Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
This vibrant Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the spicy kick of jalapeño and the creamy richness of cream cheese. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any festive occasion, this dip offers a delightful balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors complemented by fresh herbs and spices, served best with wheat crackers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Fruit and Vegetables
- 12 ounce bag fresh cranberries
- 1/2 lemon, juice of
- 3 scallions, chopped (green and white parts)
- 1 jalapeño (with seeds, membranes and stem removed)
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves
Spices and Seasonings
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on preference)
- 1/2 – 3/4 teaspoon cumin (start with 1/2 tsp, taste and add more if needed)
- Pinch of salt
Dairy
- 2 (8-ounce) blocks cream cheese, softened
For Serving
- Wheat crackers
Instructions
- Prepare the Cranberry Mixture: In a blender or food processor, combine the fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Blend until the mixture is semi-smooth, retaining some cranberry texture for added bite and visual appeal.
- Add Fresh Ingredients and Spices: Add the chopped scallions, stemmed and seeded jalapeño, cilantro leaves, cumin, and a pinch of salt to the blender. Pulse a few times until everything is finely chopped and well combined but not pureed, giving the dip a fresh and spicy flavor profile.
- Combine with Cream Cheese: Transfer the cranberry jalapeño mixture to a bowl with the softened cream cheese. Using a spatula or a mixer, blend until smooth and uniform in texture.
- Chill the Dip: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld and the dip firm up slightly.
- Serve: Spread the dip onto a serving plate or bowl and serve chilled with wheat crackers for dipping.
Notes
- Adjust the sugar quantity depending on your preferred sweetness level and the natural tartness of the cranberries.
- Removing the seeds from the jalapeño reduces the heat but keeps a nice spicy flavor; add seeds if you prefer it hotter.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for best creaminess and flavor.
- This dip can be made a day ahead; just keep it refrigerated.
- Wheat crackers complement the dip well, but you can serve with vegetable sticks or other crackers if preferred.
