Description
Looking for a quick, colorful, and unforgettable appetizer? This Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip delivers the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, creamy, and spicy flavors—all in one bowl. It’s a no-cook recipe that’s ideal for holiday entertaining, potlucks, or easy snack ideas. Fresh cranberries and jalapeños create a festive burst of flavor, while whipped cream cheese gives it an irresistible creamy texture. If you need a quick appetizer, holiday dip, or a creative food idea to wow your guests, this easy recipe checks every box.
Ingredients
12 oz fresh cranberries
1–2 medium jalapeños, seeds removed for mild heat
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1.5 tablespoons lime juice
1/8 teaspoon salt
16 oz cream cheese, softened
Optional garnish: whole cranberries, jalapeño slices, chopped herbs
To serve: crackers, crostini, or veggies
Instructions
1. Place cranberries, jalapeños, green onions, and cilantro in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped (not puréed).
2. Transfer mixture to a bowl. Stir in sugar, lime juice, and salt. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes to marinate.
3. Use a fine mesh strainer to drain excess juice from the cranberry mix.
4. In another bowl, whip softened cream cheese until smooth.
5. Fold the strained cranberry mixture into the cream cheese until fully combined.
6. Chill the dip for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors develop.
7. Garnish with fresh cranberries, jalapeño slices, or herbs. Serve with crackers or veggies.
Notes
Always strain the cranberry mixture to avoid a watery dip.
Use softened cream cheese for the smoothest texture.
This dip tastes even better after a few hours of chilling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 batch
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg