Description
This Holiday Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip combines creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors for a festive and crowd-pleasing appetizer. Cream cheese forms a smooth base mixed with vibrant cranberry sauce and fresh jalapeños to deliver a perfect balance of sweetness and heat. An optional cheddar cheese topping adds a delightful cheesy finish, making it a versatile dip served with crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1-2 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Topping
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
Serving Suggestions
- Crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies (cucumber, bell peppers, carrots)
Instructions
- Prepare the base: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or spoon until it becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Add the cranberry and jalapeño: Mix in the cranberry sauce and finely chopped jalapeños along with the chopped cilantro if you choose to include it. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your liking, mixing well to incorporate the seasoning evenly.
- Optional topping: For added flavor and texture, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the dip. Place the dip in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to allow it to firm up slightly and let the flavors meld together.
- Serve: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl, garnish with additional jalapeño slices or fresh cilantro if desired, and serve with crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetables such as cucumber, bell peppers, and carrots.
Notes
- For a milder dip, remove all seeds from the jalapeños before chopping, or adjust the quantity of jalapeño to your heat preference.
- The cranberry sauce can be homemade or store-bought, but homemade will add a fresher, tangier flavor.
- This dip can be prepared a few hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator to allow flavors to develop even more.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with a suitable vegan cream cheese alternative.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature depending on your preference.
