Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
