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- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries - 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1/4 cup mayonnaise - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional) - Tortilla chips or assorted crackers for serving You can swap fresh cranberries for canned ones. Just rinse them well. If you want less heat, skip the jalapeño or use a milder pepper. Cream cheese can be replaced with Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Instead of mayonnaise, you can use plain yogurt. Try agave syrup instead of honey for a vegan choice. Cranberries are best in fall and winter. They are fresh and juicy at this time. Jalapeños are often found year-round. However, they taste best in summer. Using fresh herbs like cilantro is great in spring. They add a bright flavor to the dip. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start making your cranberry jalapeño dip, gather all your ingredients. You need fresh or frozen cranberries, a small jalapeño, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, green onions, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You’ll also want some tortilla chips or crackers for serving. First, take a medium saucepan. Add the cranberries and the finely chopped jalapeño. Cover them with water and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. You will see the cranberries begin to burst and soften. This is the perfect time to drain the mixture. Set it aside to cool for a few minutes. While your cranberry mix cools, grab a large mixing bowl. Add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to mix until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, add the honey, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir this mixture well. Now, take your cooled cranberry and jalapeño mix and fold it into the creamy mixture. Add the chopped green onions, too. It's important to keep some texture. You want to feel the little bursts of cranberry in each bite. Finally, taste the dip. Adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or even a hint of cayenne for extra heat. Spoon the dip into a serving bowl, and cover it with plastic wrap. Refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This lets the flavors blend beautifully. Before you serve, sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves on top if you like. Enjoy your dip with tortilla chips or crackers! You can easily change the heat in this dip. If you want it mild, use less jalapeño. Try half of a small jalapeño or remove the seeds and ribs. If you love heat, add more jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne. Taste as you go. This way, you will get the perfect spice for your party. To make sure your dip is creamy, use soft cream cheese. Let it sit out before mixing. This helps it blend well. When mixing, use a hand mixer or a strong spoon. Mix until it's smooth and lump-free. After adding the cranberry mix, fold gently. You want to keep some cranberry chunks for texture. Make your dip look great on the table! Use a bright platter and center the dip. Surround it with tortilla chips or assorted crackers. For a pop of color, add whole cranberries and sliced jalapeños around the dip. You can also sprinkle fresh cilantro on top before serving. This adds a nice touch and makes it look inviting. Pro Tips Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dip, use less jalapeño or remove the seeds and membranes, where most of the heat resides. Chill for Flavor: Allowing the dip to chill for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavors as they meld together, making it even tastier! Fresh vs. Frozen: Fresh cranberries are best for this recipe, but if using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and drained to prevent excess moisture. Serving Suggestions: This dip pairs wonderfully with a variety of dippers; consider adding veggies like cucumber and bell peppers for a colorful platter. {{image_4}} You can play with different herbs and spices to change the flavor. Try adding fresh basil or dill for a twist. A pinch of cumin or paprika boosts warmth and depth. Just remember, start small. You can always add more, but you can't take it out! While cream cheese gives a rich touch, you can use other bases too. Greek yogurt makes it lighter and adds protein. You could also try ricotta for a fluffy texture. If you want a dairy-free option, use cashew cream or silken tofu. Each base offers a unique taste! Make this dip your own by swapping fruits based on the season. In spring, add diced strawberries for sweetness. Summer peaches or mangoes bring a refreshing note. In fall, consider using chopped apples or pears. Each fruit not only changes the taste but also the look! To keep your Cranberry Jalapeño Dip fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps maintain the dip's flavor and texture. Cover the container tightly with a lid or plastic wrap. Avoid using containers that let air in, as this can cause the dip to spoil faster. The dip lasts in the fridge for about five days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Place the dip in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. It can stay frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, move it to the fridge overnight to thaw. Cranberry Jalapeño Dip is best served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it warm, gently reheat it in the microwave. Use short bursts of heat, stirring in between. Avoid overcooking, as it can change the dip's texture. Enjoy this tasty dip with your favorite tortilla chips or crackers! Yes, you can make this dip ahead of time. Prepare it the day before your event. Just keep it in the fridge. The flavors will blend well overnight. This dip tastes even better after it sits. When ready to serve, just add the cilantro on top. Cranberry Jalapeño Dip pairs well with many snacks. Try it with tortilla chips or assorted crackers. Fresh veggies like carrots and celery are great too. You can also use pita chips for a fun twist. The dip adds a nice kick to any snack. Yes, you can make this dip vegan. Swap the cream cheese for a vegan cream cheese. Use vegan sour cream and mayonnaise as well. Honey can be replaced with maple syrup or agave. This way, you keep the flavor while making it plant-based. This blog post shared everything you need for a delicious Cranberry Jalapeño Dip. I covered the right ingredients and smart substitutions. You learned step-by-step instructions for easy preparation and cooking. Tips for spice levels, creaminess, and presentation can make your dish shine. Plus, I offered fun variations to keep it interesting. Storing this dip properly ensures it stays fresh and tasty. With these insights, you can create a dip that impresses every time. Enjoy making and sharing this dish!

Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

A creamy and spicy dip featuring cranberries and jalapeños, perfect for entertaining.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
  • 0.5 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 0.25 cup mayonnaise
  • 0.25 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • optional fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
  • to serve tortilla chips or assorted crackers

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, place the cranberries and the finely chopped jalapeño. Pour in enough water to fully cover the cranberries. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until the cranberries start to burst and soften.
  • Carefully drain the cooked cranberries and jalapeño mixture, then set aside to cool for a few minutes.
  • While the cranberry mixture cools, take a large mixing bowl and add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Using a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon, mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy, free of lumps.
  • To the creamy mixture, add the honey, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is well combined and seasoned to your liking.
  • Once the cranberry and jalapeño mix has cooled, gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture along with the chopped green onions. Be careful to retain some texture; you want little bursts of cranberry in your dip!
  • Taste the dip and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you desire an extra layer of heat.
  • Spoon the dip into a serving bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or a lid. Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
  • For garnish, sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves on top of the dip right before serving, if desired.

Notes

Serve with tortilla chips or assorted crackers for a delightful snack.
Keyword appetizer, cranberry, dip, jalapeño, party food