Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
Introduction
This Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is a delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that will quickly become the star of any gathering. Its creamy texture and vibrant taste make it perfect for entertaining or a fun snack.
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 to allow flavors to meld.
- Step 5: Serve with crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- Adjust the number of jalapeños to control the heat level to your preference.
- Try adding a squeeze of lime juice for a bright citrus twist.
- For extra texture, sprinkle some chopped nuts like pecans on top before serving.
- Use fresh cranberry relish instead of canned cranberry sauce for a fresher flavor.
Storage
Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving again. This dip is best served chilled but can be brought to room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, making this dip a few hours or even a day ahead allows the flavors to blend nicely. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
What can I serve with this dip?
This dip pairs well with a variety of dippers such as crackers, tortilla chips, sliced fresh vegetables like cucumbers and bell peppers, or even toasted baguette slices.
PrintCranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
This Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is a vibrant and flavorful appetizer that perfectly balances creamy, tangy, and spicy elements. It’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal party dip to serve with crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables. The sweetness of cranberry sauce complements the heat from jalapeños, while green onions add a fresh bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, which creates the perfect base for the dip.
- Add Flavorings: Add the cranberry sauce, finely chopped jalapeños, chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the bowl.
- Mix Ingredients: Stir everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are fully combined into a consistent mixture.
- Chill Dip: Cover the bowl and chill the dip in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the dip firm up slightly.
- Serve: Serve the chilled dip with your choice of crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Notes
- Adjust jalapeño quantity based on your desired spice level.
- For a smoother texture, consider blending the mixture briefly after combining.
- Can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated for easy entertaining.
- Use fresh cranberries cooked down with sugar if you prefer homemade cranberry sauce.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative.
Keywords: cranberry dip, jalapeño dip, cream cheese dip, holiday appetizer, party dip, spicy cranberry dip, easy appetizer
