Easy Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
This Easy Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is a vibrant, tangy, and mildly spicy appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers. Combining fresh cranberries, jalapeño peppers, cilantro, and green onions with a smooth cream cheese base, it offers a delightful balance of sweet, tart, and spicy flavors that pair wonderfully with crackers, chips, or veggie sticks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings
- Category: Dip
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Fresh Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries, rinsed and drained
- 4 green onions or scallions, minced
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds and ribs removed, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Pantry Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
Dairy
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
Instructions
- Prepare the Cranberry Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the fresh cranberries, minced green onions, chopped cilantro, minced jalapeño, granulated sugar, ground cumin, fresh lemon juice, and kosher salt. Stir vigorously to mix all the ingredients well, breaking down the cranberries slightly as you go to release their juices and blend the flavors.
- Let the Mixture Rest: Allow the cranberry mixture to sit for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps the sugar dissolve and the flavors to meld, resulting in a well-balanced sweet and spicy taste.
- Combine with Cream Cheese: Using a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula, blend the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Then, carefully fold the cranberry mixture into the cream cheese until evenly distributed, taking care to maintain a slightly chunky texture for visual appeal and added texture.
- Chill the Dip: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling allows the flavors to marry perfectly and firms up the dip for easier serving.
- Serve: Serve the cranberry jalapeño cream cheese dip chilled or at room temperature with crackers, tortilla chips, or sliced vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- For a milder dip, reduce the amount of jalapeño or omit the seeds completely.
- This dip can be prepared a day in advance and kept refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Use low-fat cream cheese as a lighter alternative, though the texture will be slightly different.
- Fresh cranberries can be substituted with frozen cranberries; thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
- Garnish with extra chopped cilantro or green onions for a fresh look.
