Save to Pinterest This festive cranberry jalapeño dip is my secret weapon for holiday parties and potlucks when I need something vibrant and crowd-pleasing in minutes. Tangy cranberries and mild jalapeño mingle with herby cilantro and creamy cheese, all brought together under a golden honey drizzle. You get a burst of sweet heat in every bite and it could not be easier to make or share.
I first made this dip for a holiday book club and it disappeared long before the main course. Now I bring it to office parties and family gatherings because everyone—kids included—comes back for seconds.
Ingredients
- Fresh cranberries: provide the assertive tart pop that carries the dip try to pick deep red firm berries without blemishes
- Jalapeños: deliver gentle heat and green vibrancy choose glossy peppers with no wrinkles and remove seeds for mildness
- Cilantro leaves: bring fresh herb finish brightening the whole mix look for vibrant green bunches free of wilting
- Green onions: add mild onion flavor and a crisp bite opt for bright white and green stalks
- Granulated sugar: balances tartness and makes everything sing fine white sugar dissolves best
- Salt: heightens all flavors pick a clean-tasting sea salt if possible
- Fresh lime juice: offers zingy acidity and keeps the flavors from tasting flat use juicy limes that feel heavy for their size
- Cream cheese: forms the creamy base that tames acidity and heat buy full fat varieties for best texture and flavor let it soften at room temperature
- Honey: creates a floral luscious finish and ties all flavors together use a mild raw honey if available
- Pecans or walnuts: offer pleasant crunch and buttery notes toast lightly for extra flavor choose fresh nuts without any rancid smell
Instructions
- Prepare the cranberry mixture:
- Combine cranberries jalapeños cilantro green onions sugar salt and lime juice in a food processor. Pulse and stop to scrape down sides a few times. You want a finely chopped textured salsa not a smooth puree. This preserves each ingredient’s flavor and makes a beautiful presentation.
- Chill the mixture:
- Transfer the cranberry mixture to a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour if you have the time. This downtime lets the bold flavors soften and blend into a unified topping.
- Spread the cream cheese:
- Use a spatula to massage and soften your cream cheese then evenly spread it in a thick layer over a large shallow platter or plate. This step is key so every scoop gets ample creamy base.
- Build the dip:
- Gently spoon your chilled cranberry jalapeño mixture over the cream cheese. Make sure you spread it fully covering the creamy base. The sharp contrast in color between the ruby red and white makes it extra inviting.
- Add honey and nuts:
- Drizzle honey in thin ribbons over the top letting it seep into the crevices. If you love texture sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top for a festive crunch.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Bring the platter to the table with your favorite crackers pita chips or toasted baguette slices. Serve immediately for maximum freshness and color.
Save to Pinterest Fresh cranberries are my favorite holiday ingredient because they bring a snap that nothing else can match. My daughter always helps sprinkle the nuts on top and I love watching her little hands get sticky from the honey drizzle.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen as they rest and it even makes a tasty sandwich spread the next day. Stir gently before serving again to keep the texture vibrant.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find fresh or frozen cranberries dried cranberries will do in a pinch Reduce the sugar to keep things balanced. Cream cheese can be swapped for soft goat cheese or whipped ricotta. For a nut free version leave off the pecans or walnuts and try toasted sunflower seeds if desired.
Serving Suggestions
This dip is perfect with buttery crackers toasted pita chips or sliced baguette. For a lighter option serve with crisp apple slices or celery sticks. I love pairing it with sparkling wine or a fruity rosé for celebrations.
Cultural and Seasonal Notes
Cranberries are a classic North American winter ingredient and often featured in festive cooking. This dip borrows from sweet tangy salsa traditions but gets a creamy twist with the cheese base. Swapping in honey nods to Southern dessert flavors while jalapeño makes it unmistakably modern.
Save to Pinterest This dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser on any festive table. Make it once and it will become a holiday tradition in your home too.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, thawed frozen cranberries work well. Dried cranberries can be used with less sugar.
- → Is this dip spicy?
It has a mild jalapeño kick. Leave in seeds for extra heat or remove for a gentle flavor.
- → What can I serve this with?
Serve with crackers, pita chips, or slices of fresh bread for a crunchy contrast.
- → Are there cheese substitutions?
Goat cheese or whipped ricotta are tasty options in place of cream cheese.
- → Can I prepare this ahead?
Prepare the cranberry mixture ahead and chill for best flavor. Assemble just before serving.