Save to Pinterest Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is my go-to choice for adding brightness and bold flavor to any holiday table. This showstopping appetizer effortlessly impresses with its festive color, smooth creaminess, and the delightful balance of tart cranberries and gentle spicy heat. Whenever I set this out for friends or family, the platter is wiped clean every single time.
The first time I brought this dip to a holiday party I was met with requests for the recipe before the first guest even left. It quickly became my must-make appetizer every December and no one ever guesses how easy it comes together.
Ingredients
- Fresh cranberries: They give tartness and jewel-red color For frozen always thaw and drain excess moisture for best results
- Granulated sugar: Balances the tart cranberries and highlights the fruitiness Choose fine white sugar for easy dissolving
- Fresh cilantro: Bright herbal notes and a pop of green Always select vibrant and crisp cilantro for max aroma
- Jalapeño: Carefully seeded for just enough heat and crunch Choose firm glossy jalapeños for ideal flavor
- Green onion: Adds mild onion sharpness and freshness Look for green onions with bright stalks and no wilting
- Lime juice: Adds essential tang and liveliness Use freshly squeezed limes if possible for vibrancy
- Salt: Just a tiny pinch enhances flavors Use sea salt or kosher salt for the cleanest finish
- Cream cheese: Forms the creamy base Choose full-fat and let it fully soften for easy spreading and best taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Cranberries:
- Add your cleaned cranberries to a food processor and pulse just until they are coarsely chopped not puréed You want distinct little bits for color and texture
- Mix the Flavor Base:
- Spoon the chopped cranberries into a mixing bowl Add sugar cilantro diced jalapeño green onion lime juice and a pinch of salt Stir very thoroughly until everything is combined and the sugar starts to dissolve
- Marinate for Flavor:
- Cover the bowl with plastic or a lid Set in the fridge for at least one hour or up to overnight The ingredients mingle and the cranberries release their juices which melds all the flavors
- Prepare the Cream Cheese:
- Take the cream cheese out of the fridge well before assembly to let it soften Spread it evenly on your serving platter with a spatula forming a thick even layer all the way to the edges
- Assemble the Dip:
- Give the cranberry jalapeño mixture a gentle stir Spoon it over the cream cheese so every bite gets fruit and heat Spread to cover the surface but keep the cream cheese peeking out on the edges
- Serve:
- Offer the dip with plenty of crackers pita chips or crunchy veggies Serve chilled or at cool room temp Repeat as needed for seconds because it disappears fast
Save to Pinterest My absolute favorite part is the striking cranberry layer I still remember my youngest’s eyes lighting up when they saw that ruby topping for the first time It turned a simple snack into a special memory we repeat every year
Perfect Make-Ahead Party Dip
This dip actually improves after marinating so you can prepare the cranberry mixture the night before your event For peak freshness assemble with cream cheese shortly before guests arrive Which means you get flavor and last minute peace of mind
Ingredient Swaps and Customizations
Not a cilantro fan Use flat-leaf parsley for a similar burst of green Rather have it spicier Try adding a second jalapeño or keeping some seeds in Want a slightly tangier edge Swap in some goat cheese for half the cream cheese which adds even more creaminess and zip
Serving Suggestions
I love this with buttery crackers sturdy pita chips or even cucumber rounds for a light option For parties consider adding a platter of crisp endive leaves which are both elegant and perfect for scooping
Holiday and Seasonal Adaptations
If you cannot find fresh cranberries out of season substitute coarsely chopped frozen and fully thawed ones In spring a handful of strawberries alongside the cranberries gives a lighter flavor For a Thanksgiving twist add a swipe of orange zest to the topping mix
Save to Pinterest This dip is colorful, lively, and always the first dish to disappear at gatherings Serve it beautifully for a festive touch you’ll look forward to every season
Common Recipe Questions
- → How can I adjust the heat level?
For a milder dip, remove all jalapeño seeds; for more heat, include some seeds or add extra jalapeño.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can make the cranberry mixture up to one day in advance. Assemble with cream cheese just before serving for best texture.
- → What can I use instead of cilantro?
Fresh parsley is an excellent substitute if you prefer a different herb flavor.
- → Is this dip suitable for gluten-free diets?
The dish itself is gluten-free. Serve with gluten-free crackers or vegetable crudités for gluten-free guests.
- → What are the best dippers for this appetizer?
Sturdy crackers, pita chips, bagel chips, or crisp vegetables work well to scoop up the creamy, tart topping.