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Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Recipe

4.9 from 82 reviews

A vibrant and tangy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip combining fresh cranberries, spicy jalapeño, and creamy cheese. This easy-to-make dip balances sweet, tart, and spicy flavors perfect for holiday parties or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Relish Mixture

  • 6 oz fresh cranberries
  • 1 small jalapeño pepper, seeded and membranes removed
  • 1 green onion (scallion), white and part of green top trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt

Dip Base

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened at room temperature

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cranberries: Rinse the cranberries thoroughly, discarding any that are mushy. Pat them dry using a clean towel to ensure no excess moisture dilutes the dip.
  2. Pulse Cranberries: Place the cranberries into a blender or food processor. Pulse a few times until they break down into smaller pieces but are not completely pureed, retaining some texture.
  3. Add Other Ingredients: Add the seeded jalapeño, trimmed green onion, granulated sugar, fresh lime juice, and sea salt to the blender. Pulse again until everything is finely chopped and well combined, scraping down the sides as needed for even mixing.
  4. Whip Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the softened cream cheese until it becomes smooth and creamy, free of lumps.
  5. Combine Mixtures: Spoon the cranberry and jalapeño relish into the whipped cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until the relish is evenly blended throughout, creating a uniform dip.
  6. Chill and Serve: Cover the dip and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld. The taste improves the longer it sits. Before serving, taste and add additional sugar if a sweeter flavor is desired.

Notes

  • For a milder dip, remove all jalapeño seeds and membranes completely.
  • Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor; bottled lime juice may alter the taste.
  • Softening the cream cheese to room temperature is essential for smooth mixing.
  • This dip pairs beautifully with crackers, toasted bread, or fresh vegetable sticks.
  • Refrigerated leftovers can be stored covered for up to 3 days.

Keywords: cranberry dip, jalapeño dip, holiday appetizer, creamy dip, spicy cranberry dip, easy holiday recipes