Cranberry Jalapeno Dip

Your holidays just got a little spicier! Whipping up cranberry jalapeno dip is a quick way to make a party appetizer without using an inch of oven space. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, tart and spicy: Fiery jalapenos create a bold contrast to juicy cranberries, and cream cheese mellows out the heat for a balanced, refreshing bite.

Plus, cranberry jalapeno cream cheese dip is easy to make ahead, so you can enjoy the party more and spend less time in the kitchen. The festive, seasonal look and deeply delicious taste make this one of the best crowd-pleasing dips. The flavors will have everyone clamoring for more (and asking for the recipe!).

Cranberry Jalapeno Dip Ingredients

• Fresh cranberries: These tart berries taste like autumn and colder weather, riding the line between sweet and sour. Fresh cranberries give the dip a firmer texture, while frozen ones are more readily available off-season. Either will do the trick, adding that signature ruby red color and seasonal flair.
• Jalapeno peppers: Bring on the spice! The cream cheese’s cooling effect and the cranberries’ sweet-tart flavor demand some heat, and jalapenos are the perfect pepper for the job. Removing the seeds and ribs from the peppers controls the spice, but watch out for jalapeno hands and use gloves when you cut the peppers.
• Green onions: One of the mildest types of onions, green onions add fresh flavor and a little crunch.
• Cilantro: Cilantro and jalapenos have been pals for a long time. Cilantro’s bright herbal notes contrast nicely with the peppers’ spice and give our dip a southwestern twist. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can easily substitute parsley, or just omit it.
• Sugar: A bit of sugar balances the sweetness and spice without making the jalapeno cranberry dip too dessert-like.
• Lemon juice: This bit of acid highlights the tartness of the berries and the heat of the jalapenos, bringing them into proportion with the other flavors.
• Salt: Seasoning with salt heightens the savory flavors in this cranberry jalapeno cream cheese dip.
• Cream cheese: Cream cheese holds this dip together, mellows out the spice and tartness, and creates a smooth, luscious texture that makes the dip irresistible. Choose one of the best cream cheese brands, and take it out of the fridge to soften before mixing to ensure the dip is easily spreadable.

Directions

Step 1: Blend the cranberries and jalapenos

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In a food processor, combine the cranberries, jalapenos, green onions and cilantro.

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Pulse until finely chopped but not pureed.

Dan Roberts for Taste of Home

Transfer the mixture to a bowl, and add sugar, lemon juice and salt. Stir until combined.

Step 2: Refrigerate the mixture

Cover the cranberry-jalapeno mixture and refrigerate for at least two hours to allow the flavors to meld. After chilling, strain the liquid from the mixture to avoid a watery dip.

Step 3: Layer the dip

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In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth, three to four minutes.

Dan Roberts for Taste of Home

Spread the cream cheese evenly onto an 11×7-inch serving dish.

Spoon the cranberry-jalapeno mixture over the cream cheese layer. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

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Cranberry Jalapeno Dip Variations

• Make it smoky: Adding a little smoked paprika or using chipotle peppers (smoked jalapenos) instead of fresh jalapenos is an exciting twist on the original.
• Spice it up: Add serrano peppers to the mix. Replacing all the jalapeno with serrano might be too spicy, but adding some will give a nice kick.
• Fold in more fruit: Add a few pomegranate seeds, some chopped apple or a bit of orange juice. They all blend beautifully with the cranberries and jalapeno.
• Get your goat: Whipped goat cheese is a terrific swap for cream cheese to fancy up this dip. It has more flavor than cream cheese, giving this appetizer depth and richness. Or, try half cream cheese and half goat cheese for the best of both worlds.
• Go nuts: Sprinkle with pistachios right before serving for a delightful nutty crunch.

How to Store Cranberry Jalapeno Dip

To store jalapeno cranberry dip, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The assembled dip lasts up to three days, whether fresh or leftover. Before storing, strain any excess liquid from the cranberry mixture to prevent the dip from becoming watery. You can also store the cranberry-jalapeno mix and cream cheese separately, then combine them just before serving for the best texture.

Can you make cranberry jalapeno dip in advance?

Indeed! You can make the cranberry-jalapeno mixture up to two days in advance. Keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble it with the cream cheese.

Cranberry Jalapeno Dip Tips

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What’s the best bread to serve with cranberry jalapeno cream cheese dip?

Whether you are toasting a French baguette to make crostini, slicing fresh sourdough, emptying a box of Triscuits into a basket or making homemade bagel chips, this jalapeno cranberry dip pairs nicely with any number of crackers and breads.

What can you serve with cranberry jalapeno dip?

Everyone loves a cocktail party with a full complement of one-bite holiday snacks. Set the dip on the buffet table with pickled pepperoncini deviled eggs, Parmesan mushroom tartlets and a festive turkey cheese ball. Don’t forget a crowd-pleasing charcuterie board!