You can’t go wrong with appetizer recipes around the holidays. I typically serve festive favorites such as pizza muffins, taco cups, bacon deviled eggs and this sweet and savory cranberry jalapeno dip. Everyone knows that cranberries are great for homemade cranberry sauce, but they’re also great as a dip! This cranberry jalapeno dip is the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors.
Cranberry Jalapeno Dip Ingredients
To make this recipe, you will need fresh cranberries, green onions, granulated sugar, cilantro, fresh lime juice, jalapenos, salt and cream cheese.
How Do You Make Cranberry Jalapeno Dip?
Place all of the ingredients except for the cream cheese in a food processor. Pulse until everything is finely chopped. Transfer the cranberry mixture to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least one hour, although 4-8 hours is ideal. When you’re ready to serve the dip, place softened cream cheese on a platter and spoon the cranberry mixture over the top. Serve with dippers such as crackers, baguette slices or pita chips and enjoy.
Tips For The Perfect Dip
This recipe works best with fresh cranberries. Frozen cranberries have a different texture, and will also release excess liquid into the dip. I recommend letting your cream cheese soften at room temperature before you add the cranberry topping so that it’s easier to spread. You can also microwave the cream cheese for 20 seconds to soften it. Removing the seeds and ribs from the jalapeno peppers means that this is a mild dip. If you prefer a spicy dip, leave some of the seeds and ribs in the peppers. Cranberry jalapeno dip will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store the cranberry mixture separate from the cream cheese until you’re ready to serve.
Flavor Variations
While this recipe is delicious as-is, you can customize some of the flavors to suit your tastes.
Fruit: You can add other fruits to the cranberry mix such as 1/2 cup of apples or pears. Flavorings: Feel free to add other ingredients to the mix such as orange zest, orange juice, finely chopped pecans or try a different type of chili such as serrano peppers. Cheese: Try using a different type of soft creamy cheese such as goat cheese or mascarpone cheese.
No one can resist this fabulous cranberry dip. It’s a must-make holiday appetizer for any Christmas or Thanksgiving celebration!
