Cranberry-Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip

Hey entertainers!

Get ready to wow your guests with the most incredible Cranberry-Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip that's rated 4.59 stars by 661 reviewers! This sweet, spicy, and creamy dip features fresh cranberries, zesty jalapeño, and creamy cheese for the ultimate flavor explosion. Perfect for holiday parties, game days, or any gathering - this dip will disappear in minutes! Let's get dipping!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Rated 4.59 Stars by 661 reviewers! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Perfect sweet-spicy-creamy combination that delights every palate
Make-ahead friendly - flavors develop beautifully when chilled
Only 15 minutes active prep time for maximum party impact

Tools You'll Need

Food Processor

Mixing Bowls

Serving Plate

Measuring Cups

Ingredients

12 ounces (340 g) fresh cranberries
4-5 green onions, chopped
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely diced
1 cup (212 g) sugar, more or less to taste
½ teaspoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons fresh lemon or lime juice
¼ teaspoon salt
2 (8-ounces each) packages (454 g) cream cheese, light or regular, softened
Crackers, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Process cranberries: Pulse the cranberries in a food processor or blender until coarsely chopped.
Add remaining ingredients: Add the green onions, cilantro, jalapeno, sugar, cumin, lemon juice and salt and pulse until well combined and finely chopped.
Chill: Transfer the mixture to a covered container and refrigerate for 4 hours (or up to overnight) so flavors can meld.
Prepare cream cheese: When ready to serve, spread the cream cheese in an even layer on a serving plate or 9-inch pie dish.
Top with cranberry mixture: Spread the chilled cranberry-jalapeno mixture over the cream cheese.
Chill before serving: Refrigerate for up to an hour before serving.
Serve: Serve with your favorite crackers and enjoy!

Pro Tips

Don't skip the chilling time: This allows the sugar to dissolve and flavors to develop fully.
Adjust heat level: Keep the jalapeño seeds for more spice or remove for milder flavor.
Soft cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened for easy spreading.
Make ahead: Both the cranberry mixture and assembled dip can be made a day in advance.

Recipe Variations

Different peppers: Try serrano peppers for more heat or bell peppers for mild version.
Citrus variations: Use orange juice instead of lemon/lime for sweeter flavor.
Herb options: Substitute parsley for cilantro if you're not a cilantro fan.
Cheese alternatives: Try with goat cheese or neufchâtel cheese for different flavors.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes! Thaw frozen cranberries completely and pat dry before using in the recipe.

How long does this dip keep?
The assembled dip will keep covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Can I make this less sweet?
Absolutely! Start with ¾ cup sugar and add more to taste after chilling.

What crackers work best?
Buttery crackers, wheat crackers, or even tortilla chips all work wonderfully!

Prep Time: 15 mins + 4 hrs chilling | Total Time: 5 hrs 15 mins

Yield: 10 servings | Rating: 4.59 stars (661 ratings)

Calories: 251kcal per serving (without crackers)

Ingredients:

12oz cranberries, 4-5 green onions, ¼ cup cilantro, 1 jalapeño, 1 cup sugar, ½ tsp cumin, 2 tbsp citrus juice, ¼ tsp salt, 16oz cream cheese, crackers

Instructions:

Pulse cranberries in food processor until chopped.
Add remaining ingredients and pulse until combined.
Chill mixture 4 hours or overnight.
Spread softened cream cheese on serving plate.
Top with chilled cranberry mixture.
Chill assembled dip up to 1 hour before serving.
Serve with crackers.

So there you have it - the most incredible Cranberry-Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip that will make you the star of every party!

If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments how your dip turned out.

Cranberry-Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip – The Perfect Party Appetizer!