Cranberry Appetizer Spread
A vibrant, sweet-tart cranberry spread with apricot and almond accents, perfect as a festive appetizer served over cream cheese with crackers for a delightful holiday starter.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, bring water and sugar to a boil without stirring, and boil for 5 minutes.
- Add cranberries; cook until berries pop and sauce thickens about 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat.
- Cut apricot preserves into small pieces and add to the cranberry mixture.
- Stir in lemon juice.
- Let the mixture cool.
- Add toasted slivered almonds to the cranberry mixture.
- Spoon the cranberry spread over cream cheese and serve with assorted crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter spread, consider using orange marmalade instead of apricot preserves. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can omit the slivered almonds or substitute with sunflower seeds. To enhance the flavors, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. Ensure the cranberries are fresh for the best taste, and check out similar recipes like Saltine Cracker Candy for creative serving ideas.
Serving Suggestions
This cranberry appetizer spread pairs beautifully with a variety of crackers, such as water crackers or whole grain options. For a more festive presentation, serve it on a cheese board alongside cheeses and fruits. It also makes a delightful topping for toasted bagels or English muffins. Consider serving it with a side of Ann'S Jewish Coffee Cake for a sweet contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cranberry spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors may deepen over time. When ready to serve again, simply take it out of the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature before serving, as it spreads best when softened.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Appetizer Spread contains roughly 179 calories, with 3g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this spread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this cranberry spread a day or two in advance. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully, making it even more delicious when served.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you're looking for a dairy-free alternative, you can substitute cream cheese with vegan cream cheese or a nut-based cheese spread. This will maintain a similar creamy texture while accommodating dietary preferences.
How do I make the spread less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, consider cutting back on the sugar when preparing the cranberries. You can also use a lower-sugar apricot preserve or replace it with a tart fruit spread, which will balance the flavors nicely.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).