Description

Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip is a festive and flavorful appetizer combining the tartness of fresh cranberries with a touch of spicy jalapeno, fresh herbs, and sweet sugar, all layered over smooth, whipped cream cheese. Perfect for holiday parties or gatherings, this dip offers a delightful balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors that pairs beautifully with crackers, pita chips, or tortilla chips.

Ingredients

Scale

Fresh Salsa

12 ounce bag fresh cranberries
1 jalapeno, chopped
2 to 3 tablespoons cilantro
3 green onions
1 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Cream Cheese Base

2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened and whipped

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Instructions

Chop Ingredients: Use a hand chopper or food processor to chop the fresh cranberries, jalapeno, cilantro, and green onions. If using a food processor, pulse gently to avoid pureeing the cranberries. Alternatively, finely hand chop all ingredients.
Mix and Refrigerate: Transfer the chopped mixture to a bowl, add sugar, salt, and optional lemon juice. Stir to combine. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
Strain the Salsa: Before serving, strain the cranberry mixture in a colander with small openings to remove most of the juice. This step prevents the dip from becoming too runny.
Prepare Cream Cheese: Place the softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl and whip for 2 to 3 minutes until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dip.
Assemble the Dip: Spread the whipped cream cheese evenly on the bottom of a pie plate, serving platter, or plate. Spoon the strained cranberry salsa over the top, spreading gently to cover the surface.
Serve: Present the dip with an assortment of crackers, pita chips, or tortilla chips for dipping and enjoy immediately.

Notes

This dip is perfect for holiday parties, offering a festive combination of creamy, tart, spicy, and sweet flavors.
Ensure to strain the cranberry mixture well to avoid excess liquid in the dip.
You can adjust the amount of jalapeno to control the heat level according to your preference.
For a smoother texture, make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before whipping.
If you prefer a more pronounced citrus flavor, do not omit the optional lemon juice.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 79 kcal
Sugar: 18 g
Sodium: 50 mg
Fat: 1 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 1 g
Cholesterol: 1 mg