Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

Introduction

This Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is a vibrant and flavorful appetizer perfect for gatherings and holiday parties. It combines tart cranberries, spicy jalapeños, and creamy softened cheese for a delightful contrast that will impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 1 bag (12 oz) fresh cranberries
• 2 jalapeños (seeded and roughly chopped)
• 1/2 cup roughly chopped apple (peeled or unpeeled)
• 1/4 cup roughly chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup packed cilantro
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt (plus more as needed)
• 2 bars (8 oz each) full-fat cream cheese (softened)
• Crackers for serving (Ritz, Club, Wheat Thins, Nut Thins, etc.)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the whole cranberries, jalapeños, roughly chopped apple, green onions, and cilantro into a food processor. Pulse until everything is coarsely chopped.
2. Step 2: Add the honey, lemon juice, and salt to the mixture. Continue pulsing until the mixture is finely chopped and evenly combined. Avoid pulsing until liquid; it should be finely chopped pieces.
3. Step 3: Cover and refrigerate the cranberry mixture for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. For best flavor, chill up to 24 hours.
4. Step 4: Evenly spread the softened cream cheese onto a serving platter or plate.
5. Step 5: Spoon the cranberry mixture over the cream cheese, allowing some juices to drizzle over. If too juicy, drain some liquid with a slotted spoon but leave some for flavor and to soften the cream cheese.
6. Step 6: Serve the dip chilled with crackers and sliced baguette pieces.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder dip, reduce the number of jalapeños or leave the seeds in for extra heat.
• Try substituting cilantro with fresh parsley for a different herbal note.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cranberry mixture for a warm holiday twist.
• Use flavored cream cheese, like garlic and herb, to add extra depth.

Storage

Store leftover dip covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving again, give it a gentle stir and allow it to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes. This dip is best enjoyed chilled but can be served slightly softened for easier dipping.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dip ahead of time?

Yes, the cranberry mixture can be made up to 24 hours in advance to let the flavors blend well. Assemble with cream cheese just before serving for the best texture.

What else can I serve with this dip besides crackers?

This dip pairs well with sliced baguette, pita chips, vegetable sticks like celery or cucumber, and even toasted bread rounds.

Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 148 reviews

This Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is a vibrant, flavorful appetizer perfect for any occasion. Featuring fresh cranberries, spicy jalapeños, and a touch of sweetness from honey and apple, it combines tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors beautifully, all layered on a rich, creamy cream cheese base. Served chilled with a variety of crackers or baguette slices, this dip is an easy-to-make crowd-pleaser that delivers a fresh twist on traditional party dips.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: About 12 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cranberry Mixture

• 1 bag (12 oz) fresh cranberries
• 2 jalapeños, seeded and roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup roughly chopped apple (peeled or unpeeled)
• 1/4 cup roughly chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup packed cilantro
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed

Cream Cheese Base

• 2 bars (8 oz each) full-fat cream cheese, softened

Serving

• Crackers for serving (Ritz, Club, Wheat Thins, Nut Thins, etc.)
• Sliced baguette pieces (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the mixture: Place the whole cranberries, seeded and roughly chopped jalapeños, roughly chopped apple, green onions, and cilantro into a food processor. Pulse until everything is coarsely chopped, ensuring the ingredients are well mixed but not pureed.
2. Add flavorings: Add honey, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and kosher salt into the food processor with the chopped ingredients. Continue pulsing until the mixture is finely chopped and evenly combined. Avoid over-processing to maintain some texture.
3. Chill the cranberry mixture: Transfer the cranberry mixture to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, chill up to 24 hours to deepen the flavor.
4. Prepare the cream cheese base: Spread the softened cream cheese evenly onto a serving platter or plate, creating a smooth base layer for the dip.
5. Assemble the dip: Spoon the chilled cranberry mixture over the cream cheese. If the mixture is very juicy, use a slotted spoon to drain some liquid but retain enough to drizzle over the cream cheese for added flavor and to slightly loosen the texture for easier dipping.
6. Serve: Serve the dip chilled alongside crackers and sliced baguette pieces, allowing guests to enjoy this tangy, sweet, and spicy appetizer.

Notes

• For milder heat, reduce the jalapeño quantity or leave the seeds in to decrease spiciness.
• The dip can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated to enhance flavors.
• Use full-fat cream cheese for the best creamy texture and flavor; low-fat versions may alter the richness.
• Adjust salt to taste before serving, especially if using salted crackers or bread.
• Perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or casual gatherings.

Keywords: cranberry dip, jalapeño dip, cream cheese dip, holiday appetizer, party dip, spicy cranberry dip, no cook dip