Sweet & Spicy Holiday Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

Surprising guests with a zesty holiday cranberry jalapeño cream cheese dip that sparks conversations at every festive gathering.

This vibrant appetizer blends sweet and spicy notes into a creamy sensation that catches everyone’s attention.

Cranberries burst with festive color while jalapeños add an unexpected kick to the classic party spread.

Friends will lean in with curiosity when you present this eye-catching starter.

Rich cream cheese provides a smooth foundation that balances the tangy fruit and spicy pepper perfectly.

Bright red and green ingredients create a festive visual that screams holiday cheer.

You cannot resist the temptation of this irresistible dip that promises to be the star of any celebration.

Grab some crackers and dive right into this unforgettable flavor experience!

Why People Enjoy Holiday Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip

• Burst of Festive Flavors: This holiday dip explodes with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy cranberries and spicy jalapeños, creating a vibrant taste sensation that dances on your palate.
• Quick and Effortless Prep: Whip up this crowd-pleasing appetizer in just minutes, using simple ingredients and minimal cooking skills, making it ideal for last-minute holiday gatherings or spontaneous get-togethers.
• Texture Wonderland: Experience a delightful contrast between the smooth, creamy cream cheese base and the bright, chunky cranberry topping, offering a satisfying mouthfeel that keeps everyone coming back for more.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: Serve with an array of dippers like crisp crackers, crunchy tortilla chips, or fresh vegetable sticks, ensuring there's something for every guest's preference at your holiday celebration.

What Goes In Holiday Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip

• Cranberries: Tart and bright fruit that creates a festive holiday topping.
• Jalapeños: Adds spicy kick and fresh heat to the dip.
• Lime: Provides zesty citrus brightness and balances flavors.
• Cilantro: Brings fresh herbal notes and complementary flavor.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth, rich base that provides creamy texture and mild tangy flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and balances sweet and spicy elements.

• Sugar: Sweetens the cranberry mixture and balances tartness.
• Tortilla Chips: Classic dipping vehicle that complements the dip's flavors.
• Crackers: Alternative crispy option for serving.
• Fresh Vegetables: Healthy dipping alternative for lighter option.

Easy Guide To Holiday Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip

Step 1: Chop Cranberries

Grab your food processor and pulse the cranberries until they’re roughly chopped. Be careful not to turn them into mush! Transfer the chopped cranberries to a mixing bowl.

Step 2: Create Cranberry Mixture

• Sugar
• Lime juice
• Jalapeños
• Cilantro
• Salt

Stir everything together gently. Let the mixture sit and mingle for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to dance and blend.

Step 3: Prepare Cream Cheese Base

Take your softened cream cheese and spread it smoothly across a serving plate. Use a spatula to create an even, inviting layer that looks like a creamy canvas.

Step 4: Top with Cranberry Goodness

Carefully spoon the cranberry mixture over the cream cheese. Spread it evenly, making sure every bite will have a perfect balance of creamy and tangy flavors.

Step 5: Chill and Delight

Cover the dip and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time lets the flavors get to know each other and become best friends.

Serving Suggestions:

• Crispy crackers
• Crunchy tortilla chips
• Fresh vegetable sticks

Tips That Make Holiday Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip Shine

• Chop Cranberries Carefully: Pulse the cranberries gently in the food processor to avoid turning them into a mushy paste, keeping a nice chunky texture for better visual appeal and bite.
• Balance Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of jalapeños based on your heat tolerance, removing seeds for milder flavor or adding more for extra kick.
• Prep Ahead Smartly: Make the cranberry topping up to 2 days in advance and store in the refrigerator to enhance flavor development and save time before serving.
• Customize Serving Options: Experiment with different dippers like pita chips, toasted baguette slices, or even as a spread on holiday sandwiches for versatile enjoyment.
• Create Dietary Variations: Swap regular cream cheese with low-fat or dairy-free alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising taste.

Holiday Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the dip fresh and preventing flavor absorption from other foods.
• Cool Down: Always let the dip return to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain its texture and prevent condensation.
• Reheat Carefully: Gently warm the cream cheese layer at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore its smooth consistency.
• Serve Fresh: For best taste and texture, consume within 2 days and avoid freezing, as cream cheese can separate and lose its creamy texture when frozen.

Snacks That Go With Holiday Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Grab a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the tangy cranberry and creamy cheese. These light wines balance the spicy jalapeños and cut through the richness of the cream cheese.
• Match with Festive Crackers: Select crisp, buttery crackers like water crackers or multi-grain crisps. Their neutral flavor lets the dip's vibrant cranberry and jalapeño notes shine through, creating a perfect holiday appetizer combination.
• Serve with Fresh Vegetable Platter: Arrange colorful veggie sticks like cucumber, bell peppers, and carrots alongside the dip. These fresh, crunchy vegetables provide a cool contrast to the spicy-sweet cranberry topping and create a balanced, healthy option for guests.
• Complement with Sparkling Beverage: Pour a sparkling apple cider or pomegranate spritzer to echo the cranberry's festive spirit. The bubbles and fruity notes enhance the dip's bright flavors and add a celebratory touch to your holiday spread.

Fun Changes For Holiday Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip

• Festive Pepper Patch: Swap jalapenos with roasted poblano peppers for a smoky, milder heat that complements the tangy cranberries.
• Winter Citrus Splash: Replace lime juice with orange zest and juice to add a bright, sweet-tart dimension to the cranberry mixture.
• Herbal Garden Mix: Substitute cilantro with fresh rosemary and thyme for an aromatic, seasonal herb profile that elevates the dip's complexity.
• Spice Lover's Dream: Add a pinch of ground chipotle powder to the cranberry topping for an extra layer of smoky, intense heat that will wake up taste buds.

Holiday Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip FAQs

• What makes this dip special for holiday gatherings?

This dip combines the tangy sweetness of cranberries with the spicy kick of jalapenos, creating a vibrant and festive appetizer that’s sure to impress guests with its bold flavor profile.

• Can I adjust the spice level of the dip?

Absolutely! You can control the heat by removing the jalapeno seeds or using fewer peppers. For a milder version, use just half a jalapeno, or for extra heat, include the seeds and add an extra pepper.

• How far in advance can I prepare this dip?

You can make the cranberry topping and assemble the dip up to 24 hours before serving. Just keep it covered and refrigerated, which actually allows the flavors to meld and become even more delicious.

• Is this dip considered healthy?

While cream cheese isn’t low-calorie, this dip offers nutritional benefits from fresh cranberries and jalapenos, which are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C. It’s a tasty treat that provides some nutritional value when enjoyed in moderation.

Holiday Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Spicy-sweet “holiday cranberry jalapeño cream cheese dip” brings festive zest to party spreads. Creamy cheese mingles with tart cranberries and fiery peppers, creating an irresistible appetizer you’ll want to share with friends.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 bag (12 ounces / 340 grams) fresh cranberries, rinsed and drained
• 16 ounces (450 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 12 jalapenos, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)

Flavoring Ingredients:

• ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) lime juice (about 2 limes)
• ¼ cup (10 grams) fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Serving Suggestions:

• Crackers
• Tortilla chips
• Fresh vegetables

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Instructions

1. Transform whole cranberries into a vibrant relish using a food processor, pulsing carefully to maintain a coarse texture without creating a puree.
2. Allow chopped cranberries to mingle with sugar, lime juice, finely diced jalapenos, fresh cilantro, and a pinch of salt, enabling the ingredients to harmonize and intensify their flavors for 15-20 minutes.
3. Select a spacious serving platter and gently spread softened cream cheese across the surface, creating a smooth, even canvas using a flexible spatula.
4. Artfully distribute the cranberry mixture over the cream cheese layer, ensuring complete and uniform coverage that showcases the bright red relish against the white backdrop.
5. Seal the assembled dip with protective wrap and nestle into the refrigerator, allowing the components to chill and marry their flavors for a minimum of 30 minutes.
6. When ready to serve, present the dip alongside an array of accompaniments like crisp crackers, rustic tortilla chips, or a colorful assortment of fresh vegetable crudités for guests to enjoy.

Notes

• Pulse cranberries carefully to maintain a chunky texture, avoiding over-processing that could turn them into a mushy puree.
• Allow the cranberry mixture to rest and marinate, letting the flavors intensify and blend seamlessly.
• Soften cream cheese at room temperature for easy spreading and a smooth, creamy base.
• Adjust jalapeno quantity based on personal heat preference, removing seeds for milder version or adding more for extra kick.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 192
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 143 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg