The Best Festive Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Spread Recipe

Tangy cranberry jalapeño cream cheese spread brings zesty excitement to any gathering.

Imagine a vibrant appetizer that sparks conversation and delights taste buds with its bold fusion of flavors.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with sharp, bright notes that dance across your palate.

Each bite promises a perfect balance between smooth richness and spicy undertones.

The combination creates an unexpected culinary experience that surprises and satisfies simultaneously.

Complex layers of taste unfold, revealing intricate dimensions of sweet, heat, and smooth creaminess.

Guests will marvel at this sophisticated yet approachable dish that elevates your entertaining game.

Ready to impress everyone with a simple yet extraordinary spread?

Ingredients in Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Spread

• Cranberries: Tart fruit that provides vibrant color and tangy flavor to the spread.
• Green Onions: Adds mild onion flavor and fresh green color.
• Cilantro: Brings bright, herbal notes to complement the cranberries.
• Jalapeño: Provides a spicy kick and depth to the mixture.
• Lemon: Adds bright citrus acidity to balance the other flavors.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth, creamy base that creates a rich and tangy foundation for the spread.

• Sugar: Balances the tartness of cranberries and helps create a harmonious flavor.
• Cumin: Adds warm, earthy undertones to the spread.
• Salt: Enhances and rounds out all the flavors in the dish.

Instructions for This Zesty Holiday Appetizer

Step 1: Chop the Cranberry Medley

• Green onions
• Cilantro
• Jalapeño
• Sugar
• Cumin
• Lemon juice
• Salt

Pulse again until the mixture becomes finely chopped and thoroughly blended.

Step 2: Develop Flavor Profile

Transfer the cranberry mixture to a sealed container. Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight, allowing the ingredients to harmonize and intensify their flavors.

Step 3: Create Creamy Foundation

Carefully spread cream cheese across a serving plate or into a 9-inch pie dish. Ensure an even, smooth layer that will serve as the delectable base for the cranberry topping.

Step 4: Layer and Chill

Distribute the prepared cranberry mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer. Cover the dish and return to the refrigerator. Chill for up to one hour to help the flavors meld and the spread set.

Step 5: Present and Delight

Remove from refrigerator just before serving. Accompany with crisp crackers or thinly sliced baguette. This appetizer works wonderfully as a party starter or casual gathering snack.

Expert Tips for Cream Cheese Spreads

• Chop Precisely: Use quick, short pulses in the food processor to avoid over-processing cranberries, maintaining a coarse texture that adds delightful bursts of flavor.
• Flavor Infusion Technique: Let the cranberry mixture rest in the refrigerator for the full recommended time to allow ingredients to marry and develop a more complex, balanced taste.
• Temperature Control: Keep the cream cheese at room temperature before spreading to ensure smooth, even distribution across the serving plate.
• Spice Balance: Remove jalapeño seeds for a milder spread or keep them for extra heat, adjusting to your personal spice preference.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish a day in advance to enhance flavor development and simplify party preparation.

How to Store and Enjoy Leftovers Later

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the spread tightly sealed to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Freeze: Wrap the cream cheese spread tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: Best enjoyed cold. Gently stir the spread if separation occurs during storage to restore its creamy texture. Let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly.

Serving Suggestions for Your Spread

• Crunch and Sip Companions: Pair this zesty spread with crisp tortilla chips or rustic cornbread for an extra satisfying texture contrast that amplifies the cranberry's tangy kick.
• Wine Lover's Delight: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or dry Riesling to complement the spread's spicy and tart flavor profile, cutting through the cream cheese's richness.
• Appetizer Adventure: Serve alongside grilled chicken skewers or roasted turkey sliders to transform this spread into a complete flavor-packed party experience that keeps guests coming back for more.
• Beverage Boost: Try a cold craft beer with citrusy notes, like a wheat ale or light IPA, which will enhance the jalapeño's heat and cranberry's brightness while providing a refreshing counterpoint.

Add-Ons to Customize the Flavor

• Zesty Smoky Pepper Spread: Swap jalapeños with chipotle peppers for a deeper, smokier heat profile. Add a dash of smoked paprika to enhance the robust flavor.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace cilantro with fresh oregano and mint. Mix in crumbled feta cheese and a drizzle of olive oil for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Sweet and Tangy Berry Blend: Incorporate mixed berries like raspberries and blueberries alongside cranberries. Reduce sugar and add a touch of honey for natural sweetness.
• Mexican Street Corn Style: Top the spread with grilled corn kernels, cotija cheese, and a sprinkle of chili powder. Serve with toasted corn tortilla chips for an authentic street food experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Spread

• How long can I store this Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Spread in the refrigerator?

The spread can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep it refrigerated and try to consume within this timeframe for the best flavor and freshness.

• Can I adjust the spiciness of the spread?

Absolutely! Simply remove the seeds from the jalapeño for a milder version, or use more jalapeño (with seeds) if you prefer a spicier kick. You can also substitute with a different type of pepper to control the heat level.

• What are the best serving suggestions for this spread?

This spread pairs perfectly with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or even as a delicious topping for bagels. It’s great for holiday parties, game day appetizers, or as a quick and impressive snack for unexpected guests.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, it’s recommended to prepare this spread at least 4-6 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. The flavors will be more developed and delicious when given time to sit in the refrigerator.

Bold Flavors of Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Spread

• This spread transforms ordinary cream cheese into a tantalizing explosion of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes that dance across your taste buds with every bite.
• Requiring minimal prep time and just a few simple steps, this recipe delivers a stunning appetizer that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
• Perfect for holiday gatherings, game day parties, or casual weekend get-togethers, this cranberry jalapeño spread offers a crowd-pleasing option that adapts to any social occasion.
• Packed with fresh ingredients like cranberries and jalapeños, this appetizer provides a nutritious twist on traditional cream cheese spreads while delivering maximum flavor satisfaction.

Festive Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Spread Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Spicy-sweet “festive cranberry jalapeño cream cheese spread” brings holiday cheer to party tables, dancing with zesty jalapeño heat and cranberry tang. Creamy cheese and seasonal ingredients create an irresistible appetizer you’ll want to share with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) fresh cranberries
• 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (200 grams) sugar

Herbs and Spices:

• 4 to 5 green onions, chopped
• ¼ cup (15 grams) cilantro, chopped
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon cumin powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon or lime juice

Serving Suggestion:

Crackers or sliced baguette

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Instructions

1. Transform cranberries into a rustic texture by gently pulsing in a food processor until roughly chopped, creating a vibrant initial base for the spread.
2. Introduce a medley of flavors by combining green onions, cilantro, jalapeño, sugar, cumin, lemon juice, and salt with the cranberries, blending until the mixture achieves a harmonious, finely chopped consistency.
3. Allow the cranberry mixture to marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours, enabling the ingredients to develop a deeply integrated flavor profile.
4. Craft a smooth cream cheese foundation by carefully spreading the cheese across a decorative serving plate, creating an even, inviting canvas for the cranberry topping.
5. Carefully layer the chilled cranberry mixture over the cream cheese, ensuring an elegant and uniform distribution of the vibrant red topping.
6. Refrigerate the completed spread for an additional 30-60 minutes to enhance flavor melding and achieve optimal serving temperature.
7. Present the festive spread alongside crisp crackers or thinly sliced baguette, inviting guests to indulge in this zesty and creamy appetizer.

Notes

• Prep ahead: Cranberry mixture needs 4+ hours chilling to develop rich, complex flavors that blend perfectly.
• Texture matters: Pulse cranberries carefully for a chunky, not mushy consistency that adds delightful texture to the spread.
• Spice control: Adjust jalapeño quantity to match your heat tolerance, creating a personalized flavor profile.
• Make-ahead friendly: This appetizer can be prepared a day in advance, making party planning super easy and stress-free.
• Serving tips: Serve slightly chilled with crisp crackers or toasted baguette slices for maximum enjoyment and crunch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg