why make this recipe

This dip is bright, tangy, and a little spicy. It looks festive and tastes fresh. It comes together fast and works well for parties. You can make it ahead and serve it with crackers or veggies.

introduction

Holiday Cranberry Jalapeño Dip mixes tart cranberries with spicy jalapeños and smooth cream cheese. The combo is sweet, salty, and zippy. It is an easy holiday snack that most people enjoy.

how to make Holiday Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

Follow simple steps. Chop the fruit and veggies, mix with sugar and lemon, chill, then spread over whipped cream cheese. Strain the excess liquid so the top stays thick. Chill again and serve with crackers.

Ingredients :

12 oz fresh, uncooked cranberries
1/4 cup green onion
1-2 fresh jalapeño peppers
2 Tbsp. cilantro (optional)
3/4 to 1 Cup sugar (according to taste)
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
1/8 tsp. salt
16 oz. cream cheese (whipped)

Directions :

Use a food chopper to chop cranberries.
Chop green onion, jalapeño peppers and cilantro.
In a medium-sized bowl, add chopped cranberries, green onion, cilantro and jalapeños.
Add sugar, lemon juice and salt on top of cranberry mixture and stir gently until blended.
Cover with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator overnight.
Take cranberry mixture out of the refrigerator and stir all ingredients together. Strain out all liquid using a colander with small holes. (Pro Tip: Save the liquid for a cocktail simple syrup – it’s delicious!)
Whip softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth (about 2 minutes) and spread cream cheese over bottom of a pie plate or 9×9 dish.
Pour cranberry mixture atop cream cheese and keep in refrigerator until ready to serve.
Use a spoon to spread over Ritz crackers and enjoy!!

how to serve Holiday Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

Serve cold. Scoop onto crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetables. Let guests spoon the dip onto their plates. Offer extra crackers on the side. This dip works as an appetizer or snack.

how to store Holiday Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

Cover the dish with plastic wrap or put in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Do not leave it at room temperature for more than two hours. If the mixture becomes watery, drain the liquid before serving.

tips to make Holiday Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

Taste the cranberry mix before chilling to adjust sugar and heat.
Remove jalapeño seeds if you want less heat.
Chill the cranberry mix overnight for best flavor.
Whip the cream cheese until very smooth so it spreads easily.
Use a fine colander to remove excess liquid for a firmer top.

variation (if any)

Make it milder: use one jalapeño and remove seeds.
Make it sweeter: use up to 1 cup sugar or add a little honey.
Add nuts: sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for crunch.
Make a vegan version: use a vegan cream cheese substitute.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen cranberries?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain well before chopping.

Q: How spicy will this be?
A: Heat depends on your jalapeños. Remove seeds to cut heat. Use one pepper to keep it mild.

Q: Can I make this the same day I serve it?
A: You can, but it tastes best if the cranberry mix chills overnight.

Q: Can I skip the cilantro?
A: Yes. Cilantro is optional and can be left out.

Q: What else can I serve it with besides crackers?
A: Try pita chips, toasted bread, apple slices, or raw vegetables.

Conclusion

For another take on this flavor combo, see this recipe: Holiday Cranberry Jalapeno Dip with Cream Cheese – It’s a Veg …. If you want a step-by-step holiday version, try this link: Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip – Sparrows + Lily. For more notes and tips, read this guide: Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip Recipe | The Kitchn.