If you’re looking for a holiday appetizer that brings the sweet, the spicy, and the creamy all in one irresistible bite—this Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is your recipe soulmate. It’s festive, it’s flavorful, and it’s almost too easy to make. Trust me, your guests will ask for the recipe (and probably a second helping!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dip came to the rescue one busy holiday evening when I needed something quick but crowd-pleasing. I tossed together cranberries and jalapeños with a slab of cream cheese—and voilà! A star was born. It’s now a staple at our gatherings, and once you try it, you’ll see why.
- Sweet + spicy = flavor magic
- Make-ahead friendly
- Perfect for holiday entertaining or game day spreads
- Only a handful of ingredients needed
- Pretty enough for a platter, easy enough for a Tuesday night
Ingredients Breakdown
Essentials
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1–2 jalapeños, seeds removed (or keep some for extra heat), finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- Crackers, crostini, or pita chips for serving
Pro Tips
- Let the cranberry mixture chill overnight—this helps the flavors get cozy and well blended.
- Whip your cream cheese for a softer, spreadable dip consistency.
- Use gloves when handling jalapeños—thank me later!
- No fresh cranberries? Frozen will work—just thaw and drain them first.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Add the cranberries, jalapeños, green onions, cilantro, sugar, lime juice, and salt to a food processor.
- Pulse until everything is finely chopped but not pureed—you want a relish-like texture.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible.
- When ready to serve, spread the softened (or whipped!) cream cheese in an even layer across a serving platter or dish.
- Spoon the cranberry-jalapeño mixture over the top, using a slotted spoon to drain excess liquid.
- Serve with crackers, crostini, or pita chips, and watch it disappear like magic.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Room-temp cream cheese = easy spreading and happier guests.
- Want a smoother dip? Blend everything together for a whipped-style version.
- Don’t skip chilling—the flavors need time to mingle!
- Drain the cranberry relish well to avoid sogginess on your cream cheese layer.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Try using goat cheese or mascarpone for an elevated twist.
- Add a sprinkle of pomegranate arils for extra holiday sparkle.
- Serve it warm! Bake the dip at 350°F for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Stuff it into mini phyllo cups for a fancy finger food option.
- Top it with chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better when made a day in advance—just keep the cranberry mix and cream cheese separate until serving.
Is this dip spicy?
It has a mild kick, but you can control the heat by adjusting the amount of jalapeños or removing all the seeds. Like it hot? Leave them in!
What if I don’t have a food processor?
No problem! A sharp knife and a bit of chop therapy will do the trick—just make sure everything is finely diced.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes (active)
Ingredients:
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1–2 jalapeños, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- Crackers or crostini, for serving
Instructions:
- Combine cranberries, jalapeños, green onions, cilantro, sugar, lime juice, and salt in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
- Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Spread cream cheese in a dish or on a platter.
- Spoon cranberry mixture on top using a slotted spoon to drain extra juice.
- Serve with crackers or dippers of choice.
Nutrition: ~150 calories per serving
Did you try it? I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below, snap a pic and tag @thekitchensaid on Instagram, or share it with your favorite holiday host. Sharing is caring (and so is dip).
