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cranberry jalapeño dip

Cranberry Jalapeño Dip: A Sweet and Spicy Holiday Delight

A festive appetizer that blends tart cranberries with spicy jalapeños in a creamy dip. Perfect for holiday gatherings or party spreads.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen)
  • 23 jalapeños, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • Optional garnish: Extra chopped cilantro or pomegranate seeds

Instructions

Prep Ingredients

  • Wash cranberries and remove stems.
  • Finely dice jalapeños, adjusting quantity based on desired spice level.
  • Chop cilantro.

Make the Cranberry-Jalapeño Mixture

  • Combine cranberries, jalapeños, sugar, and lime juice in a food processor.
  • Pulse until the texture resembles a relish—don’t over-process.

Whip the Cream Cheese

  • In a separate bowl, whip the cream cheese until light and airy using a hand mixer.
  • Mix in 1 tablespoon of the cranberry mixture for added flavor.

 Assemble the Dip

  • Spread the whipped cream cheese evenly on a serving platter.
  • Top with the cranberry-jalapeño mixture, spreading to cover the surface.
  • Garnish with additional cilantro or pomegranate seeds for a festive touch.

Chill and Serve

  • Refrigerate for 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
  • Serve with crackers, chips, or veggie sticks.

Notes

  • Custom Spice Level: Remove jalapeño seeds for milder heat or add an extra pepper for more kick.
  • Make-Ahead: Prepare up to 3 days in advance and store in an airtight container.
  • Storage: Keep refrigerated for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Author: Emily Marano
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Chill Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Lunch

Nutrition

  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Fat: 2g (Carbs: 10g)
  • Protein: 2g

Keywords: cranberry jalapeño dip, holiday appetizer, spicy cranberry dip, sweet and spicy dip, creamy party dip