Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
Introduction
This Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. It’s creamy and vibrant, making it an ideal appetizer to wow your guests at any gathering.
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.
- Step 3: Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.
- Step 4: Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Step 5: Serve with crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables.
Tips & Variations
- Adjust the number of jalapeños to control the heat level to your preference.
- For a smoother dip, blend the mixture briefly in a food processor.
- Try adding a splash of lime juice for added brightness.
- Swap cranberry sauce for a spicy pepper jelly for a different sweet-heat combo.
Storage
Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving again. It can be enjoyed cold or brought to room temperature for a softer texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, this dip tastes even better after sitting for a few hours or overnight as the flavors meld together nicely.
What should I serve this dip with?
This dip pairs wonderfully with crackers, tortilla chips, pita bread, or fresh vegetable sticks like celery, carrots, and bell peppers.
PrintCranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
This Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip combines the tart sweetness of cranberry sauce with the spicy kick of jalapeños and the creamy richness of softened cream cheese. Enhanced with green onions and a touch of garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, this vibrant and flavorful dip is perfect for holiday parties, casual gatherings, or anytime you want a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Serve chilled with an assortment of crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables for a delightful treat that steals the show.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 1 1/2 cups (6 servings) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dip 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
- Prepare the cream cheese: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps for the best texture.
- Add flavor ingredients: Add the cranberry sauce, finely chopped jalapeños, chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the bowl with cream cheese.
- Combine thoroughly: Mix all ingredients well until the dip is fully combined, with an even distribution of the spicy jalapeños and tangy cranberry throughout.
- Chill the dip: Cover the bowl and chill the dip in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dip to firm up slightly.
- Serve: Serve the chilled cranberry jalapeño cream cheese dip with crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables for dipping, making it a perfect appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Adjust jalapeño quantity based on your preferred level of spiciness.
- For a smoother texture, finely mince the jalapeños and green onions.
- Chilling the dip longer enhances flavor melding.
- This dip can be made a day ahead and refrigerated.
- Use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter dip option.
Keywords: cranberry dip, cream cheese dip, jalapeño dip, holiday appetizer, easy dip recipe, party dip
