Cranberry Jalapeño Dip is a festive and flavorful appetizer that perfectly blends sweet and spicy notes. This dish is an ideal addition to holiday spreads, potlucks, or casual gatherings, delivering a unique flavor profile that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Balanced Flavor: The sweetness of cranberries pairs beautifully with the heat from the jalapeños, creating a harmonious combination.
- Versatile Usage: Serve it as a dip with crackers or chips, or use it as a topping for cream cheese.
- Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe comes together quickly and is beginner-friendly.
- Visually Stunning: The vibrant colors of red cranberries and green jalapeños make this dish a showstopper.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dip in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh cranberries
- Jalapeños
- Granulated sugar
- Cream cheese
- Cilantro
- Lime juice
- Salt
Directions
- Prepare the Cranberries: Rinse the fresh cranberries and pat them dry. Finely chop or pulse them in a food processor.
- Dice the Jalapeños: Remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños for a milder flavor, or leave some seeds for extra heat. Dice them finely.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cranberries, jalapeños, sugar, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Let the mixture rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Add Cilantro: Chop the cilantro finely and mix it into the cranberry mixture.
- Prepare the Base: Spread the softened cream cheese in a serving dish.
- Layer the Dip: Spoon the cranberry-jalapeño mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Serve: Pair the dip with crackers, pita chips, or sliced baguettes.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Milder Version: Use fewer jalapeños or substitute with mild green chiles.
- Herbal Twist: Swap cilantro with parsley or add green onions for extra flavor.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with goat cheese or mascarpone instead of cream cheese for a tangier or creamier base.
- Add Fruits: Incorporate diced apples or pears for an additional layer of sweetness.
- Spicy Boost: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for extra heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: This dip is best served cold or at room temperature. There’s no need to reheat.
FAQs
1. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh ones?
Fresh cranberries are recommended for the best texture and flavor, but dried cranberries can be used if rehydrated in warm water.
2. How can I reduce the heat in the dip?
Remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños, and use fewer peppers for a milder dip.
3. Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, the cranberry mixture can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble the dip just before serving.
4. What should I serve with Cranberry Jalapeño Dip?
Pair it with crackers, tortilla chips, sliced baguettes, or even fresh vegetables like celery and carrots.
5. Can I freeze the dip?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the cranberries may change upon thawing.
6. Is there a vegan version of this dip?
Yes, use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative to make the dip vegan-friendly.
7. Can I adjust the sweetness level?
Absolutely! You can reduce or increase the sugar to suit your taste preferences.
8. How long can the dip sit out at room temperature?
For food safety, it’s best not to leave the dip out for more than 2 hours.
9. What can I substitute for cilantro?
Parsley or green onions work well as substitutes for cilantro if you prefer a different flavor.
10. Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, thaw the cranberries completely and pat them dry before using.
Conclusion
Cranberry Jalapeño Dip is a delightful appetizer that impresses with its vibrant flavors and colors. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just looking for a unique snack, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Try it today and savor the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy goodness!
Print
Cranberry Jalapeño Dip
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 3 cups 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This vibrant dip combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the heat of jalapeños, all layered over smooth cream cheese. It’s an irresistible appetizer that’s both festive and flavorful.
Ingredients
- Cranberry Mixture:
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely chopped
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Cream Cheese Layer:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Cranberry Mixture:
- In a food processor, combine the cranberries, jalapeños, green onions, and cilantro. Pulse until finely chopped but not pureed.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the sugar, lime juice, and salt until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. After chilling, strain the mixture to remove excess liquid to prevent the dip from becoming watery.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly onto a serving dish or platter.
- Assemble the Dip:
- Spoon the strained cranberry-jalapeño mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Serving Suggestions: This dip pairs wonderfully with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or pita chips.
- Adjusting Heat Levels: For a milder dip, reduce the amount of jalapeño or remove all seeds and membranes. For more heat, consider adding serrano peppers or leaving some jalapeño seeds.
- Make-Ahead Tips: The cranberry mixture can be prepared up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble the dip just before serving for optimal texture.
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