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 “Apple Cranberry Cake-Pie”

#
1

nutmegnanny — November 16, 2009 at 4:02 pm

This looks so homey and delicious!
#
2

lilybeth12 — November 16, 2009 at 9:39 pm

RDQ: where should I add the cranberries? did you substitute them for the raisins? can i use fresh cranberries?
#
3

Jen — November 17, 2009 at 12:04 am

Sorry – I updated the recipe to reflect that I used dried cranberries in place of the raisins.
#
4

Jane — November 22, 2009 at 12:29 am

Looks just delicious! I’m crazy lately about cranberries too. Talk about a versatile fruit! I just used them this evening to make a cranberry-apple conserve that served as the sauce for almond-crusted pork tenderloin. It was a big hit.
#
5

Lisa — November 22, 2009 at 3:09 am

I also wonder if you can use fresh cranberries since they are in season!
#
6

Jen — November 22, 2009 at 4:57 pm

You could definitely make this with fresh cranberries if you wanted.
#
7

Lisa — November 22, 2009 at 6:15 pm

How long did you bake this if you halved it in a 8 by 8 pan? So excited to try it 🙂
#
8

Jen — November 22, 2009 at 7:43 pm

I think I started checking it at 30 minutes and left it in for about 45 based on the color of the top layer.
#
9

Lucy — November 22, 2009 at 11:03 pm

I’ve seen this recipe around before but it never fails to look so delicious! Gorgeous flavours 🙂
#
10

Lisa — November 23, 2009 at 2:19 am

Me again. It is DELICIOUS! I halved the recipe and used 1 cup of fresh cranberries, though I think I could have used more.

Thanks so much!
#
11

Jen — November 23, 2009 at 2:26 am

Glad to hear it Lisa! I will definitely have to try this with fresh cranberries next time I make it.