Introduction

This Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with a spicy kick from jalapeno, balanced by smooth, whipped cream cheese. It’s a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for gatherings or holiday parties.

A close-up image shows a woman's hand holding a golden-brown cracker topped with three distinct layers: a bottom layer of thick, creamy white cheese spread, a middle layer of shiny, dark red pomegranate seeds mixed with small green herbs, and a top layer of finely chopped bright red pomegranate pieces. The cracker is in front of a white rectangular plate on a white marbled surface, where a large block of cheese spread covered with the same chopped pomegranate and herb mix is visible. A knife with a silver blade and wooden handle rests on the right side of the plate. In the blurry background, green herbs and a bowl filled with red fruit add to the context. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 ounce bag fresh cranberries
1 jalapeno
2 to 3 tablespoons cilantro
3 green onions
1 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened and whipped

Instructions

Step 1: Chop the fresh cranberries, jalapeno, cilantro, and green onions using a hand chopper or food processor. If using a food processor, pulse gently to avoid pureeing the cranberries. Alternatively, hand chop into small pieces.
Step 2: Transfer the chopped mixture to a bowl. Add sugar, salt, and lemon juice if using. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to let flavors meld.
Step 3: When ready to serve, strain the cranberry mixture in a fine colander to remove most of the juices. This step prevents the dip from becoming too watery.
Step 4: In a mixing bowl, whip the cream cheese for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Spread it evenly on the bottom of a serving dish, such as a pie plate or platter.
Step 5: Spoon the strained cranberry salsa over the whipped cream cheese. Serve immediately with crackers, pita chips, or tortilla chips for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For a milder dip, remove the jalapeno seeds before chopping.
Add a bit of orange zest to the cranberry mixture for extra brightness.
Use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version, but whipping time may be slightly longer.
Leftover cranberry salsa can be stirred into yogurt for a sweet and spicy snack.

Storage

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the cream cheese and cranberry mixture are separate textures, stir gently before serving if needed. This dip is best served chilled or at room temperature and should be consumed fresh for optimal flavor and texture.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white plate holding a two-layer dish: the bottom layer is a thick, creamy white spread with a soft, smooth texture, and the top layer is finely chopped, bright red cranberries mixed with herbs, giving a fresh and chunky appearance evenly spread over the cream layer. In the foreground, a metal spreader with a copper handle holds a scoop of both layers, showing the contrast between the creamy white and vibrant red atop it. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, with a blurred green bowl filled with whole cranberries and some green herbs in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dip in advance?

Yes, the cranberry mixture should be made and refrigerated at least 4 hours ahead or overnight to let the flavors develop. Whip the cream cheese and assemble the dip just before serving for the best texture.

What can I serve with this dip?

This dip pairs well with a variety of dippers such as crackers, pita chips, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetable sticks like celery and cucumber.

Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 125 reviews

This vibrant and tangy Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the spicy kick of jalapeno, fresh herbs, and sweetened with sugar. It’s a perfect make-ahead appetizer that offers a blend of creamy, spicy, and sweet flavors, ideal for holiday parties or casual gatherings.

Author: Daniel
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (including refrigeration)
Yield: About 12 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Cranberry Salsa

12 ounce bag Fresh Cranberries
1 Jalapeno
2 to 3 Tablespoons Cilantro
3 Green Onions
1 cup Sugar
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice (optional)

Cream Cheese Base

2 (8-ounce) packages Cream Cheese (softened and whipped)

Instructions

Chop Ingredients: Use a hand chopper or food processor to finely chop the fresh cranberries, jalapeno, cilantro, and green onions. If using a food processor, pulse carefully to avoid pureeing the cranberries. Alternatively, finely hand chop all ingredients.
Mix and Refrigerate: Combine the chopped mixture in a bowl. Stir in sugar, salt, and optional lemon juice. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to meld flavors.
Strain Mixture: Before serving, strain the cranberry mixture through a colander with small openings to drain excess liquid, ensuring the topping is not watery on the cream cheese.
Prepare Cream Cheese: Place softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl and whip for 2 to 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Evenly spread the whipped cream cheese on a pie plate, serving platter, or plate.
Assemble and Serve: Spoon the strained cranberry jalapeno salsa over the cream cheese layer. Serve immediately with crackers, pita chips, or tortilla chips for dipping.

Notes

Pulse cranberries and jalapeno carefully to maintain texture and avoid pureeing.
Refrigerate the salsa mixture for a minimum of 4 hours to allow flavors to develop fully.
Straining the salsa prevents runny dip and preserves the cream cheese’s texture.
For milder dip, remove seeds from jalapeno before chopping.
Serve with your choice of crackers or chips for varied textures and flavors.

Keywords: cranberry dip, jalapeno dip, cream cheese dip, holiday appetizer, party dip, spicy cranberry salsa