Name: Holiday Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: PT-490152H36M53S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz fresh, uncooked cranberries; 1/4 cup green onion, chopped; 1-2 fresh jalapeño peppers, chopped; 2 Tbsp cilantro, chopped (optional); 1 Tbsp lemon juice; 3/4 to 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste); 1/8 tsp salt; 16 oz cream cheese, softened and whipped

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Introduction

This Holiday Cranberry Jalapeño Dip is a festive and flavorful treat perfect for gatherings. The bright tartness of fresh cranberries pairs beautifully with the spicy kick of jalapeños, all layered over creamy whipped cream cheese. It’s both refreshing and indulgent, making it a memorable appetizer for the season.

A close-up view shows a clear glass bowl filled with a layered dip, starting with a white creamy base layer at the bottom, topped with a chunky red layer made of chopped cranberries mixed with small green herbs, creating a textured and colorful surface. A woman's hand is holding a round cracker dipped into the mix, lifting some of the white creamy layer and the red cranberry topping. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with scattered whole cranberries around the bowl, adding to the fresh and festive look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 oz fresh, uncooked cranberries
1/4 cup green onion
1-2 fresh jalapeño peppers
2 Tbsp. cilantro (optional)
3/4 to 1 cup sugar (according to taste)
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
1/8 tsp. salt
16 oz. cream cheese (whipped)

Instructions

Step 1: Use a food chopper to finely chop the fresh cranberries.
Step 2: Chop the green onion, jalapeño peppers, and cilantro (if using) into small pieces.
Step 3: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chopped cranberries, green onion, cilantro, and jalapeños.
Step 4: Add the sugar, lemon juice, and salt over the cranberry mixture and gently stir until everything is well blended.
Step 5: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld.
Step 6: The next day, remove the mixture from the refrigerator and stir it well. Using a colander with small holes, strain out the liquid. (Pro Tip: Save the strained liquid to use as a flavorful cocktail simple syrup!)
Step 7: Whip the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth, about 2 minutes. Spread the whipped cream cheese evenly over the bottom of a pie plate or 9×9-inch dish.
Step 8: Pour the drained cranberry mixture evenly atop the cream cheese layer. Return to the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Step 9: When serving, use a spoon to spread the dip over Ritz crackers or your favorite sturdy cracker. Enjoy the festive burst of flavors!

Tips & Variations

Adjust the amount of jalapeños based on your preferred spice level, removing seeds for less heat.
For a smoother texture, pulse the cranberry mixture a few more times in the food chopper before mixing.
Try substituting cilantro with fresh parsley or basil if you prefer a different herbal note.
If you don’t have a food chopper, finely chopping by hand works well too, though it may take a bit more time.

Storage

Store the dip covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to deepen over time. Serve chilled or at room temperature. If the cream cheese layer firms up too much in the fridge, let it sit out for 10–15 minutes before serving for easier spreading.

How to Serve

A clear glass dish filled to the top with a mixture of chopped red and pink pomegranate seeds and small green herbs, creating a colorful, textured layer that covers the entire surface. The dish sits on a white marbled texture, and a green plant with thick leaves is visible blurred in the background. The colors are bright and fresh, with the red and pink seeds contrasting against the green herbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, it’s best made at least overnight to let the flavors meld. The cranberry mixture and cream cheese layer can be prepared separately and combined just before serving or stored assembled in the refrigerator.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

You can substitute whipped ricotta or mascarpone for a slightly different but still creamy texture and flavor. Just make sure to whip it until smooth before layering.