Cranberry Jalapeno Dip
Cranberry Jalapeno Dip is an easy appetizer with a big flavor. Fresh cranberries and spicy jalapeño peppers come together to make a spicy and sweet dip. The vibrant red and green cranberry mixture of this creamy dip makes it perfect for holiday parties or holiday gatherings! Serve crackers, crostini, pita chips, or tortilla chips with this tasty and festive dip.
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This is one of our favorite cranberry recipes because of its pretty color and exciting flavor combination. The base of this creamy Cranberry Jalapeno Dip is a simple blend of cream cheese and Greek yogurt.
After that all it is is spreading the cranberry and jalapeno mixture. The mixture can be described as a cranberry jalapeno salsa or cranberry jalapeno relish, which is blended with honey, fresh lime juice, and fresh cilantro for a truly unique taste.
The red and greens of this delicious dip make it a no brainer for the holiday season but this is really a hit any time of year. Having fresh cranberries or leftover cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner makes it convenient to prepare this perfect holiday appetizer.
This great dip is very customizable, too. Make this easy dip recipe the perfect holiday party appetizer for you and your guests by fine tuning the sweet to spicy ratio. Add in some more honey to make it sweeter. You can even serve it with a few whole cranberries to introduce more tartness while using the strikingly red color to up the festivity even more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Festive and colorful: Bright red cranberries with green cilantro and jalapeños make it perfect for holidays.
Sweet and spicy balance: Honey softens the tart cranberries while jalapeños add just the right kick.
Creamy base: Smooth cream cheese and Greek yogurt give a rich, tangy foundation.
Easy to prepare: A quick food processor blend and simple assembly.
Crowd-pleasing appetizer: Great for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
Ingredients to Make Cranberry Jalapeno Dip:
- cream cheese. Creates the rich, creamy base. Make sure it’s softened for easy spreading.
- greek yogurt. Lightens up the cream cheese while adding tang and creaminess. Sour cream can be substituted.
- cranberries. Fresh or frozen cranberries both work. If using frozen, thaw and drain before blending.
- jalapeno peppers. Remove seeds for mild heat or leave some in for more spice. You can also substitute with serrano peppers for extra kick.
- cilantro. Adds freshness and balances the tart cranberries. Parsley can be used if you prefer a milder herb.
- honey. Natural sweetness that balances the tart and spicy flavors. Maple syrup or agave can be swapped in.
- lime juice. Adds brightness and helps bring all the flavors together. Lemon juice works in a pinch.
How to Make Cranberry Jalapeno Dip:
- In a food processor, combine cranberries, jalapeños, cilantro, honey, and lime juice. Pulse until finely chopped and well blended. Taste and adjust sweetness or heat as desired.
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly onto a serving platter or shallow dish.
- Spoon cranberry-jalapeño mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
- Serve with crackers, baguette slices, or fresh veggies for dipping.
Recommended Equipment
Recipe Notes & Tips:
- Soften the cream cheese: Leave it at room temperature for 30 minutes so it blends smoothly with the yogurt.
- Chill before serving: Letting the dip rest for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld and intensify.
- Adjust sweetness and spice: Taste the cranberry-jalapeño mix before topping, add more honey for sweetness or extra jalapeño for heat.
- Texture option: Pulse less in the food processor if you prefer a chunkier cranberry topping.
- Make ahead: The cranberry topping can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated. Assemble with cream cheese just before serving.
- Serving ideas: Pair with crackers, crostini, pita chips, or even as a spread for wraps or turkey sandwiches.
- Holiday tip: Garnish with extra cilantro or a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for festive presentation.
Serving Suggestions:
- Bacon Wrapped Dates
- Pecan Pie Bars
- Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
- Herb Roasted Turkey Breast
- Cranberry Pecan Cheeseball
How to Store:
Refrigerator: Store leftover dip in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Do not freeze: Cream cheese and yogurt do not thaw well and will separate.
Make ahead: Prepare the cranberry topping 1 day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Assemble with the cream cheese layer just before serving for the freshest texture.
FAQs:
Not recommended for this recipe, dried cranberries are too sweet and chew. Frozen or fresh cranberry work best.
It has a mild kick if the seeds are removed. For more heat, leave some seeds in or use a hotter pepper like serrano.
This dip is best served chilled or at room temperature. Warming it will thin the cranberry topping.
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Cranberry Jalapeno Dip
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup greek yogurt
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded
- ¼ cup cilantro
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine cranberries, jalapeños, cilantro, honey, and lime juice. Pulse until finely chopped and well blended. Taste and adjust sweetness or heat as desired.
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly onto a serving platter or shallow dish.
- Spoon cranberry-jalapeño mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
- Serve with crackers, baguette slices, or fresh veggies for dipping.
Nutrition
Notes
- Soften the cream cheese: Leave it at room temperature for 30 minutes so it blends smoothly with the yogurt.
- Chill before serving: Letting the dip rest for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld and intensify.
- Adjust sweetness and spice: Taste the cranberry-jalapeño mix before topping, add more honey for sweetness or extra jalapeño for heat.
- Texture option: Pulse less in the food processor if you prefer a chunkier cranberry topping.
- Make ahead: The cranberry topping can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated. Assemble with cream cheese just before serving.
- Serving ideas: Pair with crackers, crostini, pita chips, or even as a spread for wraps or turkey sandwiches.
- Holiday tip: Garnish with extra cilantro or a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for festive presentation.
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