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Close-up of a bowl of sweet and spicy cranberry jalapeño relish with a wooden spoon, showcasing the vibrant red cranberries and green jalapeños.
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5 (6 ratings)

Cranberry Jalapeño Dip with Cream Cheese

This Cranberry Jalapeño Dip with Cream Cheese is a festive, sweet-and-spicy holiday appetizer that comes together in minutes. Fresh cranberries, jalapeños, green onions, and lime juice are combined for a vibrant cranberry salsa, then spooned over cream cheese and served with crackers. It’s a colorful, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any winter gathering.
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Appetizers
Cuisine: cal-mex
Servings: 12
Author: Yvette Marquez

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries
  • 3 green onions thinly sliced
  • 2 jalapeños diced
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt 
  • 1 tablespoon cilantro chopped (optional)
  • cream cheese
  • crackers

Instructions

  • In a food processor, pulse cranberries, about 15 to 20 pulses for a rough chop.
  • In a medium-sized bowl, add chopped cranberries, green onion, and jalapeños.
  • Add sugar, lime juice, and salt and stir gently until blended.
  • Refrigerate dip covered for four hours or overnight.
  • Take cranberry mixture out of the refrigerator and stir and strain liquid using a colander. Add cilantro, if using.
  • Place cream cheese and crackers on platter with bowl of cranberry mixture.
  • Spread cream cheese on a cracker and dollop with cranberry dip. Enjoy!

Notes

  • No food processor? You can use a high-speed blender to pulse the ingredients for a chunky consistency. Just note that the pieces may be slightly more irregular in size.
  • Variation: For a party-ready presentation, spread cream cheese in an even layer on a serving plate or pie plate, then spoon the cranberry mixture over the top. Serve with crackers or crostini.
  • Make-ahead tip: The cranberry mixture can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Assemble just before serving.
  • Storage: Store leftover cranberry mixture in the fridge for up to 5 days. Once combined with cream cheese, enjoy within 2 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 63kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 26mg | Potassium: 40mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 75IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 1mg