A festive and flavorful appetizer, this Holiday Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip combines sweet cranberry sauce with the spicy kick of jalapeños, all on a creamy, tangy base. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this crowd-pleaser is as vibrant as it is delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive presentation: The combination of red cranberries and green jalapeños screams holiday cheer.
- Quick and easy: Takes just 10 minutes to prepare with no cooking required.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level or add toppings to suit your taste.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prep in advance for stress-free entertaining.
- Versatile: Perfect with crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their 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 (cucumber, bell peppers, carrots) for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the base: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or spoon until smooth and creamy.
- Add cranberry and jalapeño: Mix in the cranberry sauce, chopped jalapeños, and cilantro (if using). Stir until everything is evenly combined.
- Season the dip: Taste and add salt and pepper to suit your preference.
- Optional topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor. Refrigerate the dip for 10-15 minutes to firm up slightly, if desired.
- Serve: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl, garnish with additional jalapeño slices or cilantro, and serve with crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: None
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 6–8
Variations
- Sweeter twist: Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for a sweeter flavor profile.
- Make it milder: Use only one jalapeño or substitute with diced red bell peppers.
- Herb swap: Replace cilantro with parsley or green onions.
- Cheesy layer: Spread the cream cheese mixture on a baking dish, top with shredded cheddar, and broil briefly for a warm dip.
- Fruit alternatives: Use raspberry jam or pomegranate arils instead of cranberry sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Serve cold or bring to room temperature before serving; this dip is not recommended for heating.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese works well, though the texture may be slightly less creamy.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?
Cook fresh cranberries with sugar and a splash of orange juice to create a sauce before using them in the dip.
How spicy is this dip?
It depends on the jalapeños used. Adjust the amount or remove all seeds for less heat.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dip up to 2 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator.
What’s the best way to serve this dip?
Serve chilled or at room temperature with crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies like cucumber slices or carrot sticks.
Can I skip the cilantro?
Yes, the cilantro is optional. You can replace it with parsley or omit it entirely.
What kind of cranberry sauce works best?
Both homemade and store-bought cranberry sauce work great. A chunkier sauce adds more texture.
Can I freeze this dip?
Freezing is not recommended as cream cheese can change texture after thawing.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream cheese and skip the cheddar topping for a vegan-friendly version.
Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, goat cheese or feta can be mixed with the cream cheese for a tangier flavor.
Conclusion
Holiday Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is a vibrant, flavorful addition to any festive gathering. Its creamy, sweet, and spicy notes make it a standout appetizer that’s both easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress. Whip it up for your next party and watch it disappear!
PrintHoliday Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6–8 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Holiday Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip combines the tangy sweetness of cranberries with the spicy kick of jalapeños for a festive and flavorful appetizer. Perfect for Christmas parties and holiday gatherings!
Ingredients
For the Dip:
- 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
For Serving:
- Crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies (e.g., cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, carrots)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Base:
- In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer or spoon to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in the Cranberry and Jalapeños:
- Add the cranberry sauce and chopped jalapeños. Stir well to combine. If using cilantro, mix it in at this stage.
- Season the Dip:
- Taste the mixture and add salt and pepper as needed.
- Optional Topping:
- For added flair, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Refrigerate the dip for 10–15 minutes to firm up slightly.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Garnish with extra jalapeño slices or a sprinkle of cilantro for a festive touch. Serve with crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies.
Notes
- Heat Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeños to your spice preference. For a milder dip, use just one jalapeño or omit entirely.
- Make Ahead: This dip can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Cranberry Sauce Tip: Homemade cranberry sauce with a hint of orange zest adds extra depth to the flavor.
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