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Holiday Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

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4 from 76 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Holiday Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is a festive, sweet-and-spicy appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. It features tart fresh cranberries combined with diced jalapeños, green onions, and cilantro, sweetened with sugar and brightened with lemon or lime juice. The vibrant salsa-like topping is served over smooth cream cheese, creating a bold and flavorful dip that pairs beautifully with crackers, pita chips, or crostini. This easy-to-make, no-cook recipe is ideal for adding a colorful and zesty touch to your party spread and is sure to disappear quickly.

Ingredients

Scale

Cranberry Jalapeño Topping

  • 1 (12 oz) bag fresh cranberries
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1–2 jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice

Cream Cheese Base

  • 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened

Instructions

  1. Prepare the topping: In a food processor, pulse the fresh cranberries, chopped green onions, seeded and diced jalapeños, and fresh cilantro until finely chopped but not pureed, maintaining a chunky, salsa-like texture.
  2. Mix the topping: Transfer the chopped mixture into a bowl and stir in the granulated sugar, salt, and lemon or lime juice until well combined.
  3. Chill to blend flavors: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and develop fully.
  4. Prepare the cream cheese base: Before serving, spread the softened cream cheese evenly on a serving plate or shallow dish, creating a smooth layer as the dip’s base.
  5. Assemble the dip: Spoon the chilled cranberry jalapeño mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer, creating an attractive contrast of colors and textures.
  6. Serve: Present the dip with crackers, pita chips, or crostini and enjoy as a festive appetizer that offers a sweet and spicy flavor combination.

Notes

  • For a milder dip, reduce to one jalapeño or remove all seeds before dicing.
  • Make the cranberry topping a day ahead to save time and enhance flavor.
  • Light cream cheese can be used as a lower-calorie alternative without sacrificing texture.
  • This dip pairs well with gluten-free crackers for a gluten-free option.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

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Find it online: https://mettehelbak.com/holiday-cranberry-jalapeno-cream-cheese-dip-recipe-2/