When the holiday season rolls in, there’s always that one dish on the party table that disappears before you’ve even had a chance to say, “Pass the crackers.” This cranberry jalapeño dip with cream cheese is exactly that kind of dish. It’s a vibrant, zesty, sweet, and spicy holiday dip that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort—perfect for your Christmas gathering. The tartness of fresh cranberries paired with the heat of jalapeños, mellowed out by a layer of silky cream cheese, makes this an irresistible addition to your spread. Whether you're assembling your list of Christmas dips for parties or just looking for something unexpected yet delightful, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
Sweet & Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip with Cream Cheese
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Chill Time 4 hours hrs
Total Time 4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Dip
Cuisine American
Food processor or blender to pulse the cranberries and jalapeños into a salsa-like consistency. You can also chop by hand for a chunkier texture.
Mixing bowls one medium bowl for the cranberry mix and one for softening the cream cheese.
Rubber spatula or spoon for spreading and layering.
Serving dish or shallow bowl an 8x8 dish or a small platter works well.
Plastic wrap or lid to cover and chill the cranberry topping overnight.
Knife and Cutting Board for chopping your produce.
For the cranberry jalapeño topping
- 12 oz fresh cranberries – rinsed and drained frozen can work if thawed and well-drained
- 1 –2 fresh jalapeños seeded and finely chopped (adjust based on heat preference)
- 1/4 cup green onions chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger – adds warmth and depth
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar – to balance the tart cranberries
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – or lime juice for brightness
- Pinch of salt – enhances all the flavors
For the cream cheese base
- 16 oz cream cheese softened (two standard blocks)
- 1 –2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream – optional to make the base more spreadable
Step 1: Pulse the Cranberry Mixture
In a food processor, combine cranberries, chopped jalapeños, green onions, cilantro, ginger, sugar, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Pulse just until the mixture is coarsely chopped—not puréed. The goal is a fresh, salsa-like texture.
If you're doing this by hand, finely chop everything and mix well in a medium bowl.
Step 2: Let the Flavors Marinate
Transfer the cranberry mixture to a bowl and cover it tightly. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This step allows the sugar to break down the cranberries and lets the flavors mingle. It will become juicier and deeper in flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Base
Just before serving, let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to soften. In a mixing bowl, whip it slightly with a fork or hand mixer. If needed, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream to achieve a spreadable consistency.
Spread the cream cheese evenly on the bottom of a serving dish or platter.
Step 4: Top It Off
Drain any excess liquid from the cranberry mixture. Spoon the cranberry jalapeño topping over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly.
Serve immediately or chill for up to 30 minutes before serving.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Optional, but a few extra green onion slices, fresh cilantro, or even pomegranate seeds sprinkled on top give a festive touch. Serve with buttery crackers, crostini, or tortilla chips.
Pairings
This dip is incredibly versatile when it comes to pairings. Its balance of creamy, tart, and spicy flavors works with a variety of textures and accompaniments.
- Crackers: Buttery Ritz-style crackers or sturdy multigrain ones hold up well.
- Crostini: Toasted baguette slices provide a crunch that contrasts the creamy base.
- Tortilla chips: Adds a casual touch—great for laid-back holiday get-togethers.
- Veggies: Thick slices of cucumber, bell pepper, or celery for a lighter bite.
- Charcuterie boards: Include this dip as the centerpiece of your Christmas appetizer spread alongside cured meats, nuts, and dried fruit.
Drink-wise, this dip pairs beautifully with:
- Sparkling wine or Prosecco – the acidity cuts through the richness.
- White wines like Riesling or Gewürztraminer – their fruitiness matches the cranberries.
- Holiday-themed cocktails – think cranberry Moscow mules or gin and tonics with rosemary.
FAQs
1. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh ones?
Fresh cranberries are key for the tart, juicy texture of this dip. Dried cranberries are too sweet and chewy for this application, but if you're in a pinch, you can rehydrate them in hot water for 15 minutes, then pulse gently. Still, fresh is best.
2. How spicy is the dip with jalapeños?
The heat level is moderate. If you remove the seeds and ribs of the jalapeños, it tones down significantly. For more kick, leave some seeds in or use serrano peppers as a substitute.
3. What kind of cream cheese should I use?
Full-fat cream cheese provides the best texture and flavor. However, you can substitute with a whipped version for easier spreading or use a vegan cream cheese alternative if needed.
4. Can this be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cranberry jalapeño topping is best when made the night before. Assemble the dip with cream cheese just before serving to keep it looking fresh.
5. Is this considered a dessert or an appetizer?
It straddles the line! While it's not exactly a traditional dessert, its sweet and spicy profile makes it a standout among Christmas dips and appetizers. If you're building a board of Christmas snacks for party guests, this fits right in between the savory and the sweet.
