Description
Zesty cranberry jalapeño dip blends tangy cranberries with spicy peppers for a mouthwatering appetizer sensation. Creamy cheese and fresh herbs create a perfect balance that will have guests craving more at your next gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 (8 ounces/226 grams) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 (12 ounces/340 grams) bag fresh cranberries
- 2 fresh jalapenos, seeds removed, finely diced
Flavor Enhancers:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup green onions, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Finely chop fresh cranberries in a food processor, ensuring a coarse texture without turning them into a puree.
- Combine chopped cranberries with a blend of finely diced jalapenos, green onions, and vibrant cilantro in a mixing bowl.
- Introduce tangy lime juice and a pinch of salt to the cranberry mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
- Cover the cranberry salsa and allow it to rest in the refrigerator for a minimum of two hours, enabling the ingredients to harmonize and intensify their taste profile.
- Carefully spread softened cream cheese across the base of a serving dish, creating a smooth and even foundation.
- Gently layer the chilled cranberry mixture atop the cream cheese, ensuring complete coverage and an aesthetically pleasing presentation.
- Garnish with additional chopped cilantro or green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch.
- Accompany the dip with an array of crisp crackers, golden tortilla chips, or thinly sliced toasted baguette for optimal enjoyment.
- Serve immediately to preserve the dip’s optimal temperature and textural contrast between the creamy base and zesty cranberry topping.
Notes
- Pulse cranberries carefully to maintain a chunky texture, avoiding a mushy consistency that could compromise the dip’s visual appeal.
- Allow the cranberry mixture to marinate longer than 2 hours for deeper, more complex flavor development and optimal taste integration.
- Use fresh jalapeños for a brighter, more vibrant heat that cuts through the cream cheese’s richness and enhances the dip’s overall zesty profile.
- Opt for low-fat cream cheese to create a lighter version without sacrificing the creamy texture, making the dip more diet-friendly and health-conscious.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 152
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg