Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
Introduction
This Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and sweet flavors. It’s easy to prepare and makes a standout appetizer for any gathering or holiday party.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1–2 jalapeños, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth using a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon.
- Step 2: Add the cranberry sauce, finely chopped jalapeños, chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the cream cheese.
- Step 3: Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined and evenly blended.
- Step 4: Cover the bowl and chill the dip in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Step 5: Serve chilled with crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- Adjust the number of jalapeños depending on your preferred spice level; removing the seeds will reduce heat.
- Substitute cranberry sauce with raspberry or pomegranate sauce for a different fruity twist.
- For extra texture, sprinkle chopped toasted nuts such as pecans on top before serving.
Storage
Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, give it a good stir and allow it to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften slightly. It can be made a day ahead for convenience.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this dip vegan or dairy-free?
Yes, you can use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative to make this dip vegan or dairy-free while keeping a similar creamy texture.
How spicy is this dip?
The spiciness depends on how many jalapeños you add and whether you include the seeds. Start with one jalapeño without seeds for mild heat and increase if desired.
PrintCranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
This Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is a vibrant and flavorful appetizer that combines the creamy richness of cream cheese with the sweet tartness of cranberry sauce and a spicy kick from fresh jalapeños. Perfectly chilled and ready in minutes, it’s a crowd-pleasing dip that pairs wonderfully with crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables, making it ideal for parties, holiday gatherings, or casual snacking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dip Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1–2 jalapeños, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Beat the cream cheese: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or whisk until it becomes smooth and creamy without any lumps.
- Add other ingredients: To the smooth cream cheese, add the cranberry sauce, finely chopped jalapeños (adjust according to your desired heat level), chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix well: Stir all the ingredients thoroughly until the mixture is fully combined and evenly blended to ensure balanced flavors.
- Chill the dip: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dip to firm up slightly.
- Serve: Serve chilled with your choice of crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- For less heat, remove the jalapeño seeds before chopping.
- Use homemade cranberry sauce or store-bought, depending on availability and preference.
- This dip can be prepared a day in advance to enhance the flavor fusion.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
- For a smoother texture, beat the cream cheese longer before adding other ingredients.
Keywords: cranberry jalapeño cream cheese dip, holiday dip, party appetizer, spicy cream cheese dip, no cook dip, cranberry sauce dip
