Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
This cranberry jalapeño cream cheese dip pairs finely chopped fresh cranberries with a bright, sweet-tart mix of jalapeño, cilantro, green onion, orange, and lime. Spoon the colorful topping over whipped cream cheese for an easy no-cook appetizer that’s ready to serve with crackers or chips.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Dip
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cranberry Jalapeño Topping
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries, rinsed and drained
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 jalapeños, ribs and seeds removed, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
To Serve
- 16 ounces whipped cream cheese
- Crackers or chips, for serving
Instructions
- Chop the cranberries.
Add the rinsed and drained cranberries to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped, stopping before they become a puree so the topping retains small pieces.
- Mix with sugar.
Transfer the chopped cranberries to a bowl. Add the sugar and stir until combined.
- Add the aromatics and citrus.
Stir in the minced jalapeños, cilantro, green onions, orange juice, and lime juice until evenly mixed.
- Chill the topping.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Prepare the cream cheese.
Spread the whipped cream cheese in a serving bowl or on a platter.
- Assemble the dip.
Spoon the chilled cranberry jalapeño mixture over the cream cheese. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve.
Serve chilled with crackers or chips.
Notes
- Pulse the cranberries rather than blending continuously; the topping should be finely chopped, not smooth.
- Removing the jalapeño ribs and seeds keeps the dip milder. Leave some in for more heat.
- Chill the cranberry mixture for at least 30 minutes before assembling so the flavors have time to combine.
- For the best texture, assemble shortly before serving and keep the dip refrigerated until ready to eat.
- Nutrition estimates are for one of 10 servings and do not include crackers or chips.
