Cranberry Jalapeno Dip! This quick, festive appetizer recipe made with fresh cranberries and spicy jalapeno peppers served over rich cream cheese will certainly add a kick to your holiday parties!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that, at no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click a link and purchase an item I’ve recommended. Thanks for your support in running this blog!
Tried and true holiday appetizers are always nice, but sometimes it's fun to spice things up! This ridiculously easy Cranberry Jalapeno Dip is exactly what you need to liven things up at your holiday party.
Tart & spicy cranberry and jalapeno relish is served atop rich cream cheese for a balanced bite that is hard to resist! The combination of festive red and green make it a perfect Christmas appetizer.
Looking for more festive holiday appetizer recipes? Check out my Italian Cheese Puffs, Gingerbread Crusted Baked Brie with Pinot Noir Cranberry Topping, or Butternut Squash Fritters!
This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian and can be made vegan. (See Variations and Substitutions section below.)
Ingredients
One of the best parts about classic sugar cookies is that they require very few ingredients!
- Fresh Cranberries. They're tart and slightly bitter, but when combined with the rest of the ingredients, magical things happen!
- Jalapeno Peppers. If you prefer milder recipes, remove the seeds and ribs or start with just one jalapeno pepper. For more heat, use whole jalapenos.
- Scallions. Scallions give a nice onion flavor without overpowering. In a pinch, feel free to use white onion; soaking onion slices in cold water for 30 minutes before using will mellow the bite.
- Granulated Sugar. Sugar helps to balance the tartness of the cranberries, and also creates a syrupy liquid in the relish.
- Lime Juice. Cranberries and limes (and jalapenos!) are a fabulous match! The acidity helps cut through the creaminess of the appetizer.
- Cream cheese. I use full fat, regular cream cheese, but reduced fat or dairy-free may be used.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt. Tangy sour cream or yogurt helps to soften the cream cheese mixture and make it easier for dipping.
- Asiago cheese. Shredded Asiago adds a salty bite. If you don't have Asiago, you can use white cheddar or even Parmesan. (Or omit, if desired.)
Instructions
The beauty of this Cranberry Jalapeno Dip is how easy it is to make! It's the perfect make-ahead appetizer for the holidays (see tips if planning on making ahead) and a fantastic, no-cook dish to bring along to a potluck. Here's how I make it:
Place fresh cranberries, roughly chopped jalapeno peppers, scallions, sugar and lime juice in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is chopped but still has texture -- think restaurant salsa.
Transfer the mixture into an airtight container with a lid or a bowl covered in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours or until chilled.
Note: This mixture is even better when the flavors get a chance to marry overnight. As the mixture sits, the sugar and juice from the cranberries will form a syrupy liquid. You may want to pour off some of the liquid before using the relish.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, cream together the cream cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt and shredded Asiago cheese. (I like to do this with a hand mixer, but you can also just use a spatula if the cream cheese is soft enough.)
Spread the cream cheese mixture in a serving dish and smooth the top. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
When you're ready to serve the Cranberry Jalapeno Dip, uncover the cream cheese mixture and spoon the cranberry jalapeno relish over the top. (You can strain or pour off the excess liquid or simply use a slotted spoon to scoop the mixture on top.)
Serve with various crackers such as butter crackers, Townhouse crackers, pretzel thins or Triscuits.
FAQ's
Yes. To reduce the spiciness in any jalapeno recipe, try removing the seeds and white ribs from the inside of the pepper. (Wash your hands well after handling and be careful not to touch any sensitive areas such as your eyes or nose.) You may also reduce the amount of jalapenos in the recipe.
I have never used frozen cranberries for this recipe, but I imagine it would work. However, the relish mixture may create more liquid, so be aware before spooning on top of cream cheese.
If you don't have or can't find Asiago cheese, you may use grated Parmesan or Grana Padano cheese in its place. I think finely shredded white cheddar would also make a good substitute in this recipe.
Refrigerate the relish and cream cheese mixture separately in air-tight containers if making ahead and assemble just before serving. To store any leftovers, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate, however, be aware that the relish will continue to create liquid as it sits.
Cranberry Jalapeno Dip should keep 2-3 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an air-tight container.
Variations & Substitutions
Try adding these ingredients for a twist on Cranberry Jalapeno Dip!
- Add ¼ cup cilantro to cranberry mixture.
- Toss in ½ cup shredded apple for extra crunch.
- Give things a zesty kick by adding a teaspoon of lime or orange zest.
- Replace half of the sugar with honey.
You can also make a creamy dip by combining all of the ingredients in the food processor instead of layering them!
Diet Specific Substitutions
- Dairy-Free or Vegan: Use your favorite plant-based cream cheese and plant based yogurt or sour cream in place of regular.
Cranberry Jalapeno Dip
Ingredients
- 1 12 ounce bag of cranberries rinsed and drained
- 2 jalapeno peppers seeds and ribs removed if desired
- ¼ cup chopped scallions
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 8 ounce block of cream cheese softened to room temperature
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup shredded Asiago cheese
Instructions
- Place fresh cranberries, roughly chopped jalapeno peppers, scallions, sugar and lime juice in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is chopped but still has texture -- think restaurant salsa.
- Transfer the mixture into an airtight container with a lid or a bowl covered in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours or until chilled.
- Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, cream together the cream cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt and shredded Asiago cheese.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture in a serving dish and smooth the top. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- When you're ready to serve the Cranberry Jalapeno Dip, uncover the cream cheese mixture and spoon the cranberry jalapeno relish over the top. (You can strain or pour off the excess liquid or simply use a slotted spoon to scoop the mixture on top.)
- Serve with various crackers such as butter crackers, Townhouse crackers, pretzel thins or Triscuits.
Notes
- Add ¼ cup cilantro to cranberry mixture.
- Toss in ½ cup shredded apple for extra crunch.
- Give things a zesty kick by adding a teaspoon of lime or orange zest.
- Replace half of the sugar for honey.
- Dairy-Free or Vegan: Use your favorite plant-based cream cheese and plant based yogurt or sour cream in place of regular.
Leave a Reply