Easy Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Process the Cranberries: Pulse the fresh cranberries in a food processor until they are coarsely chopped, creating a chunky base for the dip.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
