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Spicy Cranberry Jalapeno Dip

Spicy Cranberry Jalapeno Dip

This Spicy Cranberry Jalapeno Dip is a sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy appetizer made with fresh cranberries, jalapeños, lemon juice, and cream cheese. It’s the perfect holiday dip that’s colorful, refreshing, and always a crowd favorite!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 190
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the topping:
  • 12 oz fresh cranberries for best color and flavor
  • 1 jalapeño seeded and finely minced for less heat
  • 5 green onions thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 cup sugar I use Dixie Crystals
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp salt
For the base:
  • 2 8 oz packs cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
  • Crackers for serving such as Ritz or Wheat Thins

Equipment

  • Food processor or blender
  • Medium bowl
  • Rubber spatula
  • Serving dish or platter
  • Plastic wrap or lid for chilling
  • Spreader or spoon

Method
 

Prepare the Cranberry Mix:
  1. In a food processor, add cranberries, jalapeño, sugar, lemon juice, cumin, and salt. Pulse a few times until the cranberries are chopped but not pureed.
Add Fresh Herbs:
  1. Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Stir in the chopped cilantro and green onions. Mix well to combine.
Chill:
  1. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the cranberry jalapeno mixture for at least 2 hours. This helps the flavors blend and mellows out the sharp tartness.
Prepare the Base:
  1. Spread softened cream cheese evenly on a serving dish or platter. Smooth it out with a spatula.
Assemble the Dip:
  1. Spoon the chilled cranberry mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer. Spread it gently to cover the top.
Serve:
  1. Serve with your favorite crackers, pita chips, or baguette slices.

Notes

✔ Let the cranberry mix chill for at least 2 hours before serving — this helps mellow out the raw cranberry flavor.
✔  If making for a large group, double the recipe — it disappears fast!
✔  Don’t skip the lemon juice; it keeps the flavor bright and balanced.