Easy Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is a vibrant and tangy appetizer perfect for festive gatherings or casual snacking. The fresh cranberries combined with a hint of jalapeño and creamy cheese create a delightful balance of flavors that’s sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces fresh cranberries, rinsed and drained
• 4 green onions or scallions, minced
• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds and ribs removed, minced
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pulse the cranberries in a food processor until coarsely chopped. Add the green onions, cilantro, and jalapeño pepper, then pulse a few more times to combine.
2. Step 2: Add the sugar, cumin, lemon juice, and salt to the mixture, pulsing until thoroughly mixed.
3. Step 3: Transfer the cranberry mixture to a bowl and wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least four hours to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Step 4: To serve, spread the softened cream cheese evenly on a pie plate or serving dish, then spread the cranberry mixture over the top.

Tips & Variations

• For a more casual presentation, place a block of cream cheese on a plate and spoon the cranberry mixture on top—just use a plate with a lip to catch any juices.
• Serve with sturdy crackers or toasted baguette slices, as the cream cheese can become firm when chilled.
• If you don’t have cilantro or prefer a milder herb, swap it with fresh parsley.
• To soften cream cheese quickly, leave it at room temperature for about an hour or microwave it unwrapped for 15-20 seconds in a microwave-safe bowl.
• Freeze surplus fresh cranberries in season to enjoy this dip year-round.

Storage

Store the cranberry mixture and softened cream cheese separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, layer the dip as directed. Leftover dip can be refrigerated for an additional 1-2 days; if it becomes too firm, allow it to sit at room temperature briefly before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, preparing the cranberry mixture in advance and refrigerating it for at least four hours enhances the flavors. Just spread it over cream cheese when ready to serve.

What can I use if I don’t have a food processor?

You can finely chop the cranberries, green onions, cilantro, and jalapeño by hand, then mix everything together with the sugar, cumin, lemon juice, and salt.

Easy Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 144 reviews

This Easy Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is a vibrant and tangy appetizer that combines fresh cranberries, jalapeño heat, and cream cheese for a perfect balance of flavors. Ideal for holiday gatherings or any party, this refreshing dip is simple to make, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal prep time. Serve it with crackers or toasted baguette slices for a crowd-pleasing starter.

• Author: Lily
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fresh Ingredients

• 12 ounces fresh cranberries, rinsed and drained
• 4 green onions or scallions, minced
• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds and ribs removed, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt

Dairy

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened

Instructions

1. Process the Cranberries: Pulse the fresh cranberries in a food processor until they are coarsely chopped, creating a chunky base for the dip.
2. Add Flavorings: Add the minced green onions, chopped cilantro, and jalapeño to the food processor. Pulse a few more times to combine these fresh ingredients evenly with the cranberries.
3. Mix in Seasonings: Incorporate the sugar, cumin, lemon juice, and kosher salt into the mixture by pulsing until everything is thoroughly mixed, forming a well-seasoned cranberry blend.
4. Chill the Mixture: Transfer the cranberry mixture into a bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least four hours. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
5. Prepare to Serve: Spread the softened cream cheese evenly on a pie plate or serving dish, then evenly layer the chilled cranberry mixture on top.

Notes

• For a more informal presentation, place a block of cream cheese on a plate and simply spoon the cranberry mixture on top.
• Use a serving plate with a lip to prevent cranberry juice from spilling when serving.
• Pair this dip with sturdy crackers or toasted baguette slices, as the cream cheese can become slightly firm when chilled.
• If you don’t have cilantro or prefer a different flavor, substitute it with fresh parsley.
• Soften cream cheese by leaving it at room temperature for about an hour or briefly warming it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
• Stock up on fresh cranberries during their season and freeze them for use year-round.

Keywords: cranberry dip, jalapeño cream cheese dip, holiday appetizer, easy party dip, cranberry jalapeño recipe