Description
This Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip combines the tartness of fresh cranberries, the heat of jalapeños, and the creaminess of softened cream cheese to create a bold and festive appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Ready in under 15 minutes, this naturally gluten-free and vegetarian dip can be prepared in advance, making it an effortless crowd-pleaser full of vibrant flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Relish Mixture
- 1 (12 oz) bag fresh cranberries
- 1–2 fresh jalapeños, seeded and diced
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (or lemon juice)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Base
- 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
For Serving
- Crackers, crostini, or veggies
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the fresh cranberries, diced jalapeños, chopped green onions, granulated sugar, lime juice, and salt into a food processor.
- Pulse to Chop: Pulse several times until the mixture is finely chopped but still maintains a relish-like, chunky texture—avoid pureeing.
- Chill Mixture: Transfer the chopped cranberry mixture to a bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Base: Spread the softened cream cheese evenly onto a serving plate in a thick layer, creating a creamy base for the dip.
- Assemble Dip: Spoon the chilled cranberry and jalapeño relish evenly over the cream cheese layer, smoothing it out gently.
- Garnish & Serve: Optionally garnish with extra green onions, fresh cilantro leaves, or thin slices of jalapeño. Serve immediately with crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping.
Notes
- Best Flavor: Chill the cranberry mixture for 1–2 hours or overnight to enhance and meld the flavors thoroughly.
- Heat Control: Remove the seeds from jalapeños to reduce spiciness; leave seeds in if you prefer a bolder, spicier kick.
- Texture Tip: Avoid over-processing in the food processor to keep a nice chunky relish texture rather than a puree.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the cranberry relish up to 2–3 days in advance. Assemble the dip just before serving for maximum freshness.
- Festive Touch: Garnish with cilantro, whole cranberries, or pomegranate arils to elevate the presentation and add a burst of color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cranberry dip, holiday appetizer, jalapeño cream cheese dip, festive dip, Thanksgiving appetizer, Christmas appetizer, vegetarian dip, gluten-free appetizer
