes! Just chop them and sauté briefly with a little sugar to soften and reduce tartness before adding.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Absolutely—just go for full-fat for the creamiest texture.
Can I make this dip without baking?
You can microwave it in a heatproof dish for 3–5 minutes, stirring halfway through. But baking gives the best texture and flavor.
🥰 Final Thoughts
If there were ever a dip designed for flannel pajamas, fuzzy socks, and crackling fireplaces—it’s this Sweater Weather Dip. Warm, creamy, comforting, and just unique enough to keep you coming back for another bite (or ten).
It’s simple enough for weeknights and special enough for holiday tables. And like your favorite sweater, you’ll reach for it every season when the temperatures drop.
🧡 More Cozy Recipes to Try Next:
- [Baked French Onion Dip – rich, savory, and bubbling hot!]
- [Apple Fritter Pull-Apart Bread – like a warm fall hug in every bite]
- [Cheater Cheese Soufflé – impressively easy, delightfully fluffy]
📸 Show Off Your Dip!
Tried this Sweater Weather Dip?
Tag your cheesy creations on Instagram or Pinterest @yourcozykitchen and leave a review below. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! 💬🧄🧀
🔢 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: ~220
- Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 6g
- Sugar: 5g
Nutrition may vary based on exact ingredients and serving size.
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