Cranberry jalapeño dip is a festive, sweet-and-spicy appetizer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a crowd-pleasing dish. This vibrant dip combines tart cranberries, zesty jalapeños, and creamy cream cheese for an irresistible balance of flavors and textures.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for entertaining: Beautiful, vibrant, and easy to serve.
- Sweet and spicy: The tartness of cranberries pairs perfectly with the heat of jalapeños.
- Quick and easy: Takes just minutes to prepare, with no complicated steps.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level and sweetness to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh cranberries (frozen can be used if thawed)
- Jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
- Green onions, chopped
- Cilantro, chopped
- Granulated sugar
- Lime juice
- Cream cheese, softened
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Extra diced jalapeños for heat
Directions
- Prepare the cranberry mixture:
- Rinse and drain the cranberries. In a food processor, pulse the cranberries until finely chopped but not pureed.
- Transfer the cranberries to a bowl and stir in diced jalapeños, green onions, cilantro, sugar, and lime juice. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the cream cheese layer:
- Spread the softened cream cheese evenly on the bottom of a serving platter or shallow bowl.
- Assemble the dip:
- Spoon the cranberry-jalapeño mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or extra jalapeños if desired. Serve with crackers, tortilla chips, or sliced baguette.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Serves 6-8 as an appetizer
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicier version: Leave the seeds in the jalapeños or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Sweeter dip: Increase the sugar to balance the tartness of the cranberries.
- Vegan option: Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
- Herby twist: Add a touch of fresh mint for an extra burst of freshness.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the cranberry mixture up to a day in advance and assemble the dip just before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use dried cranberries?
No, fresh or frozen cranberries are recommended for the tartness and texture they bring.
2. How do I soften cream cheese quickly?
Leave the cream cheese at room temperature for 30 minutes or microwave it for 10-15 seconds.
3. Can I make this dip less spicy?
Yes, use fewer jalapeños or omit them entirely for a milder version.
4. What crackers pair best with this dip?
Wheat crackers, buttery crackers, or sturdy tortilla chips work well.
5. Can I use a hand mixer for the cream cheese?
Yes, using a hand mixer ensures the cream cheese layer is smooth and easy to spread.
6. How do I prevent the cranberry mixture from being watery?
Drain any excess liquid from the cranberry mixture before spooning it over the cream cheese.
7. What other toppings can I add?
Try sprinkling with pomegranate seeds or chopped nuts like pecans for extra texture and flavor.
8. Can I serve this warm?
This dip is best served chilled, but you can warm the cream cheese layer slightly for easier spreading.
9. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a larger serving platter.
10. Can I freeze the cranberry mixture?
Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture of the cranberries.
Conclusion
Cranberry jalapeño dip is the perfect appetizer for any festive occasion. Its bold, vibrant flavors and creamy texture make it a hit at parties and gatherings. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, this dip is sure to be a favorite on your table. Serve it with your favorite crackers or chips and enjoy the sweet, spicy, and creamy goodness!
Print
Cranberry Jalapeño Dip
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cranberry Jalapeño Dip is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy. Made with fresh cranberries, jalapeños, cream cheese, and a touch of sugar, it’s an irresistible appetizer that’s great for holiday parties or any gathering. Serve it with crackers or chips for a crowd-pleasing snack.
Ingredients
- 1 (12 oz) bag fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 fresh jalapeños, seeds removed, finely diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
Instructions
- Prepare the Cranberry Topping:
- In a food processor, pulse the cranberries until coarsely chopped (be careful not to over-process).
- Transfer to a mixing bowl and stir in sugar, diced jalapeños, green onions, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Base:
- Spread the softened cream cheese evenly across the bottom of a serving platter or dish.
- Assemble the Dip:
- Spoon the cranberry mixture over the cream cheese layer. Spread evenly to cover the top.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately with crackers, tortilla chips, or toasted baguette slices.
Notes
- For a milder dip, use only one jalapeño or remove all the seeds and membranes.
- You can substitute honey or maple syrup for sugar for a natural sweetener.
- Refrigerating the cranberry topping overnight enhances the flavors.