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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Transform cranberries into a rustic texture by gently pulsing in a food processor until roughly chopped, creating a vibrant initial base for the spread.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Carefully layer the chilled cranberry mixture over the cream cheese, ensuring an elegant and uniform distribution of the vibrant red topping.
- Refrigerate the completed spread for an additional 30-60 minutes to enhance flavor melding and achieve optimal serving temperature.
- 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