Addictive Cranberry Jalapeño Dip
This festive Cranberry Jalapeño Dip is a delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings or any occasion. It's incredibly easy to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser, disappearing faster than you can say 'Christmas'!
Equipment
- Medium-sized bowl
- Hand mixer or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Plastic Wrap
- serving bowl
- Optional: Food processor
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2-3 medium jalapeños, seeded and minced
- 2-3 green onions, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice, freshly squeezed
- Crackers, for serving
- Tortilla chips, for serving
- Pretzel crisps, for serving
- Bagel chips, for serving
- Optional: pinch of salt, to taste
- Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper, for extra heat
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or spoon until smooth and creamy.
- Add the cranberry sauce, minced jalapeños, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro (if using), and lime juice to the bowl with the cream cheese.
- Gently fold all ingredients together until evenly combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more jalapeño for heat, salt to balance sweetness, or cayenne pepper for extra spice.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to allow flavors to meld and the dip to firm up.
- Before serving, give the dip a quick stir.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or sliced green onions, if desired.
- Serve with your favorite dippers such as crackers, tortilla chips, pretzel crisps, or bagel chips.
Notes
For best results, use softened cream cheese to avoid a lumpy dip. Adjust the number of jalapeños and the amount of seeds removed to control the spice level. This dip can be made a day ahead; the flavors meld even better overnight. If the dip is too runny, add a tablespoon of powdered sugar. If it's too spicy, stir in a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also add nuts or smoked gouda for a twist.