Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip

Name: Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 ounces fresh cranberries; 1 large orange (juiced); ½ cup maple syrup or honey; 1 jalapeño (deseeded and diced small); 2 (8 ounce) packages less fat cream cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 4 green onions (diced); 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

This Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is the perfect holiday party appetizer. A mixture of tart, sweet and spicy, this cream cheese mixture is as delicious as it sounds!

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Crackers stuck in cranberry jalapeño cream cheese dip.

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Prepped in just 15 minutes this creamy dip mixes tart cranberries, sweet cream cheese and the kick of jalapeno peppers. It's perfect for holiday gatherings for years to come.

I love adding cranberries to dishes, especially around the holidays, it brings me joy! If you're looking for something without the added heat of jalapenos try my cranberry baked brie.

🌟Why You'll Love this Recipe

Sweet and spicy. This dip offers a delightful balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
Simple ingredients. This is an easy appetizer made with ingredients easily found at your local grocery store.
Festive appeal. The vibrant red and green colors bring a festive feel to your holiday table.

🥘Ingredients

Cranberry Sauce

Cranberries. You can use a bag of fresh or frozen whole cranberries.
Orange juice. Fresh orange juice brings a slight sweetness and citrusy brightness to balance out the tartness of the cranberries.
Maple syrup or honey. Maple syrup or honey adds depth and sweetness to the cranberry sauce.
Jalapeño peppers. Deseeded jalapenos bring a mild heat to balance out the sweet and tart sauce.

Dip

Less fat cream cheese. Any cream cheese of your choice works in this cranberry dip.
Garlic powder. Garlic brings a savory depth to the already sweet and creamy dip.
Green onions. Diced green onions bring a fresh mild flavor and added texture.
Lemon juice. The citrus in the lemon helps balance out the other ingredients.
Cheddar cheese. Adding cheddar brings a sharp, savory flavor.

See the recipe card below for the remaining ingredients and quantities.

📖Substitutions & Variations

If you're strapped for time or just want a little less work feel free to use store-bought cranberry sauce.
No heat. Deseeded jalapenos bring a mild heat but they can be omitted for a heat-free cream cheese dip.
Fresh lime juice can be subbed in for fresh lemon juice.

🔪Instructions

Cranberries and diced jalapeños in a saucepan.

Step 1: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, add cranberries, maple syrup or honey, jalapenos and orange juice.

Step 2: Bring the cranberry mixture to a boil and let simmer.

Step 3: Stir occasionally until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens about 10 minutes.

Step 4: In a small bowl mix together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, green onions, lemon and salt and spread on the bottom of baking dish or pie plate.

Step 5: Top with cranberry sauce and the remaining cheddar cheese.

Shredded cheese on top of cranberry sauce.

Step 6: Bake at 400 degrees F until the cheese is melted. Serve and enjoy!

💭Recipe FAQs

Can this cranberry jalapeno dip be made ahead of time?

Yes, in fact allowing the flavors to meld overnight will only enhance the dip!

Can I use frozen cranberries for this cranberry jalapeno cream cheese dip?

You can definitely use frozen cranberries. The sauce may take a few minutes longer to cook.

Can I substitute the cream cheese for anything?

While cream cheese is quite essential in this recipe you can substitute it for vegan cream cheese, Greek yogurt or sour cream.

👩🏻‍🍳Chef Tips

Pour any residual liquid off from the cranberry sauce before adding it on top of the cream cheese mixture.
Adjust the amount of jalapeno pieces to your preference.
Make sure your cream cheese is softened at room temperature to make it easy to mix.
This dip is a convenient make-ahead dish. I like preparing the dip the day before holiday parties for an easier day.

A hand dipping a cracker into cranberry dip.

🥗Serving

Use your favorite crackers, tortilla chips or pita chips to dip into this cranberry jalapeño spread at the next holiday party.

Serve this cranberry cream cheese dip as a festive holiday appetizer this holiday season. Some of my favorite holiday recipes include smoked salmon canapes, red wine braised pot roast, and since I'm a huge fan of cranberries my cranberry moscow mule.

🥣Storage & Reheating

Leftover dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This dip is best served fresh so it will be at its peak in the first 1-2 days. I do not recommend freezing dips made with cream cheese as it can become grainy and curdled.

To reheat, place in the oven at 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes.