Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

Introduction

This Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is a zesty and sweet appetizer perfect for gatherings and holiday parties. Combining fresh cranberries, spicy jalapeños, and creamy whipped cream cheese, it offers a delicious balance of flavors that will impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 12 oz fresh, uncooked cranberries
• 1/4 cup green onion
• 1-2 fresh jalapeño peppers
• 2 Tbsp. cilantro (optional)
• 3/4 to 1 cup sugar (according to taste)
• 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
• 1/8 tsp. salt
• 16 oz. cream cheese (whipped)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Use a food chopper to finely chop the cranberries.
2. Step 2: Chop the green onion, jalapeño peppers, and cilantro (if using) into small pieces.
3. Step 3: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chopped cranberries, green onion, cilantro, and jalapeños.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle sugar, lemon juice, and salt over the cranberry mixture. Stir gently until all ingredients are blended.
5. Step 5: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors meld.
6. Step 6: The next day, stir the cranberry mixture well. Then strain out all the liquid using a colander with small holes. (Pro Tip: Save the liquid to use as a cocktail simple syrup—it’s delicious!)
7. Step 7: Whip the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth, about 2 minutes. Spread the cream cheese evenly over the bottom of a pie plate or a 9×9-inch dish.
8. Step 8: Pour the strained cranberry mixture over the cream cheese layer. Keep the dip refrigerated until ready to serve.
9. Step 9: Serve with Ritz crackers or your favorite dippers and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Adjust the amount of jalapeño based on your desired spice level or remove seeds for milder heat.
• For a smoother texture, pulse the cranberry mixture a few extra times before chilling.
• Cilantro adds fresh brightness but can be omitted if you prefer.
• Try serving on toasted baguette slices or pita chips for a different crunch.

Storage

Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving again. This dip is best enjoyed chilled but can be brought to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving if preferred.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, letting the cranberry mixture chill overnight helps develop the flavors, making the dip taste even better the next day.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

If you prefer a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt or a cream cheese alternative, though the texture and flavor will differ slightly from the traditional recipe.

Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

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4.9 from 126 reviews

This Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip is a vibrant, flavorful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a zesty, sweet, and creamy dip. Fresh cranberries are finely chopped and mixed with green onions, jalapeños, cilantro, sugar, lemon juice, and salt, then chilled overnight to blend flavors. The mixture is strained to remove excess liquid, which can be saved as a cocktail syrup, and then layered over whipped cream cheese. Serve chilled with crackers for a delightful combination of creamy, spicy, and tangy tastes.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 12 hours 20 minutes (including overnight chilling)
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dip Mixture

• 12 oz fresh, uncooked cranberries
• 1/4 cup green onion, chopped
• 1–2 fresh jalapeño peppers, chopped
• 2 Tbsp cilantro (optional), chopped
• 3/4 to 1 cup sugar, according to taste
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1/8 tsp salt

Cream Cheese Layer

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened and whipped

Instructions

1. Chop the Ingredients: Use a food chopper or food processor to finely chop the 12 oz of fresh cranberries. Chop the green onion, jalapeño peppers, and cilantro into small pieces to prepare for mixing.
2. Combine the Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, add the chopped cranberries, green onion, cilantro, and jalapeños. Sprinkle 3/4 to 1 cup sugar (adjust based on your sweetness preference), lemon juice, and salt over the mixture. Stir gently until the ingredients are well blended.
3. Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the sugar to soften the cranberries.
4. Strain the Mixture: The next day, take the cranberry mixture out of the refrigerator and stir it well. Using a colander with small holes, strain out all the liquid from the mixture. (Pro Tip: Save the strained liquid to use as a delicious cocktail simple syrup.)
5. Whip the Cream Cheese: Using a hand mixer, whip the softened cream cheese for about 2 minutes until it becomes smooth and fluffy. Spread the whipped cream cheese evenly over the bottom of a pie plate or 9×9-inch dish.
6. Assemble the Dip: Pour the drained cranberry mixture on top of the whipped cream cheese layer and smooth it out. Keep the assembled dip refrigerated until ready to serve.
7. Serve: Use a spoon to scoop the dip onto Ritz crackers or your favorite crunchy dippers and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors.

Notes

• Adjust the amount of jalapeños depending on your preferred spice level.
• The sugar quantity can be adjusted to balance the tartness of cranberries.
• Chilling overnight is essential for flavor development.
• Use softened cream cheese for easier whipping and better texture.
• Save the strained cranberry liquid for creative uses such as cocktails or soda mixers.

Keywords: cranberry dip, jalapeno cream cheese dip, holiday appetizer, no-cook dip, spicy sweet dip