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Holiday Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip

A festive and flavorful dip with the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy! This creamy appetizer is ideal for holiday gatherings and pairs beautifully with crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ozcream cheese, softened1/2 cupcranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)1–2fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped1 tbspfresh cilantro, chopped (optional)1/2 cupshredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)Salt and pepper, to tasteFor serving: Crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies (e.g., cucumber, bell peppers, carrots)
  • 1/2 cupcranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)1–2fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped1 tbspfresh cilantro, chopped (optional)1/2 cupshredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)Salt and pepper, to tasteFor serving: Crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies (e.g., cucumber, bell peppers, carrots)
  • 1–2fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped1 tbspfresh cilantro, chopped (optional)1/2 cupshredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)Salt and pepper, to tasteFor serving: Crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies (e.g., cucumber, bell peppers, carrots)
  • 1 tbspfresh cilantro, chopped (optional)1/2 cupshredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)Salt and pepper, to tasteFor serving: Crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies (e.g., cucumber, bell peppers, carrots)
  • 1/2 cupshredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)Salt and pepper, to tasteFor serving: Crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies (e.g., cucumber, bell peppers, carrots)
  • Salt and pepper, to tasteFor serving: Crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies (e.g., cucumber, bell peppers, carrots)
  • For serving: Crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies (e.g., cucumber, bell peppers, carrots)

Instructions

  1. 1️⃣Prepare the base: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or a spoon until it’s smooth and creamy.2️⃣Mix in the flavors: Add the cranberry sauce, finely chopped jalapeños, and cilantro (if using). Stir until the ingredients are evenly combined.3️⃣Season: Taste the mixture and add salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavors.4️⃣Optional topping: If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Place the dip in the refrigerator for10–15 minutesto firm up slightly before serving.5️⃣Serve: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Garnish with extra jalapeño slices or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a festive presentation. Serve with your choice of crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies.
  2. 2️⃣Mix in the flavors: Add the cranberry sauce, finely chopped jalapeños, and cilantro (if using). Stir until the ingredients are evenly combined.3️⃣Season: Taste the mixture and add salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavors.4️⃣Optional topping: If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Place the dip in the refrigerator for10–15 minutesto firm up slightly before serving.5️⃣Serve: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Garnish with extra jalapeño slices or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a festive presentation. Serve with your choice of crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies.
  3. 3️⃣Season: Taste the mixture and add salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavors.
  4. 4️⃣Optional topping: If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Place the dip in the refrigerator for10–15 minutesto firm up slightly before serving.5️⃣Serve: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Garnish with extra jalapeño slices or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a festive presentation. Serve with your choice of crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies.
  5. 5️⃣Serve: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Garnish with extra jalapeño slices or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a festive presentation. Serve with your choice of crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies.

Notes

Heat level: For a milder dip, use just one jalapeño or substitute with diced green bell pepper. For more spice, include the jalapeño seeds.Cranberry sauce: Homemade cranberry sauce with a hint of orange zest can elevate the flavor. If using store-bought, choose one with whole cranberries for texture.Make ahead: This dip can be made up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, but let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving for easier dipping.
Cranberry sauce: Homemade cranberry sauce with a hint of orange zest can elevate the flavor. If using store-bought, choose one with whole cranberries for texture.Make ahead: This dip can be made up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, but let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving for easier dipping.
Make ahead: This dip can be made up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, but let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving for easier dipping.

  • Author: Chef Stella