Description
Get ready to wow your guests with this Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip—an easy appetizer that’s festive, creamy, tangy, and just a little bit spicy. Fresh cranberries and jalapeños bring bold flavor to this crowd-pleasing dip, perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you need a quick snack. Serve it with crackers, crostini, or veggies for a colorful, tasty treat! This recipe is an ideal pick for quick breakfast ideas, easy party food, or even a healthy snack. It’s one of the best appetizer recipes for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any dinner ideas where you want to impress with minimal effort.
Ingredients
1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
2 tablespoons jalapeño pepper, finely diced (remove seeds for less heat)
1/4 cup green onions, finely sliced
2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
Salt to taste
Optional: extra cranberries and herbs for garnish
Instructions
1. Chop the cranberries into small pieces and combine them in a mixing bowl.
2. Add the diced jalapeño, green onions, cilantro, sugar, and lemon (or lime) juice. Mix well.
3. Cover and refrigerate the cranberry mixture for 1–2 hours, or overnight, to let the flavors meld and the sugar dissolve.
4. Spread the softened cream cheese in a shallow serving dish, making an even layer.
5. Spoon the cranberry-jalapeño mixture (including juices) evenly over the cream cheese layer.
6. Garnish with extra cranberries or fresh herbs if desired.
7. Serve immediately with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh veggies.
Notes
For the best flavor and texture, always use fresh or thawed cranberries, not dried.
Letting the cranberry mixture chill overnight gives the best results—the flavors really meld!
Adjust the jalapeño and sugar to taste for more or less spice or sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/10th of dip
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: cranberry jalapeño dip, cream cheese dip, appetizer, holiday recipes, easy recipe