Name: Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread with Almonds and Scallions Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed; 5 Tbsp. granulated sugar; 2 Tbsp. brandy; 1/2 cup cold water; 2 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, room temperature; 6 Tbsp. heavy cream; 2 tsp. finely grated lemon zest; 1/4 tsp. kosher salt; 1 Tbsp. sliced almonds or crushed walnuts; 2 tsp. finely sliced scallions; 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper (optional); Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling; Assorted crackers or bagel chips, for serving

If you love festive flavors with a creamy twist, then this Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread with Almonds and Scallions Recipe is an absolute game-changer. It’s my go-to spread for holidays or any time I want a tangy, sweet-savory bite that feels both fancy and totally doable. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to have it on hand for everything from casual snacks to unexpected guests.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Balanced Flavors: The tart cranberries paired with smooth cream cheese and crunchy almonds create an irresistible blend.
Quick and Easy: You can whip this up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
Versatile: It’s equally awesome on crackers, bagel chips, or even as a sandwich spread.
Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this, and I bet yours will too!

A single round toasted bread slice with a light golden brown color and airy texture forms the base. On top, there is a thick smooth layer of creamy white cheese, partly covered with a glossy deep red berry sauce that drips slightly over the edges. A thin almond slice and two small bright green leaves rest on top, adding fresh detail. A small dollop of the same red sauce appears nearby on the white plate, which sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread with Almonds and Scallions, festive cranberry cheese spread, quick holiday appetizer, creamy cranberry dip, easy savory spread

Ingredients You’ll Need

To nail this Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread with Almonds and Scallions Recipe, you want fresh, vibrant ingredients that each play a starring role. I always recommend fresh cranberries when possible — their brightness really shines through. Plus, the combo of crunchy nuts and fresh scallions adds texture and a subtle savory pop.

Flat lay of fresh bright red cranberries, a wedge of creamy soft cream cheese, a small pile of sparkling granulated sugar, thinly sliced vibrant green scallions, a scattering of golden sliced almonds, a lemon with a few pieces of finely grated lemon zest, a small splash of clear amber brandy in a glass drop, and a swirl of thick white heavy cream, all beautifully arranged with careful spacing and natural light highlighting their textures, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread with Almonds and Scallions, festive cranberry cheese spread, quick holiday appetizer, creamy cranberry dip, easy savory spread

Fresh or frozen cranberries: Fresh berries provide that natural tang, but I’ve found frozen work just as well—just thaw them fully first.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and balances the tartness of the cranberries perfectly.
Brandy: Adds a warm, boozy depth that’s subtle but sophisticated—don’t skip this if you can help it.
Cream cheese: For the creamy base, make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
Heavy cream: Whipping this in gives the spread a light, fluffy texture I absolutely love.
Fresh lemon zest: Adds a zesty brightness that lifts all the flavors.
Kosher salt: Essential to balance sweetness and enhance all other flavors.
Sliced almonds or crushed walnuts: I prefer almonds for their crunch and subtle sweetness, but walnuts add their own rustic charm.
Scallions: Finely sliced to provide a fresh onion bite without overpowering the other ingredients.
Freshly ground black pepper (optional): Just a sprinkle adds a gentle warmth.
Extra-virgin olive oil: A light drizzle on top adds a silky finish that’s surprisingly delicious.
Assorted crackers or bagel chips: For serving, pick your favorites to complement the spread.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I adore about the Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread with Almonds and Scallions Recipe is how flexible it is. Over time, I’ve tweaked it for different textures and seasonal vibes, and you’ll find that a little customization makes it even more special.

Nuts swap: I sometimes switch almonds out for pecans or walnuts, especially around the holidays — each nut offers a unique flavor twist.
Fresh herbs: Adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh thyme or rosemary can elevate the spread for a more herbal kick.
Spicy kick: If you enjoy heat, try stirring in a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for unexpected warmth.
Dairy-free option: For a non-dairy twist, I replaced cream cheese with a silky cashew cream before, and it still turned out creamy and dreamy.

How to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread with Almonds and Scallions Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Cranberries to Perfection

Start by combining the cranberries, sugar, and half a cup of cold water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. From my experience, stirring occasionally is key to prevent sticking while letting the cranberries burst and the sauce thicken—this takes about 12 to 14 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce go from watery to luxuriously thick and jammy, which means it’s ready for the next step.

Step 2: Bring in the Brandy and Cool Down

After your cranberry mixture is thick and bubbly, gently stir in the brandy. This part is magic; cook for another 2 minutes or until most of the liquid evaporates. The brandy gives the spread a lovely warm depth without being overpowering—trust me, it’s worth it. Once done, transfer it to a bowl and let it cool completely before mixing it with your cream cheese base.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Mixture

Here’s where the creaminess happens. Using a handheld mixer (or a stand mixer if you prefer), beat together the cream cheese, heavy cream, lemon zest, and salt. Start on low speed to avoid splatters, then crank it up high. Within about a minute, you’ll have a fluffy, smooth spread that’s incredibly inviting. Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for this step—it makes all the difference in getting that light texture.

Step 4: Assemble and Garnish

Spoon the cream cheese mixture into a serving bowl, then dollop the cooled cranberry sauce on top. Sprinkle sliced almonds and scallions evenly over everything. If you’re a pepper fan, add a few grinds of freshly ground black pepper—it adds a gentle warmth that plays well with the fruitiness. Lastly, drizzle a little extra-virgin olive oil over the top for a silky finish that takes the whole thing up a notch.

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Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread with Almonds and Scallions Recipe

Room Temperature Cream Cheese: I learned the hard way that cold cream cheese won’t whip up fluffy—it’s worth waiting for it to soften.
Don’t Rush Cooling: Let the cranberry sauce cool fully before combining with cream cheese or it might make the spread runny.
Nut Crunch Balance: Toasting sliced almonds beforehand adds a richer flavor and crunch that’s next level.
Avoid Oversweetening: Taste your cranberry sauce before adding more sugar—it’s easy to overdo and masks the tang.

How to Serve Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread with Almonds and Scallions Recipe

Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread with Almonds and Scallions Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I like to top mine with a combination of sliced almonds and scallions—they add both texture and a fresh, savory note that really makes the spread pop. A light drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil lends a silky richness that you might not expect but will love once you try it. Sometimes, I toss on a sprig of fresh thyme or a pinch of black pepper for extra flavor flair.

Side Dishes

This spread shines alongside a variety of crackers and bagel chips, but I also love pairing it with toasted baguette slices or even fresh veggie sticks for a lighter option. At holiday gatherings, I often set it next to a cheese board with a mix of mild and strong cheeses — it complements them beautifully without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this spread in decorative bowls and surround it with vibrant cranberry berries and fresh herbs to make the dish pop visually. Another fun idea is layering the cranberry sauce and cream cheese mixture in clear glasses for an elegant parfait-style appetizer. Guests always ask for the recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cranberry cream cheese spread in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps beautifully for 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually meld more the next day, making it even better. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to refresh the texture.

Freezing

From my experience, I hesitate to freeze this spread because the cream cheese texture can get grainy after thawing. However, if you must freeze, do so in small portions and thaw slowly in the fridge, then whisk carefully to try and regain smoothness.

Reheating

Since this spread is best served cold or room temperature, I don’t recommend reheating. Instead, just let leftovers sit out for 10–15 minutes before serving to soften and bring out their flavors fully.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread with Almonds and Scallions Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen cranberries completely and drain any excess liquid before cooking. This will help the sauce thicken properly without becoming watery.
What can I substitute for brandy if I don’t have any?

If you don’t have brandy on hand, a splash of orange juice with a teaspoon of vanilla extract works well to mimic that warm flavor, or simply omit it—the spread will still taste fantastic but with less complexity.
Can I make this spread ahead of time?

Definitely! In fact, making it a few hours or even a day ahead lets the flavors meld beautifully. Just keep it tightly covered in the fridge and stir gently before serving.
Is this recipe allergen friendly?

This recipe contains nuts and dairy, but you can swap the almonds for seeds like pumpkin or sunflower and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative to make it allergen friendly.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread with Almonds and Scallions Recipe feels like a little celebration in a bowl. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to because it’s simple, satisfying, and always impresses. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just jazzing up a quiet afternoon snack, I promise this spread will make you smile. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a staple in your kitchen—it’s truly that good!