Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
Introduction
This Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is a delightful blend of creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors. Perfect as a festive appetizer, it pairs wonderfully with crackers, chips, or fresh veggies. Easy to make and sure to impress your guests!
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1–2 jalapeños, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Step 2: Add cranberry sauce, jalapeños, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the bowl.
- Step 3: Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined and the dip is evenly blended.
- Step 4: Chill the dip in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
- Step 5: Serve cold with crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- Adjust the jalapeño amount depending on your preferred spice level, removing seeds for milder heat.
- For extra texture, add toasted pecans or walnuts into the dip.
- Substitute cranberry sauce with raspberry or strawberry jam for a different fruity twist.
Storage
Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving again, give it a quick stir and serve cold or at room temperature. Avoid freezing as it may alter the texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, making the dip a few hours ahead or even the day before allows the flavors to blend better, making it more flavorful when served.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?
Fresh cranberries are quite tart and firm, so it’s best to use cranberry sauce for the right sweetness and consistency. If using fresh, cook and sweeten them beforehand.
PrintCranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
This Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is a vibrant and flavorful appetizer that combines the creamy richness of cream cheese with the tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce and the spicy kick of fresh jalapeños. Perfectly balanced with green onions and seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, this dip is ideal for serving with crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables at parties or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dip
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dip Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1–2 jalapeños, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk until it becomes smooth and creamy, free of lumps.
- Add Flavorings: Add cranberry sauce, finely chopped jalapeños, chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the bowl with the cream cheese.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until they are fully combined and the dip has a uniform texture and color.
- Chill Dip: Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the dip to firm up slightly.
- Serve: Remove the dip from the refrigerator and serve with an assortment of crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of jalapeños according to your preferred spice level; remove seeds for milder heat.
- Allowing the dip to chill enhances the flavor blending and texture.
- This dip can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- For a smoother texture, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing.
- Pairs well with wheat crackers, tortilla chips, carrot sticks, or celery.
Keywords: cranberry jalapeño dip, cream cheese dip, holiday appetizer, spicy cream cheese dip, easy party dip
