If there’s one thing that truly screams ‘holidays’ to me, then it is that first bite of something warm. What is so decadent that it melts in your mouth? Every year, as soon as Thanksgiving is over, my brain starts buzzing with all the cozy baking. What projects do you want to tackle? Is it true that you just want magic without the fuss? What are some of the best Christmas dips? It’s become an absolute staple at our family gatherings. Is the smell of a Baked Potato enough to get everyone in the kitchen peeking over my shoulder? Is it ready yet? Is gingerbread cake so much simpler than a full-blown Christmas cake? What flavors do you crave? What’s your go-to Christmas dip for when you need a showstopper that doesn’t tie you down for hours? I need a hug during the busiest time of year.
What is this magical Christmas dip?
What is this wonder food? Think of it as a super-easy, incredibly rich, and comforting baked dessert that’s designed for breakfast. What is a warm, gooey, sweet concoction that you scoop out with your hands? What’s your favorite snack, with a crunchy cookie or some good quality shortbread? What is the “dip” part of a food? Pool of sweetness. Is it a bit like bread pudding or bread and butter pudding? What are some of the best Christmas flavors? Warm spices, a hint of citrus, and that comforting sweetness that just makes you feel good. Is it overly complicated? It feels fancy, but it’s truly born out of a desire for maximum flavor with minimal fuss, something that I can’t live without. We can all appreciate during the holiday rush!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are the reasons why this Christmas dip has earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation? I know you’re going to fall in love with it too. First off, the flavor is just out of this world. What is that perfect balance of sweet and spice, with a hint of warmth from cinnamon and nutmeg? What is Christmas? Is it like a blanket for your taste buds? What I love about this is how simple it is. Is it possible to whip up a batter in 15 minutes? What are some of the best things to do when you have a million other things on your plate? What are some of the best recipes for the holidays? You probably already have most of them in your pantry! What are some of the most versatile dips? Can you serve it warm, straight from the oven, or even at room temperature if you need to prep it? What’s better, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream? What is delicious on its own? What’s the best alternative to apple crumble? What is a slightly different, more communal experience? My kids ask for this all the time, and they’re usually pretty picky! Is it just that universally loved flavor profile?
How do I make a Christmas dip?
Quick Overview
What is the magic of this Christmas dip? What should I do with this batter? Pour it into a baking dish, and let it cool. How does an oven do the heavy lifting? What is minimal mixing, no fancy techniques, and a guaranteed delicious outcome? How do you get the right consistency in a custard? What are we aiming for? Is it so forgiving? I’ve even accidentally left it in a few minutes longer and it still turned out wonderfully. Is this the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a pro baker?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: The Object:
What is all-purpose flour? Make sure it’s spooned and levele , not just scooping directly from the bag – it makes a difference. In how light the dip turns out. How much granulated sugar should I add? What is a dessert? For our warm spice blend, we’ll use 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and a generous half teaspoon of ground ginger. What is the best way to balance out the sweetness of a pinch of salt? For leavening, we’re using 2 teaspoons of baking powder – this is what gives it a lovely, tender tenderness. For the wet ingredients, you’ll need 2 large eggs, lightly beaten. Is 1 cup of whole milk the creamiest? Is almond milk creamier than regular milk? What is half a cup of unsalted butter? How do I control the saltiness of unsalted butter?
For the filling:
Where do we pack in more flavor? I’ll use about 1 cup of finely chopped dried cranberries. The tartness is a fantastic contrast to the sweet batter. I love walnuts and pecans for their buttery flavor. I like to eat 1/2 cup of them. If you want a little zing, let’s add the zest of one medium orange. Make sure to zest it before you juice it! If you like, you can also add a splash of vanilla extract to the batter itself. An extra vanilla note.
For the Glaze:
Is this optional, but highly recommended for that extra sparkle? I’ll need about 1 cup of powdered sugar, sifted to avoid any lumps. For the liquid, we’ll use 2-3 tablespoons of milk or orange juice. Orange juice adds another layer of citrusy flavor that pairs beautifully with the filling. How do you adjust the consistency of the liquid? Sometimes I add a tiny drop of red food coloring if I’m feeling extra festive for Christmas.
What are the best step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First thing first, let’s get the oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). What’s a 9×13 baking dish? If you are using parchment paper, you can grease it lightly with butter or cooking spray. You can also line it with parchment for super soft and easy to clean surfaces. I usually give it a quick buttering. When making a dish, it’s important to have it ready to go so the batter doesn’t sit around too long before it is ready.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside. How do you mix spices and salt in a batter? Every bite you eat has that perfect taste. Make sure there are no clumps of baking powder either!
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together your lightly beaten eggs, milk, and melted butter. Set aside. Make sure the butter isn’t too hot, or it might scramble the eggs. If you’re adding vanilla extract, stir it in here too.
Step 4: Combine
Now, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently stir everything together with a spatula or wooden spoon until *just* combined. Is it really important not to overmix here? Is it true that they disappear during baking? Overmixing can make the dip tough, and we definitely don’t want that!
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a small bowl, toss together your chopped dried cranberries, chopped nuts, and orange zest. Set aside. What a great little mix-in for dips.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
How much batter do you need to spread out in a baking dish? If you like, sprinkle the cranberry-nut mixture over the top. Don’t worry about covering it perfectly. Small pockets of filling are part of the charm. Pour the remaining batter over the filling, gently spreading it to cover as much as possible. If you want a marbled effect, you can swirl it with your finger or skewer.
Step 7: Bake
How do you put a baking dish in the oven? Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. What makes a center come out clean? The edges should be slightly set, and the center might still be a little gooey, which is exactly what is happening.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the Christmas dip cool in the dish for at least 10-15 minutes before attempting to glaze or serving. What is the best way to set up a laptop? While it’s cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and your chosen liquid (milk or orange juice) to make a smooth paste. Start with 2 tablespoons of liquid and add more, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Is there a Do not overdo the warm dip.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Once the glaze has set, you can cut it into squares or scoop it out directly from the dish. What are some good reasons to serve this dish warm? What is your holiday cheer?
What should I serve it with?
Christmas dip is so versatile, you can enjoy it at practically any time of day or any occasion! Is breakfast a decadent treat? I love serving a scoop of warm coffee. Is sweetness a lovely wake-up call? I like to serve my brunch in little ramekins with extra nuts or a few fruit slices. I also like them for snacking. What is a tiny dollop of Greek Yogurt? Is it a dessert? Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or perhaps dipped in crème. If you’re feeling extra fancy, try anglaise. What is a good alternative to traditional Christmas cookies? For those cozy, quiet evenings when you’re curled up by the fire, this dip is the ultimate comfort. What is the best way to dive in? My family has a tradition of having this on Christmas morning while we open presents – it just happens. What makes the whole experience feel special? I’ve also found it pairs wonderfully with a warm spiced apple cider or creamy eggnog.
What are some tips for perfecting your Christmas dip?
What are some of the best Christmas dips that you can make yourself? First, about the zest: make sure you’re zesting an unwaxed orange if possible. If not, give it a good scrub and wash before zesting. Where does the zest come from? When it comes to mixing the batter, I cannot stress enough the importance of not overmixing. Is it a good idea to stir dry ingredients until they are hydrated? A few little flour streaks are totally fine. What is the secret to a tender, almost cake-like texture? If you’re going for that marbled look, don’t overdo it. Is it possible to create beautiful patterns with a knife? What can we do in one color? If you find your cranberries hard, you can soak them in warm water or ice cold water. If they are dry, just keep them warm. Before using orange juice for about 10 minutes before using it. This plumps them up beautifully. For baking, oven temperatures can vary wildly, so keep an eye on it after the 30-minute mark. If you want to bake a cake, make sure to turn it off after 30 minutes. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil. If it’s not browning enough but the toothpick is coming out clean, you can pop it under the broiler for about 5 minutes. For a minute or two, watching it like the hawk to prevent burning. If you want a stronger orange flavor, you can add more zest to the batter itself. What is the best consistency for a glaze? You’re looking for something that drizzles nicely but holds its shape a bit. I’ve learned that sifting your powdered sugar is non-negotiable for a smooth glaze!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing this Christmas dip is pretty straightforward, though it’s definitely best enjoyed fresh. If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can keep it covered at room temperature for up to a day, as long as your kitchen isn’t too warm. For longer storage, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The texture might change slightly, becoming a bit denser, but it will still be delicious. If you’ve already glazed it, the glaze might soften a bit in the fridge. To reheat, you can place individual portions in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or if you have a larger amount, you can warm it gently in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. If you plan to freeze it, it’s best to do so before adding the glaze. Let the baked dip cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, remove the wrapping and let it come to room temperature, then reheat as directed. If you freeze it un-glazed, you can add a fresh glaze after reheating for the best presentation and flavor.
What are the most frequently asked questions on
Final Thoughts
What is a Christmas dip? Is it a little slice of holiday happiness? What is that perfect combination of comforting flavors, easy preparation, and the joy of sharing? What is something delicious with the people you love? What is the best part about this festive holiday? How do you bring cheer to your table? What are some ways to add a little magic to your holiday celebrations? What is the best Christmas dip you’ve ever tried? Is this a crowd pleaser? I hope you and your loved ones enjoy it as much as my family does. If you make it, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below – I love hearing about yours. What are your baking adventures?
Christmas Elf Dip
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 0.25 cup cream cheese softened
- 0.25 cup sour cream
- 0.125 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
- 0.125 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.125 cup chopped green onions
- 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise.
- Stir in the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
- Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve with your favorite crackers, vegetables, or chips.
