Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Obsession
This Spicy Zesty Cranberry Jalapeno Dip is the perfect appetizer to wow your guests. It balances the tartness of cranberries, the heat of jalapeños, and a bright citrusy zing, creating a flavor explosion that everyone will love. Prepare ahead for easy entertaining!
Equipment
- Food processor
- Medium bowl
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Zester
- juicer
- Knife
- Cutting board
- serving bowl
- Plastic Wrap
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries about 3 cups
- 2-3 jalapeños, seeded and finely minced adjust to your spice preference
- 2-3 green onions, thinly sliced both white and green parts
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced and zested
- 1 orange, juiced and zested
- ¼ cup granulated sugar adjust to taste depending on cranberry tartness
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ¼ cup sour cream full-fat or low-fat works
- Chopped pecans or walnuts, for topping optional
- Extra cilantro, for garnish optional
- A drizzle of honey, for topping optional
- Crackers, tortilla chips, baguette slices, or vegetable sticks, for serving
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine the fresh cranberries, jalapeños, green onions, cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, orange juice, orange zest, sugar, salt, and garlic.
- Pulse until the cranberries are finely chopped, but not completely pureed. You want some texture!
- Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more sugar if it's too tart, more salt if it's bland, or more jalapeño if you want more heat.
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it's smooth and creamy.
- Add the sour cream to the cream cheese and mix until well combined.
- Gently fold the cranberry mixture into the cream cheese mixture until everything is evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, transfer the dip to a serving bowl.
- Garnish with chopped pecans or walnuts, extra cilantro, and a drizzle of honey, if desired.
- Serve with your favorite crackers, tortilla chips, baguette slices, or even vegetable sticks.
Notes
For best flavor, refrigerate the dip for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To control the spice level, start with one jalapeño and taste the cranberry mixture before adding more. Removing the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños will also reduce the heat. For a smoother dip, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. For a sweeter dip, add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of brown sugar. Try adding a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese for a savory element. You can also experiment with different nuts like almonds or walnuts. Toasted nuts add even more flavor.