Festive Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip Recipe for Holidays

Spice up your festive gathering with a tantalizing holiday cranberry jalapeño cream cheese dip that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and heat.

This crowd-pleasing appetizer blends creamy textures with zesty flavors sure to impress every palate.

Cranberries bring a vibrant burst of seasonal color while jalapeños add a gentle kick of excitement to the mix.

Fresh ingredients meld together effortlessly, creating a memorable starter that disappears quickly from any party spread.

Guests will love the unexpected combination of smooth cream cheese and bright, tart cranberries.

The subtle warmth from jalapeños provides just enough complexity to keep everyone coming back for more.

Dive into this simple yet sophisticated dip that transforms ordinary moments into delightful culinary experiences.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 157 kcal

Servings: 7

Everything You’ll Need For Holiday Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip

• Cranberries: Tart berries that provide a vibrant, zingy base with beautiful holiday color and bright freshness.
• Sugar: Balances the cranberries' natural tartness and helps create a glossy, cohesive topping.
• Lime Juice: Adds a citrusy brightness and helps balance the sweetness while keeping the mixture lively.
• Jalapenos: Brings a spicy kick that cuts through the creamy base and adds unexpected excitement.
• Cilantro: Introduces a fresh, herbal note that complements the tangy cranberries and spicy peppers.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps blend the ingredients harmoniously.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, rich foundation that serves as a creamy canvas for the zesty topping.

• Crackers, Tortilla Chips, Fresh Veggies: Perfect vehicles for scooping up the festive, flavor-packed dip, offering different textures and complementary tastes.

Kitchen Gear For Holiday Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip

• Food Processor: Perfect for quickly and evenly chopping cranberries without turning them into mush.
• Cutting Board: Essential for prepping jalapenos and cilantro with precision.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to finely chop jalapenos and cilantro ingredients.
• Mixing Bowl: Great for combining cranberry mixture and letting flavors blend.
• Spatula: Helps spread cream cheese smoothly and evenly on serving plate.
• Serving Plate: Provides the base for layering cream cheese and cranberry topping.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate amounts of sugar, lime juice, and salt.
• Measuring Cups: Helps measure ingredients precisely for balanced flavors.

How To Make Holiday Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip

• Cranberry Chopping

Grab fresh cranberries and pulse them gently in a food processor until they’re roughly broken down. Be careful not to turn them into a mushy paste.

• Flavor Fusion

Mix chopped cranberries with zingy lime juice, diced jalapenos, chopped cilantro, and a sprinkle of sugar. Let the mixture sit and get friendly for about 15 minutes so all the flavors can dance together.

• Cream Cheese Canvas

Spread soft cream cheese across a serving plate, creating a smooth, even layer that looks like a delicious blank slate.

• Topping Magic

Generously spoon the cranberry mixture over the cream cheese, making sure to cover the entire surface with the vibrant, colorful blend.

• Chill and Delight

Pop the dip into the refrigerator for half an hour. When you’re ready to serve, grab some crackers or chips and watch your guests dive in with excitement.

Helpful Tips For Holiday Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip

• Perfect Texture Tricks: Pulse cranberries carefully to avoid mushy consistency, ensuring a chunky, vibrant topping that adds delightful texture to your dip.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cranberry mixture up to 2 days in advance, allowing flavors to intensify and saving precious time during holiday entertaining.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust jalapeno quantity to suit your heat preference – remove seeds for mild version or add extra for a spicier kick that'll wow your guests.
• Dietary-Friendly Swaps: Use dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan option, or try low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version without compromising delicious flavor profile.

How To Serve Holiday Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip

• Festive Party Platter: Arrange the dip on a large wooden board surrounded by an assortment of colorful crackers, crisp vegetable sticks, and pita chips for a stunning holiday appetizer spread.
• Spicy-Sweet Appetizer Bar: Create a DIY station where guests can scoop their own dip, offering various chip options like blue corn tortilla chips, multigrain crackers, and fresh cucumber slices to complement the zesty flavors.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve this dip during sports gatherings or casual get-togethers, pairing it with crunchy corn chips and providing extra sliced jalapenos on the side for heat-loving guests who want an extra kick.
• Brunch Companion: Use this vibrant dip as a unique spread for toasted bagels, english muffins, or as a tangy accompaniment to egg dishes during weekend brunches.

Storage Advice For Holiday Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping the flavors fresh and vibrant.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cranberry topping and cream cheese layer separately up to 2 days before serving, assembling just before your event for maximum taste and texture.
• Smart Portion Planning: Divide the dip into smaller containers for easy grab-and-go snacking or to share with friends at potlucks and gatherings.
• Temperature Tip: Always serve the dip chilled for the best flavor balance between the tangy cranberries, spicy jalapeños, and creamy cheese base.

Spicy Holiday Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Cranberry jalapeño cream cheese dip blends festive flavors in one irresistible appetizer. Zesty pepper heat balances sweet cranberry notes, creating a perfect party starter for gatherings with friends and family.

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Ingredients

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• 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 bag 12 oz (340 g) fresh cranberries, rinsed and drained
• 12 jalapenos, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml) lime juice (about 2 limes)
• ¼ cup (10 g) fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• ¼ tsp salt
• Crackers
• Tortilla chips
• Fresh vegetables

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Instructions

1. Prepare Cranberry Mixture: Pulse cranberries in a food processor until coarsely chopped, then combine with sugar, lime juice, jalapenos, cilantro, and salt. Allow the mixture to macerate for 15-20 minutes, letting flavors meld and intensify.
2. Assemble Dip Base: Spread softened cream cheese evenly across a serving platter, creating a smooth, pristine foundation for the vibrant topping.
3. Layer and Chill: Generously distribute the cranberry mixture over the cream cheese, ensuring complete coverage that highlights the striking red relish against the white canvas. Wrap carefully and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to harmonize.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Present the chilled dip with an inviting selection of crackers, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetable crudités, inviting guests to dive into this festive and zesty appetizer.

Notes

• Pulse Cranberries Strategically: Avoid over-processing to maintain a chunky, textured relish that provides delightful bite and visual appeal.
• Let Flavors Meld Completely: Allowing the cranberry mixture to rest 15-20 minutes helps ingredients develop deeper, more complex taste profiles.
• Cream Cheese Technique: Ensure cream cheese is genuinely softened at room temperature for smooth, effortless spreading without tears or lumps.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap traditional crackers with gluten-free options, use low-fat cream cheese for lighter version, or substitute jalapeños with mild green chilies for less heat.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 157
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 75 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg