Description

Bring a festive touch to your holiday table with this Holiday Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip. Combining the tartness of fresh cranberries, the gentle heat of jalapeños, and the creaminess of softened cream cheese, this dip is an explosion of flavors and textures. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy, making it an ideal addition to your appetizer spread. The vibrant red and green hues make it visually stunning—perfect for Christmas gatherings or any holiday celebration. Best of all, it’s quick to prepare, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities with your loved ones.

Ingredients

• For the cranberry topping:
• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1–2 jalapeños, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• For the base:
• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• For garnish:
• Additional chopped cilantro or jalapeños (optional)
• For serving:
• Crackers, tortilla chips, or sliced baguette

Preparation Method

To start, prepare the cranberry topping. Rinse the fresh cranberries and pat them dry. In a food processor, pulse the cranberries until they are coarsely chopped. Be careful not to over-process; you want small, even pieces, not a puree.

Transfer the chopped cranberries to a medium bowl. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, finely chopped jalapeños, cilantro (if using), lime juice, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly until the cranberries are well coated in the sweet and spicy mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the balance between sweet and spicy.

While the cranberry topping chills, prepare the cream cheese base. Remove the cream cheese from the refrigerator and allow it to soften at room temperature. Once softened, spread the cream cheese evenly over a serving platter or shallow dish. The smooth surface provides the perfect base for layering the cranberry topping.

When ready to serve, spoon the cranberry mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly to cover the surface. The vibrant red and green colors create a festive appearance that’s sure to impress your guests. For added flair, garnish with extra chopped cilantro or jalapeños.

Serve the dip chilled or at room temperature with an assortment of crackers, tortilla chips, or sliced baguette. The creamy base and flavorful topping pair perfectly with the crunch of your chosen dippers.

Tips and Conclusion

Adjust the spice level to suit your preferences. Use more jalapeños for extra heat or remove the seeds for a milder flavor.
For a richer, tangier taste, try using whipped cream cheese or mixing in a dollop of sour cream before spreading the base.
Make the cranberry topping a day ahead to save time and further enhance the flavors. Simply refrigerate it in an airtight container until ready to use.
For a decorative twist, serve the dip in a holiday-themed dish or use cookie cutters to shape the cream cheese into festive forms before topping with cranberries.
Holiday Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is the ultimate festive appetizer, offering bold flavors and stunning presentation. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that adds a pop of color and flavor to any holiday gathering. Whether paired with crispy crackers or warm bread, this dip is guaranteed to be a hit. Explore more holiday recipes on our site to complement your appetizer spread, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family. Happy holidays and happy dipping!