Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip

Imagine you’re preparing a dish that’s a symphony of flavors, each note distinct yet harmonizing beautifully.

Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is a culinary masterpiece that artfully balances sweet, tangy, and spicy elements.

Picture vibrant cranberries mingling with fiery jalapeños, creating a revitalizing sensation that dances on your palate.

Spread over creamy cheese, it’s both visually stunning and a taste sensation.

Curious about the secret behind this enchanting appetizer? There’s more to discover.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 Large Mixing Bowl
• 1 Small Mixing Bowl
• 1 Knife
• 1 Cutting Board
• 1 Spoon
• 1 Serving Plate

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Fresh Cranberries
• 1 cup Sugar
• 1 Jalapeño Pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 1/4 cup Green Onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
• 1/8 teaspoon Salt
• 16 ounces Cream Cheese, softened

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing the Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip, follow this timeline:

1. Reading and Gathering Ingredients and Equipment (15 minutes):
   • Read through the entire recipe to understand the steps.
   • Gather all ingredients and the necessary equipment.
2. Preparation (15 minutes):
   • Begin by washing and drying the fresh cranberries.
   • Seed and finely chop the jalapeño pepper.
   • Chop the green onions and cilantro.
   • Soften the cream cheese by leaving it at room temperature.
3. Mixing Ingredients (10 minutes):
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cranberries and sugar.
   • Add the chopped jalapeño, green onions, cilantro, lemon juice, and salt to the cranberry mixture and stir to combine.
4. Resting Time (2 hours):
   • Transfer the cranberry mixture to a small mixing bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
5. Final Assembly (10 minutes):
   • Spread the softened cream cheese evenly on a serving plate.
   • Spoon the cranberry mixture over the cream cheese layer and spread evenly.
6. Serving:
   • Serve the dip with crackers or sliced baguette on the side.

Recipe Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine cranberries and sugar, and stir until cranberries are well coated.

Add the chopped jalapeño pepper, green onions, cilantro, lemon juice, and salt to the cranberry mixture and stir to combine.

Transfer the mixture to a small mixing bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.

Spread softened cream cheese evenly on a serving plate to form a base layer.

Spoon the cranberry mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading evenly.

Serve with crackers or sliced baguette on the side.

Serving Tips

• Crackers: Pair the dip with a variety of crackers to add a crunchy texture that complements the creamy base.
• Sliced Baguette: Use slices of fresh or toasted baguette for a hearty option that can soak up the flavors.
• Veggie Sticks: Offer celery or bell pepper sticks for a revitalizing and healthy alternative to bread or crackers.
• Pita Chips: For an extra crunch, serve with crispy pita chips that hold up well to the dip’s creamy and chunky consistency.
• Tortilla Chips: Add a southwestern twist by serving with tortilla chips, which enhance the jalapeño spice in the dip.

Storage

To store Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip, cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to three days.

Ensure it’s in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent flavor absorption.

Freezing

To freeze Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip, store the cranberry mixture separately from the cream cheese.

Use airtight containers.

Consume within three months for best taste and texture retention.

Reheating

Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is best served cold.

Reheating isn’t necessary. If desired, let it sit at room temperature briefly before serving to slightly soften the cream cheese.

Final Thoughts

Creating a Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is both simple and rewarding.

The combination of tart cranberries, spicy jalapeños, and creamy cheese makes for a delightful appetizer.

Allowing the flavors to meld for a couple of hours enhances the dip’s taste.

Serve with crackers or sliced baguette for a perfect party snack.

Preparing it a day ahead results in an even richer flavor profile.

Enjoy this colorful and flavorful dish with family and friends!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh Ones?

You can use frozen cranberries, just thaw them first. They’ll add a tangy burst and maintain the dish’s vibrant color. Make certain they’re well-drained to avoid excess moisture, which could affect the dip’s texture and consistency.

How Can I Make This Dip Vegan-Friendly?

To make this dip vegan-friendly, swap the cream cheese with a vegan alternative. Feel the creamy texture and vibrant flavors meld seamlessly, while the tangy cranberries and spicy jalapeños dance on your taste buds, creating a delightful sensation.

What Can I Substitute for Cilantro if I Don’t Like It?

If you’re not fond of cilantro, try using parsley for a fresh, earthy taste. Alternatively, basil offers a sweet, aromatic twist, while mint adds a rejuvenating burst. Each brings its unique flair, transforming your dish delightfully.

Is There a Way to Make This Dip Less Sweet?

To reduce sweetness, decrease the sugar to half a cup. Let the tartness of fresh cranberries shine, while the spicy jalapeño adds a zesty kick. Balance flavors with a splash more lemon juice for invigorating vibrancy.

Can I Add Other Fruits to the Cranberry Mixture?

Absolutely, you can add fruits like diced apples or pears for a sweet crunch, or pomegranate seeds for a burst of tartness. Their textures and flavors will complement the cranberries, creating a delightful balance. Enjoy experimenting!

Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Resting Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Equipment

• 1 large mixing bowl
• 1 Small mixing bowl
• 1 Knife
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 Spoon
• 1 Serving Plate

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 12 ounces Fresh Cranberries
• 1 cup Sugar
• 1 Jalapeño Pepper seeded and finely chopped
• 1/4 cup Green Onions chopped
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Cilantro chopped
• 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
• 1/8 teaspoon Salt
• 16 ounces Cream Cheese softened

Instructions

 

• In a large mixing bowl, combine cranberries and sugar, and stir until cranberries are well coated.
• Add the chopped jalapeño pepper, green onions, cilantro, lemon juice, and salt to the cranberry mixture and stir to combine.
• Transfer the mixture to a small mixing bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
• Spread softened cream cheese evenly on a serving plate to form a base layer.
• Spoon the cranberry mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading evenly.
• Serve with crackers or sliced baguette on the side.

Notes

For best results, make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before spreading to ensure a smooth and even base layer. You can adjust the number of jalapeños to increase or decrease the spiciness to your preference. Additionally, preparing the dip a day in advance allows the flavors to develop further, enhancing the taste.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.