Save It A vibrant, sweet-and-spicy dip featuring tangy cranberries, zesty jalapeño, and smooth cream cheese—perfect for holiday gatherings or festive snacking.
I first brought this Spiced Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip to a holiday party and it was the first dish to disappear. The combination of tart cranberries with a hint of heat surprises everyone in the best way.
Ingredients
- Cranberry Topping: 1 cup fresh cranberries, finely chopped; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 medium jalapeño, seeded and finely diced; 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped; 2 tablespoons green onion, finely sliced; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin; Pinch of salt
- Cream Cheese Base: 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
Instructions
- Prepare Topping:
- In a medium bowl, combine cranberries, sugar, jalapeño, cilantro, green onion, lime juice, cumin, and salt. Mix well and let sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and cranberries to macerate.
- Spread Cream Cheese:
- Spread softened cream cheese evenly onto a serving platter or shallow dish, creating a smooth layer about 1/2-inch thick.
- Add Topping:
- Spoon the cranberry-jalapeño mixture (including juices) evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately with crackers, sliced baguette, or vegetable sticks, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving for enhanced flavor.
Save It This dip is a new family favorite at our winter gatherings. Even picky eaters rave about how the flavors pop together.
Serving Suggestions
Try pairing with crisp white wines, gluten-free crackers, or a colorful array of veggie sticks for added texture and flavor contrast.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can make the cranberry jalapeño topping up to a day ahead. Add to the cream cheese just before serving to keep it fresh and prevent extra moisture.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving: Calories: 170, Total Fat: 12 g, Carbohydrates: 12 g, Protein: 3 g.
Save It Bring a splash of color and zing to your next holiday table with this easy dip. It always gets compliments and requests for the recipe.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → How do I adjust the heat level in this dip?
For milder heat, remove all jalapeño seeds before dicing. For extra spice, leave some seeds in or add finely chopped jalapeño.
- → Can I prepare this dip in advance?
Yes, prepare the topping a few hours ahead and chill separately. Combine topping with cream cheese base shortly before serving to maintain texture.
- → What are good serving accompaniments?
Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, vegetable sticks like carrots or celery, or any crunchy dippers of choice.
- → Is there a lighter alternative to cream cheese?
Try substituting half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier base without sacrificing creaminess.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Cover and refrigerate stored dip for up to 2 days. Add topping fresh before serving to avoid excess moisture.