Cranberry Jalapeno Dip Recipe

Introduction

This Cranberry Jalapeno Dip is a delightful blend of tart cranberries and spicy jalapenos balanced with creamy cheese and fresh citrus. It’s an eye-catching appetizer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or any festive occasion.

Ingredients

• 12 ounce bag fresh cranberries
• 2 small jalapenos (seeds and white membranes removed)
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1 large lime
• 1 medium naval orange
• 1/2 – 3/4 cup white granulated sugar (to your taste preference)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom (or another ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon if unavailable)
• 16 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• 2 Tablespoons milk or cream
• Crackers, toasted baguette slices, or Triscuits for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse the cranberries and place them in a food processor with a blade attachment.
2. Step 2: Rinse the jalapenos, slice in half lengthwise, and remove seeds and white membranes. Add them to the food processor.
3. Step 3: Coarsely chop ¼ cup packed fresh mint leaves and add to the food processor.
4. Step 4: Slice the lime in half and squeeze all juice into the processor. Discard the peel.
5. Step 5: Cut the orange into fourths and add the entire fruit, peel included, into the food processor.
6. Step 6: Add ½ cup sugar, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom to the mixture.
7. Step 7: Secure the lid and pulse 2 seconds at a time until the mixture is chunky but not pureed.
8. Step 8: Taste and add an additional ¼ cup sugar if the dip is too tart.
9. Step 9: In a mixing bowl, whisk the softened cream cheese on medium-high speed until soft and creamy.
10. Step 10: Add milk or cream to the cream cheese and continue whisking until airy and fluffy.
11. Step 11: Spread the whipped cream cheese onto a serving plate, creating a raised edge to hold the fruit mixture.
12. Step 12: Using a slotted spoon, drain juice from the cranberry mixture and spoon the fruit evenly onto the cream cheese, leaving some cream cheese visible around the edges.
13. Step 13: Drizzle some of the reserved juice over the cream cheese edges.
14. Step 14: Garnish with chopped mint, sliced jalapenos, and extra cranberries, sugared or plain.
15. Step 15: Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, up to 4-5 days.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder dip, reduce the number of jalapenos or keep more seeds inside.
• Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a different sweetness profile.
• Substitute cardamom with a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg for warm spice variations.
• Serve with a mix of crunchy crackers and fresh veggie sticks for variety.

Storage

Store the dip covered in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Stir gently before serving if the juices separate. Serve chilled or at room temperature for best flavor. If needed, you can let it sit out for 15 minutes before serving to soften the cream cheese slightly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, this dip gets better as the flavors meld. Prepare it a day ahead and keep refrigerated until serving.

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Fresh cranberries are preferred for texture, but frozen can be used if fully thawed and drained before processing.

Cranberry Jalapeno Dip Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 143 reviews

• Author: Thomas
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: About 8 servings 1x

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Description

This vibrant Cranberry Jalapeno Dip combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the subtle heat of jalapenos, perfectly balanced by fresh mint, citrus, and warm spices. Creamy, fluffy cream cheese adds a luscious base, making this dip an irresistible appetizer that’s perfect for holiday parties or any gathering where you want to impress your guests with a unique, flavorful treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruit and Herbs

• 12 ounce bag fresh cranberries
• 2 small jalapenos (seeds and white membranes removed)
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves (coarsely chopped)
• 1 large lime (juiced)
• 1 medium navel orange (quartered, peel included)

Spices and Sweeteners

• 1/2 – 3/4 cup white granulated sugar (to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom (or an additional 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon if cardamom is unavailable)

Dairy

• 16 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• 2 tablespoons milk or cream

Serving

• Crackers (such as sliced toasted baguette, Triscuits, etc.)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Cranberries and Jalapenos: Rinse the cranberries well and add them to a food processor with a blade attachment. Rinse the jalapenos, slice in half lengthwise, and remove the seeds and white membranes before adding to the processor.
2. Add Herbs and Citrus: Coarsely chop 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves and add to the food processor. Slice the lime in half and squeeze all juice into the processor, then add the entire quartered orange with peel.
3. Add Sugar and Spices: Add 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon cardamom (or extra cinnamon) to the fruit mixture.
4. Pulse Mixture: Place the lid on the processor and pulse in 2-second increments until the mixture is finely chopped but still chunky. Avoid pureeing the mixture completely to preserve texture.
5. Taste and Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mixture and add an additional 1/4 cup sugar if desired to reduce tartness.
6. Whip Cream Cheese: In a mixing bowl, whisk the softened cream cheese on medium-high speed using a stand or hand mixer until soft and creamy.
7. Add Milk and Whisk: Add milk or cream to the cream cheese and continue whisking until the mixture is airy and fluffy, incorporating air into the cream cheese.
8. Assemble the Dip Base: Spread the whipped cream cheese evenly on a serving plate, creating a raised edge or lip to contain the juices of the cranberry mixture.
9. Combine and Serve: Using a slotted spoon, drain the excess juice from the cranberry jalapeno mixture, then spoon the chunky mixture into the center of the cream cheese base, leaving an inch or two of visible cream cheese around the edges.
10. Garnish and Decorate: Drizzle some of the reserved juice over the cream cheese edges for added flavor and decoration. Garnish with freshly chopped mint leaves, thin jalapeno slices, and sugared or plain cranberries.
11. Refrigerate Until Serving: Cover the assembled dip and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve, up to 4-5 days for best freshness.

Notes

• Adjust the sugar amount based on the tartness of your cranberries and personal preference.
• Removing seeds and membranes from jalapenos ensures a milder heat level; feel free to include more for extra spice.
• If cardamom is unavailable, use an extra 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon instead.
• The dip can be made a day ahead, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Serve with your choice of crackers, toasted baguette slices, or crunchy breads for best pairing.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cranberry Jalapeno Dip, Holiday Dip, Cream Cheese Dip, Spicy Cranberry Spread, Appetizer, Party Dip