Holiday Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip a festive and flavorful dip that brings together the sweetness of cranberry sauce, the heat of jalapeños, and the creamy richness of cheese. It’s an ideal dish for holiday gatherings or anytime you want to wow your guests with a unique and delicious appetizer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I enjoy this dip for its perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors. It’s incredibly easy to make, versatile enough to serve with a variety of accompaniments, and always a conversation starter at parties. Plus, the vibrant colors make it as visually appealing as it is tasty!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1-2 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
Salt and pepper to taste
Crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies for serving
Directions
Prepare the Base:
In a medium bowl, I beat the softened cream cheese until it becomes smooth and creamy.
Add the Cranberry and Jalapeño:
I stir in the cranberry sauce, chopped jalapeños, and cilantro (if using) until everything is well combined. I adjust the seasoning with a little salt and pepper based on taste.
Optional Topping:
When I want to take it up a notch, I sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top and let the dip chill in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm up slightly.
Serve:
I transfer the dip to a serving bowl and garnish it with extra jalapeño slices or cilantro for a festive touch. Then, I serve it with crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies like cucumber, bell peppers, and carrots.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 8 servings (approximately 2 tablespoons per serving)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Variations
Milder Version: Skip the jalapeños or use only a small amount to reduce the heat.
Fruit Swap: Substitute cranberry sauce with raspberry preserves or apricot jam for a different sweet twist.
Cheese Upgrade: Swap cheddar for crumbled goat cheese or feta for a tangy flavor profile.
Herb Choices: Replace cilantro with parsley, thyme, or green onions for a different herbaceous note.
Warm Option: Bake the dip at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until bubbly and serve warm.
Storage/Reheating
I keep any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If I want to refresh it, I give it a good stir and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving. This dip doesn’t reheat well as it’s best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
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FAQs
How can I make this dip ahead of time?
I prepare the dip up to one day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. I add the garnish just before serving.
Can I freeze this dip?
No, I wouldn’t recommend freezing it as the texture of the cream cheese may change when thawed.
What can I serve with this dip besides crackers?
I like serving it with fresh veggies like cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, or carrot sticks. Crostini or even tortilla chips work well too.
Can I use canned jalapeños instead of fresh?
Yes, but I prefer fresh jalapeños for their crisp texture and vibrant flavor. Adjust the quantity as canned jalapeños can be more potent.
Is there a dairy-free version of this dip?
Absolutely! I use dairy-free cream cheese and skip the cheddar cheese topping to make it vegan-friendly.
Conclusion
This Holiday Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is a delightful addition to any festive spread. It’s quick to make, bursting with flavors, and perfect for impressing your guests. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering or a holiday party, this dip is sure to become a new favorite.
📖 Recipe:
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Holiday Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (approximately 2 tablespoons per serving)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive, flavorful Holiday Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip that combines the sweetness of cranberry sauce, the spicy kick of jalapeños, and the creamy richness of cheese. This easy appetizer is perfect for holiday gatherings and guaranteed to impress guests.
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1–2 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
Salt and pepper to taste
Crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Base
- Beat the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Add the Cranberry and Jalapeño
- Stir in the cranberry sauce, chopped jalapeños, and cilantro (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Optional Topping
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, if desired. Chill for 10-15 minutes to firm up slightly.
- Serve
- Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with extra jalapeño slices or cilantro. Serve with crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies.
Notes
For a milder dip, reduce or skip the jalapeños.
Swap cranberry sauce with raspberry preserves or apricot jam for a fruity variation.
This dip is best served cold or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings (approximately 2 tablespoons per serving)
- Calories: 200 per serving (about 2 tbsp)
