Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip

Highlighted under: Easy Everyday Meals

Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is a delightful blend of creamy, spicy, and sweet flavors, perfect for any gathering.

Ethan

Created by

Ethan

Last updated on 2025-12-12T20:09:49.769Z

This Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip combines the tartness of cranberries with spicy jalapeños, creating a perfect appetizer for your holiday parties or game day gatherings.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors
  • Rich and creamy texture that everyone will enjoy
  • Quick and easy to prepare in just 10 minutes

A Flavorful Fusion

Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is not just a dip; it’s a culinary experience that harmonizes sweet and spicy profiles. The tartness of cranberry sauce pairs beautifully with the kick of fresh jalapeño, creating a unique flavor combination that tantalizes the taste buds. This dip is perfect for holiday gatherings, game days, or casual get-togethers, making it a versatile addition to your appetizer repertoire.

Whether you are hosting a party or simply looking for a delightful snack, this dip is sure to impress your guests. The vibrant colors of cranberry and green onions make it as visually appealing as it is delicious. Serve this dip alongside a variety of dippers, and watch it quickly become the star of the show.

Ideal for Any Occasion

This dip is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for a range of occasions. From festive holiday parties to casual weekend get-togethers, the Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is a crowd-pleaser. Its creamy texture and balanced flavors ensure it appeals to both adventurous eaters and those who prefer milder tastes, allowing everyone to enjoy a scoop.

Additionally, this dip is perfect for potlucks and picnics, as it can be prepared in advance. Just mix up the ingredients and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. It’s a simple yet sophisticated option that elevates any spread without requiring hours of preparation.

Customizable for Personal Taste

One of the best aspects of the Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is its adaptability. While the recipe calls for specific ingredients, feel free to modify it to suit your preferences. For those who enjoy extra heat, consider leaving some jalapeño seeds in the mix or adding a dash of hot sauce. If you prefer a sweeter dip, a touch of honey can enhance the flavors beautifully.

You can also experiment with different herbs and spices. Fresh parsley or chives can be great substitutes for cilantro, and a sprinkle of garlic powder can add an extra depth of flavor. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create a dip that reflects your unique taste.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious dip:

Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce
  • 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 tsp lime juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Once you have all the ingredients, you are ready to make the dip!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your dip:

Prepare the Cream Cheese Base

In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese with lime juice. Mix until smooth.

Add Remaining Ingredients

Fold in the cranberry sauce, chopped jalapeño, green onions, and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve the Dip

Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and garnish with additional cilantro if desired. Enjoy with crackers or tortilla chips!

Your dip is ready to serve. Enjoy this delicious blend of flavors!

Storage Tips

To keep your Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will maintain its quality for up to three days, making it a great make-ahead option. The flavors may develop further as it sits, allowing the sweet and spicy notes to meld beautifully.

If you have leftovers, consider using them as a spread on sandwiches or wraps for a delicious lunch option. The creamy texture and vibrant flavors will elevate any meal, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving, this dip pairs wonderfully with an array of dippers. Traditional options like crackers and tortilla chips are always a hit, but you can also provide sliced vegetables such as cucumbers, bell peppers, and carrots for a healthier alternative. The crunch of fresh veggies complements the creamy dip perfectly.

For a more festive presentation, consider serving the dip in a hollowed-out bread bowl, surrounded by bite-sized pieces of bread. This not only adds to the visual appeal but also creates a fun way for guests to enjoy the dip while minimizing mess.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dip and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving.

→ What can I serve with this dip?

This dip pairs well with crackers, tortilla chips, or sliced vegetables.

→ Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used for a lighter version of this dip.

→ Is this dip spicy?

The dip has a slight kick from the jalapeño, but you can adjust the spice level by removing the seeds or using less jalapeño.

Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip

Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is a delightful blend of creamy, spicy, and sweet flavors, perfect for any gathering.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration0 minutes
Overall Time10 minutes

Created by: Ethan

Recipe Type: Easy Everyday Meals

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  2. 1 cup cranberry sauce
  3. 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
  4. 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  5. 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  6. 1 tsp lime juice
  7. Salt and pepper to taste

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese with lime juice. Mix until smooth.

Step 02

Fold in the cranberry sauce, chopped jalapeño, green onions, and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 03

Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and garnish with additional cilantro if desired. Enjoy with crackers or tortilla chips!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 3g