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.
Ingredients
Scale
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.)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Taste and Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mixture and add an additional 1/4 cup sugar if desired to reduce tartness.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
