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Cranberry-Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 14 reviews
  • Author: Lora
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Cranberry-Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip is a vibrant and tangy appetizer perfect for gatherings. Fresh cranberries combined with spicy jalapeno, zesty lime, and aromatic cilantro create a deliciously refreshing topping for creamy, smooth cream cheese. Served chilled with crackers, this dip offers a beautiful balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that make it an irresistible party starter.

Ingredients

Dip Mixture

  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries
  • 4-5 green onions, chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely diced
  • 1 cup sugar (adjust more or less to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon or lime juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Cream Cheese Layer

  • 2 (8-ounce each) packages cream cheese, light or regular, softened

Serving

  • Crackers, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cranberry mixture: Pulse the fresh cranberries in a food processor or blender until coarsely chopped. Add chopped green onions, cilantro, jalapeno, sugar, cumin, lemon or lime juice, and salt to the processor. Pulse again until the ingredients are well combined and finely chopped.
  2. Chill for flavor development: Transfer the combined mixture into a covered container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and develop fully.
  3. Assemble the dip: When ready to serve, spread the softened cream cheese evenly on a serving plate or a 9-inch pie dish.
  4. Add the cranberry topping: Spoon and spread the chilled cranberry-jalapeno mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
  5. Final chill and serve: Refrigerate the assembled dip for up to an hour before serving to allow it to set slightly. Serve chilled with crackers for dipping.

Notes

  • You can adjust the sugar quantity in the cranberry mixture to balance the tartness of the cranberries and the heat of the jalapeno.
  • For less heat, remove the seeds and membranes of the jalapeno completely or substitute with a milder pepper.
  • This dip can be made a day ahead to enhance the flavor blend.
  • Use either light or regular cream cheese according to your preference.
  • Serve with a variety of crackers or vegetable sticks for a versatile appetizer.

Find it online: https://meallora.com/cranberry-jalapeno-cream-cheese-dip-recipe/