Homemade cranberry sauce, cream cheese and green onions. One of my favorite and simple appetizer for the holidays. Want some heat? Add diced jalapeños when cooking the cranberries.
I used cream cheese but goat cheese or brie is also awesome. You can make the cranberry sauce ahead of time and assemble before serving. This makes enough to top 2 cheeses so use half the ingredients if needed.
Cranberry Cheese Spread
12 oz bag (3 cups) of fresh cranberries, rinsed
1 Tablespoon orange zest
1 orange, juiced
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
pinch of salt
Cheese: cream cheese ( softened), goat cheese, goat/ cream cheese combo, or brie
Garnish: Green onions
Serving: crackers, baguette, apple/pear slices or vegetables
Directions In a saucepan, add cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, water, sugar, salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook for about 5 minutes or until cranberries have burst open and sauce has thickened, stirring often. Set saucepan aside to cool or place in the refrigerator until ready to serve. ( Note: if you prefer a thinner sauce, add some more water).
To serve: Spread cream cheese on a serving platter or place goat cheese or brie on platter. Pour cranberry sauce over the cheese and top with green onions.
Serve with crackers, bread, apple/pear slices or vegetables.