Description
Sweet, spicy, creamy, and downright irresistible — this Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is the holiday appetizer you didn’t know you needed. Tart cranberries blend perfectly with fresh jalapeños and creamy whipped cheese to deliver a burst of flavor in every bite. It’s the perfect quick appetizer for any gathering, whether you’re looking for easy recipes, party food ideas, or festive dips to impress guests. From easy dinner parties to holiday brunches, this dip checks all the boxes for quick appetizers, easy recipes, and crowd-pleasing holiday snacks.
Ingredients
12 oz fresh cranberries
2 medium jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
2 blocks (16 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tbsp lime juice
1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
1. Rinse and dry the cranberries, then pulse them in a food processor until finely chopped (not pureed).
2. Transfer cranberries to a bowl and stir in chopped jalapeños, sugar, green onions, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Let sit for 15–30 minutes.
3. In another bowl, whip softened cream cheese until fluffy and smooth.
4. Spread whipped cream cheese evenly on a serving plate or shallow dish.
5. Spoon cranberry-jalapeño mixture over the cream cheese layer and gently spread it.
6. Garnish with extra cranberries, jalapeño slices, and herbs.
7. Serve immediately with crackers, crostini, or pita chips.
Notes
Always use room temperature cream cheese to ensure smooth whipping and spreading.
For a milder dip, remove all jalapeño seeds and ribs.
The cranberry topping can be made a day ahead for deeper flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg