Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip

Highlighted under: Celebration Food Recipes

This creamy and spicy dip combines the tartness of cranberries with the kick of jalapeños, making it a perfect appetizer for any gathering.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-12T19:28:50.893Z

This Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The tartness of cranberries combined with the heat of jalapeños makes this dip an irresistible choice for holiday parties, game day, or any casual gathering. Serve it with crackers or fresh veggies for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A delightful balance of sweet and spicy flavors
  • Creamy texture that pairs perfectly with crunchy dippers
  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for last-minute gatherings

A Perfect Blend of Flavors

The Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is a unique combination of sweet and spicy that tantalizes the taste buds. The tartness of the cranberry sauce provides a refreshing contrast to the heat of the jalapeños. This dip is not only flavorful but also versatile, making it suitable for various occasions, from casual get-togethers to festive holiday parties.

One of the standout features of this dip is its creamy texture, which is achieved by blending softened cream cheese with the other ingredients. This creaminess allows it to coat your favorite dippers beautifully, whether they are crunchy tortilla chips, fresh veggie sticks, or even slices of baguette. Each bite is a delightful experience that keeps guests coming back for more.

Quick and Easy Preparation

In today’s fast-paced world, having quick and easy recipes on hand is essential. The Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is a breeze to whip up and requires minimal preparation time. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a delicious dip that impresses your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

This recipe is perfect for last-minute gatherings or unexpected guests. With only 30 minutes of chilling time required, you can have a flavorful appetizer ready to serve in no time. Simply mix the ingredients, let them meld in the refrigerator, and you’re all set for a fantastic snack that’s sure to please everyone.

Perfect Pairings

When serving the Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip, consider offering a variety of dippers to enhance the experience. Crunchy tortilla chips or pita chips add a satisfying crunch, while fresh vegetables like cucumber, bell peppers, and celery provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy dip. The options are endless, allowing guests to choose their preferred way to enjoy this delightful appetizer.

For those who enjoy a more substantial snack, consider serving this dip alongside sliced meats or cheeses for a charcuterie board. The combination of flavors will not only impress but also create a visually appealing display that will be the highlight of your gathering. Don’t forget to have some toothpicks or small cups on hand for easy serving!

Ingredients

For the Dip

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce
  • 1-2 jalapeños, finely chopped (adjust for spice preference)
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Mix well to combine all flavors before serving.

Instructions

Combine Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cranberry sauce, chopped jalapeños, green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined and smooth.

Season and Serve

Add salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the dip to a serving dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Serve with your choice of crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables.

Storage Tips

Leftover Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. This dip actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. Just give it a good stir before serving to restore its creamy texture.

If you want to make this dip ahead of time, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just remember to keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. This makes it an excellent option for potlucks or holiday parties, allowing you to enjoy the festivities without spending all your time in the kitchen.

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize the Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip to suit your taste preferences. For an added twist, you can mix in some diced bell peppers for extra crunch or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness. If you enjoy a sweeter dip, consider adding a touch of honey or maple syrup to balance out the spiciness.

For those looking for a lighter version, you can substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. This keeps the dip creamy while reducing calories and adding a dose of protein. No matter how you choose to make it, this dip is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, this dip can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before serving.

→ How can I adjust the spiciness?

You can adjust the number of jalapeños used or remove the seeds and membranes for a milder flavor.

→ What can I serve with this dip?

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

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like feta or cream cheese blends for varied flavors.

Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip

This creamy and spicy dip combines the tartness of cranberries with the kick of jalapeños, making it a perfect appetizer for any gathering.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration0 minutes
Overall Time10 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Celebration Food Recipes

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

For the Dip

  1. 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  2. 1 cup cranberry sauce
  3. 1-2 jalapeños, finely chopped (adjust for spice preference)
  4. 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  5. 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  6. Salt and pepper to taste

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cranberry sauce, chopped jalapeños, green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined and smooth.

Step 02

Add salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the dip to a serving dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

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