Cranberry, Caramelized Onion, and Goat Cheese Dip

Monday, January 11, 2010

Cranberry, Caramelized Onion, and Goat Cheese Dip

I made this dip for a holiday gathering with Hubby’s family. The original recipe called for blue cheese, but I substituted goat cheese and it came out fantastic. The combo of sweet and tart from the caramelized onions and the cranberries was great. And it was really easy to throw together.

I mixed up the cheese layer a day in advance. Since it has to be chilled anyways, I just threw it in the fridge (covered) overnight and then made the onion/cranberry layer just prior to serving it. This dip was a big hit and was devoured by the six of us in no time flat. I served it with a variety of crackers.

Cranberry, Caramelized Onion, and Goat Cheese Dip

Ingredients:

8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
4-ounce package goat cheese, room temperature
1 cup finely shredded Cheddar cheese, room temperature
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 medium sweet onion, diced
1 teaspoon sugar
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans (optional)

Directions:

In a mixer, combine the cream cheese and goat cheese. Beat until smooth. Add the cheddar cheese and mix until well incorporated. Spread into the bottom of a baking dish. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour.

Heat oil in a skillet over med-high heat. Add the diced onions and saute until softened. Add sugar and mix well. Continue cooking to caramelize the onions. Lower the heat slightly and stir every few minutes. This should take about 10 minutes.

Once the onions are caramelized remove them from the skillet and set aside. Add the cranberries, water, and sugar into the skillet the onions just came out of. Stir to dissolve sugar. Turn heat up to medium and cook until cranberries pop open and are softened, ~5 minutes. Once mixture thickens, add the balsamic vinegar and return the onions to the skillet.

Stir well and then let cool.

Just prior to serving dip, spoon the cranberry mixture on top of the cheese mixture.

Recipe adapted from Blissfully Domestic

Appetizers / Snacks

10 comments »

11 Responses to “Strawberry Peach Basil Cupcakes”

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1

Becca — August 20, 2009 at 12:54 pm

Beautiful! I love the green pop of the basil scatted throughout.
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2

Megan — August 20, 2009 at 2:46 pm

These are definitely super creative! I love the strawberry basil combination… I’ve had a wonderful strawberry basil drink before… never added peaches too though… I’m sure that added some awesome flavor! Beautiful cupcakes!
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3

fearlesskitchen — August 20, 2009 at 2:49 pm

Adding the peaches to the strawberry-basil combination was a great idea! This looks delicious.
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4

Colleen — August 20, 2009 at 3:06 pm

i love your cupcake week! i have been craving them this week too!
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5

Sunshine — August 20, 2009 at 3:18 pm

These look super yummy!
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6

m.e. — August 20, 2009 at 3:56 pm

Okay, you are now officially dangerous to my waistline, lady! Can you see me salivating over here??? :0)
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7

Jen — August 20, 2009 at 3:59 pm

Ha sorry for making you salivate! If you’re feeling up for a creative cupcake, definitely try these flavors together.
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8

Whitney@whitsgettingfit — August 21, 2009 at 1:10 am

Those cupcakes look amaaazing.
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9

nutmegnanny — August 21, 2009 at 4:37 am

Not only are these cute they are adorable too!
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10

herbal products — January 5, 2012 at 8:57 am

This is a tasty dish to experiment with. There are also various herbs and spices you can mix.
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11

Davis — July 13, 2016 at 7:55 pm

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I really hope to see the same high-grade blog posts by you later on as well.

In truth, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my own site now 😉