Cranberry Jalapeno Dip

This cranberry jalapeno dip is a combination of sweet, spicy, tart, and creamy. It’s the perfect holiday appetizer.

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The best cranberry jalapeno cream cheese dip

Cranberry jalapeno cream cheese dip is perfect for the holidays. You can make the cranberry portion of the dip in advance and then just add it to the top of the cream cheese when you’re ready to serve.

It makes an excellent dip in November and December on your holiday table when fresh cranberries are easy to find and you can purchase them in large bags.

Even if you aren’t normally a cranberry-loving person, this dip may just change your mind! The cranberries are soaked in a spicy sweet mixture overnight to give them an excellent flavor.

This recipe is so easy to make and a major crowd-pleaser for your holiday get-togethers and parties.

The combination of spicy jalapeno with sweet, tart cranberries makes it a great option for the holiday season.

Why I love cranberry-jalapeno cream cheese dip

The flavors from the zesty blend of cream cheese with jalapeño peppers and sweetened cranberries make it the perfect festive holiday appetizer.

The colors of the dip combined with the simple ingredients make it a great seasonal dip you won’t have the rest of the year.

Because it has a perfect balance of creamy, tart, sweet, and spicy, it becomes a dip everyone loves for different reasons. Because of this, it’s a perfect holiday party appetizer. If some only want the cranberry salsa layer, it’s easy to scoop just that portion.

It’s so easy to make. Especially since the cranberry salsa is made in advance, it makes it an easy appetizer to put together right before serving.

Ingredients for cranberry salsa

Cranberry salsa has easy-to-find ingredients during the holidays. But remember, fresh ingredients are key for the best flavor! You’ll need:

• fresh cranberries
• green onions
• jalapeno peppers
• lime juice
• salt
• sugar
• whipped cream cheese

How to make this cranberry salsa recipe

Detailed instructions and measurements for the full list of ingredients to make cranberry jalapeno dip are listed in the recipe card at the bottom of this page.

1. Start by placing the fresh whole cranberries in a bowl of a food processor (you can also do this by hand if you don’t have one). Pulse until they are diced small.
2. Add the cranberries, green onions, and jalapeno to a mixing bowl. Mix to combine.
3. Add in the lime juice, salt, and sugar and mix to combine.
4. Place the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).
5. When ready to serve, remove the cranberry mix from the refrigerator and serve it over top of the cream cheese. You want to be able to scoop the cranberry mix with a little bit of cream cheese with your cracker. 

How to serve cranberry jalapeno dip

The best way to serve cranberry jalapeno dip is to place the cream cheese on a plate or platter and scoop the cranberry mix on top. This way, when dipping, you get both cream cheese and cranberry salsa at the same time.

I find that serving them with a variety of crackers works best. If you can find it in your store, I recommend buying the variety pack or entertainer’s package of crackers.

This gives everyone the opportunity to use the cracker they like best with the dip.

It’s a perfect appetizer to serve alongside other dips. You can place it in a 9-inch pie plate to make scooping easier for your guests so they have a side to push up against with their dippers.

tips and tricks for making this cranberry jalapeno dip recipe

• You want the cranberry mix to be able to sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours to remove the bitterness of the cranberries.
• Wait to add the cranberry mixture to the top of the cream cheese until you are serving.
• This dip goes great with a variety of crackers. I recommend buying the variety pack/entertainer packages to use.
• If you want your jalapenos less spicy, be sure to remove the ribs and seeds. 
• You want to be sure the cranberries are chopped finely. That’s why I recommend using a food processor.

faqs for cranberry jalapeño dip

What to eat with cranberry jalapeno dip?

Cranberry jalapeno dip goes really great with your favorite chips or a variety of crackers. I love it with ritz crackers, tortilla chips, pita chips, and baguette slices.

Can I make cranberry salsa without a food processor?

You can, you’ll just want to be sure to chop everything finely.

substitutions for cranberry jalapeño cream cheese dip

If you’re not a big fan of green onions, they can be omitted entirely or replaced with chives or shallot.

If you cannot find whipped cream cheese, you can whip your own. Add softened cream cheese to a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl.

Using the stand mixer or electric hand mixer, whip the cream cheese until it’s light and fluffy.

Having a whipped cream cheese mixture makes it much easier to dip with crackers. I don’t recommend using just a block of cream cheese without whipping it first.

This dip would also be excellent served with goat cheese in place of cream cheese.

products used to make cranberry jalapeno dip

food processor

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glass mixing bowls

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airtight storage container

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how to store creamy cranberry jalapeno dip

The cranberry salsa needs to be stored separately from the cream cheese.

Place the cranberry-jalapeno mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

When you’re ready to serve, plate the cream cheese on your serving dish and then top with the cranberry salsa.

Your cranberry salsa might have a lot of extra liquid and cranberry juice concentrate from sitting in the refrigerator. I pour this off before adding it to the cream cheese.

other appetizer dip recipes you might like

Yogurt Fruit Dip

Smoked Queso

Homemade Hummus

Bacon Ranch Dip

Jalapeno Artichoke Dip