Festive Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip

This vibrant Holiday Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is an unforgettable appetizer that combines the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. It brings a burst of color and creamy texture, making it an ideal addition to any holiday gathering. Whether paired with crackers, tortilla chips, or fresh veggies, this delightful dip is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s quick to prepare, beautifully festive, and undeniably delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright and Flavorful: This dip offers a refreshing contrast of tart cranberries with spicy jalapeños and creamy cream cheese, making it a perfect dish for the holiday season.
• Simple to Prepare: With just a few ingredients and minimal cooking, this dip comes together effortlessly, allowing you to spend more time celebrating.
• Versatile: The sweetness from the cranberries, combined with the kick from the jalapeños, means this dip is a great match for a variety of dippables, from crackers to veggies.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cranberry Topping:

• 12 oz (340 g) fresh cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 jalapeño pepper, finely diced (remove seeds for less heat)
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

For the Cream Cheese Base:

• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
• Crackers or tortilla chips, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cranberry Topping: Begin by rinsing the fresh cranberries thoroughly. After draining, pat them dry to ensure they are free from excess moisture. Use a food processor to pulse the cranberries a few times until they are coarsely chopped. This should create small pieces, not a puree. Transfer the chopped cranberries to a mixing bowl.
2. Add Flavor to the Cranberries: To the cranberries, stir in the sugar, lemon juice, diced jalapeño, finely chopped green onions, and salt. These ingredients will work together to create a deliciously balanced topping with a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy profile. Once mixed, cover the bowl and allow the cranberry mixture to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This resting time will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Base: While the cranberry topping is marinating, spread the softened cream cheese evenly on a shallow dish or serving platter. Use a spatula to smooth the surface, making sure it’s a uniform layer. The cream cheese acts as the rich, creamy base for the vibrant cranberry topping, adding a luscious contrast to the tart and spicy components of the dish.
4. Assemble the Dip: When you’re ready to serve, simply spoon the cranberry mixture on top of the cream cheese layer. Spread it evenly across the surface, leaving a small border around the edges for a neat and attractive presentation. The result will be a beautiful layered dip that’s not only delicious but visually appealing as well.
5. Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle some freshly chopped cilantro over the top of the dip. The cilantro will add an extra burst of color and a hint of freshness to the dip’s flavor. Serve this dip chilled with crackers, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: This dip is best enjoyed chilled to maintain its fresh and vibrant flavors. For a festive touch, serve it on a holiday-themed platter that complements the colors of the dip.
• Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the cream cheese from becoming soggy, it’s best to store the cranberry topping and cream cheese base separately, if possible. When ready to serve again, simply layer the cranberry topping over the cream cheese and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Holiday Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip

This festive dip combines the perfect blend of sweet, tangy cranberries with spicy jalapeños and creamy cream cheese. It’s the perfect addition to your holiday gatherings, served with crackers, tortilla chips, or fresh veggies!

No ratings yet

Rate this Recipe Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American, Holiday

Servings 8 people

Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ▢ 12 oz fresh cranberries
• ▢ 1 cup granulated sugar
• ▢ 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ▢ 2 green onions finely chopped
• ▢ 8 oz cream cheese softened
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon salt
• ▢ 1 cup crackers or tortilla chips for serving

Instructions

 

• Rinse and pat dry the cranberries. Pulse them in a food processor until coarsely chopped. Transfer to a mixing bowl.
• Add granulated sugar, lemon juice, jalapeño, green onions, and salt to the cranberries. Stir well and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight).
• Spread softened cream cheese evenly on a serving platter or shallow dish. Smooth the surface with a spatula.
• Spoon the cranberry mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading it out evenly. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
• Serve with crackers, tortilla chips, or fresh veggies for dipping.

Notes

For a milder version, remove the jalapeño seeds and membranes or omit the pepper entirely.

Nutrition

Serving: 1peopleCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 2gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15g

Keyword Cranberry Dip, Cream Cheese Dip, Holiday Appetizer, Spicy Dip

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

FAQs

1. Can I make this dip ahead of time?
   Yes! The cranberry topping can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just assemble the dip just before serving to keep it fresh and the cream cheese base intact.
2. How can I reduce the spiciness of the dip?
   If you prefer a milder dip, simply remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño before dicing it. Alternatively, you can reduce the amount of jalapeño used or even omit it altogether if you want a non-spicy version of the dip.
3. Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
   Absolutely! Frozen cranberries can be used in place of fresh cranberries. Just be sure to allow them to thaw fully before chopping and draining any excess liquid.
4. What can I substitute for cream cheese?
   If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, whipped cream cheese or Greek yogurt can replace the cream cheese for a tangier and lighter version of the dip. Plant-based cream cheese alternatives are also a great option for dairy-free versions.
5. Can I add more heat to the dip?
   Yes, if you enjoy a spicier dip, feel free to add more jalapeños. You could also use a hotter variety of pepper, depending on your heat tolerance.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This cranberry jalapeño dip is a versatile appetizer that pairs wonderfully with a variety of snacks. It’s especially delicious served with:

• Crackers: A classic and simple accompaniment, providing the perfect balance of crunch and creaminess.
• Tortilla Chips: Perfect for scooping, tortilla chips add an extra layer of texture that complements the smooth cream cheese.
• Fresh Vegetables: For a lighter, healthier option, serve the dip with sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, or carrots for a colorful and nutritious pairing.

If you want to elevate the dish further, try garnishing it with extra cilantro or a few whole cranberries for added color and texture. This simple touch can really enhance the presentation, making the dip look even more festive.

Notes for a Perfect Dip

• Make-ahead Tip: As mentioned, preparing the cranberry topping the night before will help the flavors develop and deepen, making your dip even more flavorful when it’s time to serve.
• Adjusting Heat Levels: To make the dip more or less spicy, you can adjust the amount of jalapeños, or even try different peppers. For a sweeter, less spicy dip, opt for a milder variety like a poblano or banana pepper.
• Presentation Tip: For an extra touch of festivity, garnish the dip with a few whole cranberries, additional chopped cilantro, or even a sprinkle of lime zest to bring out the citrus notes.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 180
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 15g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 200mg

This Holiday Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is the perfect balance of festive flavor, making it a wonderful addition to your holiday spread. Its blend of sweet and spicy flavors, along with the creamy base, is sure to delight your guests. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or simply enjoying it as part of a larger spread, this dip is bound to become a crowd favorite at any gathering!

Holiday Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 8–10 servings
Category: Appetizer, Dip
Method: No-cook
Cuisine: American, Holiday

Ingredients:

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 jalapeño, finely diced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
• Crackers, tortilla chips, or veggies for dipping

Instructions:

1. Pulse cranberries in a food processor until coarsely chopped.
2. Stir in sugar, lemon juice, jalapeño, green onions, and salt. Refrigerate for 2 hours.
3. Spread cream cheese evenly on a serving platter.
4. Top with cranberry mixture and garnish with cilantro. Serve with crackers or veggies.

Enjoy your flavorful, eye-catching dip at your next holiday gathering!