Description
Spicy-sweet holiday cranberry jalapeño cream cheese dip brings festive cheer to winter gatherings with its perfect balance of tangy and heat. Creamy, zesty, and irresistibly delicious, this appetizer will make guests reach for crackers and beg for the recipe.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 bag (12 ounces / 340 grams) fresh cranberries, rinsed and drained
- 16 ounces (450 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 12 jalapenos, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:
- ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) lime juice (about 2 limes)
Herbs and Seasonings:
- ¼ cup (10 grams) fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Serving Suggestions:
- Crackers
- Tortilla chips
- Fresh vegetables
Instructions
- Pulverize cranberries in a food processor until roughly chopped, avoiding excessive processing to maintain texture.
- Transfer cranberry mixture to a mixing bowl and integrate sugar, tangy lime juice, finely diced jalapenos, fresh cilantro, and a pinch of salt.
- Allow the cranberry mixture to rest for 15-20 minutes, enabling the flavors to harmonize and intensify.
- Select a serving platter or shallow dish and evenly distribute softened cream cheese across the surface using a flexible spatula.
- Carefully layer the marinated cranberry mixture atop the cream cheese, ensuring uniform coverage and an appealing presentation.
- Seal the dip with protective wrap and nestle in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes, permitting flavors to meld and develop complexity.
- When ready to serve, remove from refrigeration and accompany with an array of dipping options such as crisp crackers, authentic tortilla chips, or vibrant fresh vegetables.
Notes
- Pulse cranberries carefully to maintain a chunky texture, avoiding a mushy consistency that could ruin the dip’s visual appeal.
- Let the cranberry mixture rest to develop deeper, more complex flavor profiles that elevate the overall taste experience.
- Experiment with alternative cream cheese options like reduced-fat or dairy-free versions to accommodate different dietary needs.
- Adjust jalapeno quantity based on personal spice tolerance, creating a customizable heat level that suits every guest’s preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg