Cranberry Jalapeño Dip
This Cranberry Jalapeño Dip perfectly balances tart cranberries and spicy jalapeños spread over cream cheese and is ideal for any gathering. With a vibrant mix of fresh ingredients, this dip requires just 20 minutes of prep and a little patience for the flavors to meld in the fridge. Serve it up as a crowd-pleaser for holiday parties or anytime you want to impress with a unique and delicious dip!
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Easy Appetizer for Thanksgiving and Christmas
Cranberries are synonymous with Thanksgiving and Christmas, making it the perfect time to prepare and serve Jalapeño Cranberry Dip. Its vibrant colors bring a festive touch to any spread. At the same time, the combination of tart cranberries and subtle jalapeño heat creates a unique flavor profile that’s sure to stand out among traditional appetizers.
Paired with creamy whipped cream cheese, this festive dip is as delicious as it is visually appealing—perfect for impressing guests before the main meal. Plus, it’s easy to prepare in advance, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the festivities and less time in the kitchen.
Given the seasonality of cranberries, this Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Spread is sure to become a treat every November and December!
Make this Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Ahead of Time
During the busy holiday season, make-ahead dishes are even more appreciated. This Jalapeño Cranberry Dip is ideal for early preparation.
Make the cranberry mixture up to a day in advance. Blend the cranberries, jalapeños, sugar, cilantro, lime juice, cumin, and salt, transfer the mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate. Allowing it to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight reduces day-of preparations and helps the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a more balanced, flavorful dip.
Leave the cream cheese at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before spreading, or whip it briefly with a mixer for an extra-light texture. This step can be done shortly before serving for the freshest presentation.
When ready to serve, drain any excess liquid from the cranberry mixture to keep the dip from becoming watery. Spread the softened cream cheese on your serving plate and top with the cranberry mixture. This step ensures the best texture and presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cranberry Jalapeño Dip
Yes, this dip is ideal for making ahead. Prepare the cranberry-jalapeño mixture the day before and let it sit in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld. You can assemble the dip with the cream cheese just before serving.
For a milder dip, use only one jalapeño and remove the seeds and membranes, where most of the heat is concentrated. You can keep the seeds or add half or full jalapeño for extra spice.
I wouldn’t recommend dried. Frozen might work if they were well-drained. I think the flavor would be the same as frozen; I am just unsure of the consistency. 
This dip pairs well with crackers, toasted baguette slices, cinnamon pita chips, and pita chips. The creamy and tangy flavors complement most savory and crunchy options.
The cranberry mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Once combined with cream cheese, it’s best enjoyed the same day, but any leftovers can be kept for an additional day.
Cranberry Jalapeño Dip
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 4 scallions, chopped
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1-2 fresh jalapeños, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (can substitute lemon juice) from one lime
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp salt
- 16 ounces cream cheese, whipped at room temperature
Instructions
- Wash and sort cranberries
- Add the cranberries to the bowl of a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped, 15-20 pulses.
- Add chopped green onions, sugar, chopped cilantro, chopped jalapeños, lime juice, ground cumin, and salt and pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped and thoroughly combined.
- Place in a covered airtight container and refrigerate at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- When you are ready to serve, drain off any accumulated juices from the cranberry mixture.
- Spread the softened cream cheese in an even layer on your serving dish and top with the cranberry-jalapeño mixture.
Nutrition
More Cranberry Recipes
- This spiced Winter Cranberry Conserve Recipe features warming brandy, cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. When you think about this cranberry conserve, you might also think of a cranberry jam recipe with a thicker, chunkier texture. Either way, it’s a perfect excuse for canning cranberries and a wonderful winter jam recipe, or you can enjoy it year-round!
- This briny-sweet recipe for Spiced Pickled Cranberries can be water-bath canned or made for more immediate serving. Serve it alongside your Turkey for a unique twist on Cranberry Sauce. It is also a great recipe for a novice canner.
- This Cranberry Apple and Banana Bread (sometimes called Cranapana Bread) is a quick and easy bread incorporating a few seasonal ingredients into a traditional banana bread.
- Coated in a light sugar crust, these little jewels are sweet and tart and have a satisfying crunch—perfect for decorating desserts, garnishing cocktails, or enjoying as a simple snack. These delightful sugared cranberries will enhance your holiday experience.
- This recipe for Spiced Pickled Cranberries can be water-bath canned or made for more immediate serving. Serve it alongside your Turkey for a unique twist on Cranberry Sauce. It is also a great recipe for a novice canner.
More Jalapeño Pepper Recipes
- A little spicy and a little smoky, this Jalapeño Cheese Spread is an easy-to-make appetizer and a great spread on crackers or little rye toasts.
- This Jalapeno Pepper Jelly recipe is ideal for appetizers, cheese trays, bacon candy, or sandwiches. This hot pepper jelly recipe is perfect for those new to canning, as it includes a video tutorial.
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