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Sweet & Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip with Cream cheese

Sweet & Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip with Cream Cheese

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Course Appetizer, Dip
Cuisine American
Servings 10

Equipment

  • 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.

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

Step 1: Pulse the Cranberry Mixture

  1. 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.
  2. If you're doing this by hand, finely chop everything and mix well in a medium bowl.

Step 2: Let the Flavors Marinate

  1. 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

  1. 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.
  2. Spread the cream cheese evenly on the bottom of a serving dish or platter.

Step 4: Top It Off

  1. Drain any excess liquid from the cranberry mixture. Spoon the cranberry jalapeño topping over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly.
  2. Serve immediately or chill for up to 30 minutes before serving.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

  1. 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.