Spicy Cranberry Jalapeno Dip Recipe

Introduction

This Spicy Cranberry Jalapeno Dip offers a vibrant mix of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors layered over creamy cream cheese. It’s a festive and eye-catching appetizer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a flavorful crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 5 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely minced (for less heat)
• 1 cup sugar (such as Dixie Crystals)
• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 (8 oz) packs cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• Crackers for serving (such as Ritz or Wheat Thins)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the cranberries in a food processor or blender and pulse until coarsely chopped.
2. Step 2: Add green onions, cilantro, jalapeno, sugar, cumin, lemon juice, and salt to the cranberries. Pulse again until well combined and finely chopped to form a cohesive mixture.
3. Step 3: Transfer the cranberry-jalapeno mixture to a covered container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
4. Step 4: Spread the softened cream cheese evenly on a serving plate or in a 9-inch pie dish as the base layer.
5. Step 5: Spread the chilled cranberry-jalapeno mixture over the cream cheese. Cover and refrigerate for up to an hour before serving to let the flavors integrate.
6. Step 6: Remove from the refrigerator and serve with crackers for a delicious sweet, spicy, and creamy dip.

Tips & Variations

• For more heat, leave some jalapeno seeds in or add extra jalapeno to the topping.
• Use reduced-fat cream cheese for a lighter dip.
• Try substituting lime juice for lemon juice for a slightly different citrus flavor.
• Prepare the dip a day in advance to enhance the flavor melding.

Storage

Store the dip covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, give it a gentle stir if separated. Leftovers can be scooped onto crackers or spread on sandwiches. Reheat is not recommended, as the dip is best enjoyed chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cranberries can be used; just thaw and drain any excess moisture before processing to maintain the right consistency.

Can I prepare this dip without a food processor?

While a food processor makes the job easier, you can finely chop the cranberries, jalapeno, and herbs by hand. It will take more time but still yield delicious results.

Spicy Cranberry Jalapeno Dip Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 117 reviews

This Spicy Cranberry Jalapeno Dip combines the bright tartness of fresh cranberries with a kick of jalapeno heat, mellowed by a creamy base of softened cream cheese. It is a perfect appetizer for holiday gatherings or any party, offering a vibrant balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors served with your favorite crackers.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Topping

• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 5 green onions (thinly sliced)
• 1 jalapeno (seeded and finely minced for less heat)
• 1 cup sugar (preferably Dixie Crystals)
• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1/4 tsp salt

Base

• 2 (8 oz) packs cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• Crackers for serving (such as Ritz or Wheat Thins)

Instructions

1. Chop Ingredients: Begin by placing the fresh cranberries into a food processor or blender and pulse until they are coarsely chopped.
2. Combine Topping Ingredients: Add the sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, minced jalapeno, sugar, cumin, lemon juice, and salt to the cranberries in the processor. Pulse again until all ingredients are finely chopped and well combined, creating a cohesive topping mixture.
3. Refrigerate Topping: Transfer this cranberry-jalapeno mixture into a covered container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and develop fully.
4. Prepare Cream Cheese Base: When ready to serve, spread the softened cream cheese evenly on a serving plate or a 9-inch pie dish to form the creamy base layer for the dip.
5. Assemble Dip: Spread the chilled cranberry-jalapeno topping evenly over the cream cheese layer. Cover and place back into the refrigerator for up to one hour to let flavors integrate.
6. Serve: Remove the dip from the refrigerator and serve chilled with your choice of crackers such as Ritz or Wheat Thins, enjoying the sweet, spicy, and creamy flavor combination.

Notes

• For milder heat, ensure the jalapeno is fully seeded and finely minced.
• The dip benefits from chilling time, so prepare it in advance to maximize flavor melding.
• Use fresh cranberries for the best color, texture, and tartness.
• Adjust sugar amount to taste if you prefer less sweetness.
• Softening cream cheese to room temperature helps in easy spreading and smooth texture.

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