Description
A festive and flavorful Holiday Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip combining the creamy richness of cream cheese with the tartness of cranberry sauce and a spicy kick from fresh jalapeños. Perfect for serving as an appetizer or snack during holiday gatherings, this dip is quick to prepare and can be paired with crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
Mix-ins
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1–2 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Toppings and Garnish
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Extra jalapeño slices or cilantro for garnish
Serving
- Crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Beat the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain for a perfect dip texture.
- Add the Cranberry and Jalapeño: Stir in the cranberry sauce along with the finely chopped, seeded jalapeños. Add the chopped cilantro if using, and season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, blending all flavors evenly.
- Optional Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top if desired. Chill the dip in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to allow it to firm up slightly and the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Garnish with extra jalapeño slices or cilantro for an extra festive touch. Serve alongside crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- To reduce the heat, remove all seeds from the jalapeños before chopping.
- For a smoother dip, use a hand mixer to beat the cream cheese thoroughly.
- Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
- Optionally, substitute the cheddar cheese topping with crumbled feta or omit for a dairy-free version.
- Adjust the number of jalapeños according to your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
