Creamy Cheese Chestnut Dip with Caramelized Onions and Prosciutto

This creamy cheese chestnut dip brings together rich cream cheese, buttery caramelized onions, salty prosciutto, sweet dried cranberries, fragrant rosemary, and a splash of orange liqueur for extra warmth and depth. It’s a beautifully layered winter appetizer with savoury, sweet, and herbaceous notes, making it an excellent choice for seasonal gatherings, cheese boards, or cozy entertaining.

Hey, folks – I hope you’re all doing well.

Today, I’m sharing a wonderfully seasonal dip that is full of texture, contrast, and cold-weather charm. It’s creamy, hearty, and brightened with winter flavours, making it a great option for entertaining or simply enjoying alongside crackers or toasted baguette. So, let’s dive into this creamy cheese chestnut dip.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cheese Chestnut Dip with Caramelized Onions and Prosciutto

• Layered Flavour: A blend of onions, prosciutto, chestnuts, rosemary, and cranberries creates depth and balance.
• Seasonal Ingredients: Chestnuts, dried cranberries, and orange liqueur give natural winter character.
• Creamy & Savoury: The cream cheese base is smooth and luxurious.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Ideal with crackers, crostini, or on a festive cheese board.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The topping can be prepared in advance for quick assembly.

Flavour and Texture Profile

This dip delivers a luxurious combination of creamy, savoury, sweet, and smoky elements. The cream cheese base is smooth and mild, allowing the topping to shine with buttery onions, crisp prosciutto, tender chestnuts, and pops of tart cranberry. Rosemary and orange liqueur add aromatic winter notes, giving the dish a warm and inviting personality.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Creamy Cheese Chestnut Dip

Caramelized Onion Chestnut Topping

• Butter & olive oil: Create richness and support caramelisation.
• Red onion: Softens into a sweet, aromatic base.
• Prosciutto: Adds savoury depth and crisp edges.
• Cooked chestnuts: Provide warmth, nuttiness, and seasonal character.
• Fresh rosemary: A woodsy, aromatic finishing note.
• Smoked paprika & chipotle: Add gentle warmth and complexity.
• Dried cranberries: Bring subtle sweetness and chewy contrast.
• Balsamic glaze or honey: Balances flavours and adds gloss.
• Salt (a small pinch): Enhances but keeps balance with salty prosciutto.
• Cointreau or other orange liqueur: Adds citrus warmth and brightness.

Cream Cheese Dip

• Cream cheese: Smooth, rich, and perfect for holding the topping.
• Sour cream or thick yogurt: Lightens the dip and creates a silky texture.

How to Make This Holiday Chestnut Dip

Start by making the topping. In a pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with the olive oil over low–medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 7–10 minutes, until soft and aromatic with light browning. Stir in the prosciutto, chestnuts, cranberries, rosemary, smoked paprika, and chipotle powder. Add a small pinch of salt, keeping in mind the saltiness of prosciutto and crackers. Cook for 5 minutes.

Stir in the second tablespoon of butter and the balsamic glaze or honey. Cook for 2–3 minutes until combined and glossy. Add the Cointreau, if using, and cook for about 30 seconds. Remove from heat and let the topping cool slightly. For the base, beat the softened cream cheese briefly, then mix in the sour cream or yogurt until smooth. Transfer to a serving bowl and spoon the warm topping over. Serve at room temperature for the best flavour.

More Festive Holiday Chestnut Recipes

Are you looking for more festive chestnut ideas, like this creamy cheese chestnut dip? Be sure to check more recipes below:

• Festive Chestnut Mashed Potatoes: The Perfect Holiday Side
• Homemade Chestnut Jam with Brandy and Warm Spices
• Venison Stew with Chestnuts, Pancetta and Brandy
• Festive Mini Nut Roast with Chestnuts, Rosemary and Cranberries

I’d love for you to try this Creamy Cheese Chestnut Dip with Caramelized Onions and Prosciutto. If you give this holiday appetizers a go, please share your results in the comments, message me on Instagram, or post your photos with the hashtag #havocinthekitchen. I look forward to seeing your creations and hearing your thoughts!

Cheers!

Pin

Print

Creamy Cheese Chestnut Dip with Caramelized Onions and Prosciutto

Recipe by Ben | Havocinthekitchen

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Christmas, Cheese Dips and Spreads, Festive Cheese and Appetizers, Chestnut RecipesDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6-8

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Creamy cheese chestnut dip with caramelized onions, prosciutto, cranberries, rosemary, and orange liqueur – a rich appetizer for holidays.

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• Caramelized Onion Chestnut Topping

• 2 tbsp. butter, divided

• 1 tsp. olive oil

• 1 large red onion, thinly sliced

• 70 gr. prosciutto, thinly sliced

• 150 gr. cooked chestnuts, crumbled

• 1 tbsp. fresh minced rosemary

• 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika

• 1/4 tsp. chipotle powder

• 1/4 cup dried cranberries

• 1 tsp. thick balsamic glaze (or honey)

• a small pinch of salt

• 2-3 tbsp. Cointreau or another Triple sec (optional)

• Cream Cheese Dip

• 300 gr. plain cream cheese, room temperature

• 1/2 to 2/3 cup sour cream or thick plain yogurt

Directions

• In a pan, melt 1 tbsp. butter with the olive oil over low-medium heat. Add in the onions and cook for 7-10 minutes until the onions are soft, aromatic, and start browning a bit.
• Stir in the prosciutto, chestnuts, cranberries, rosemary, smoked paprika, and chipotle powder. Slightly season with salt, but bear in mind the saltiness of the prosciutto, cream cheese, and crackers. Cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes.
• Stir in the 2nd tbsp. of butter and the balsamic glaze (or honey). Cook 2-3 minutes, just until combined and glossy.
• Add a splash (2-3 tbsp.) of Cointreau if using. Mix and just for 30 seconds. Off heat and cool slightly.
• For the dip, in a small-medium bowl combine the softened cream cheese and beat with a mixer on low speed for a minute. Add the sour cream or yogurt and beat for another 30-40 seconds to combine.
• Transfer the dip into a bowl (or plate) and top with slightly cooled toping. In my opinion, it’s best to enjoy it of room temperature. So, if you keep it refrigerated, take it out of the fridge ~20 minutes prior to serving. Enjoy!