Irresistible Holiday Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip

The aroma of creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet Holiday Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip wafts through the air, promising a flavor explosion that makes your taste buds dance with joy. Picture this: a velvety cream cheese base adorned with tangy cranberries and zesty jalapeños, all mingling together like old friends at a holiday party. This dip is not just food; it’s an experience, a festive gathering that beckons everyone to dip their chips and revel in the deliciousness.

Every holiday season, I whip up this delightful dip for family gatherings, watching as it disappears faster than you can say “more please.” It’s become a tradition that elevates our celebrations, bringing laughter and joy to the table. Whether it’s Christmas or Thanksgiving, this dip is the star of the show, with flavors that spark joy and create lasting memories.

It’s always a hit when my family tastes this dip; they can’t resist asking for the recipe!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for a rich, creamy texture that blends beautifully with other ingredients.

• Fresh Cranberries: Opt for fresh cranberries instead of canned for a vibrant flavor and visual appeal.

• Jalapeños: Choose ripe jalapeños for the best balance of heat; remove seeds if you prefer milder spice.

• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess that complements the sweetness of cranberries perfectly.

• Green Onions: Freshly chopped green onions add a burst of color and mild onion flavor.

• Honey: A drizzle of honey enhances sweetness while balancing out the heat from jalapeños.

• Salt: Just a pinch elevates all the flavors without overpowering them.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Holiday Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by rinsing your cranberries under cold water; discard any soft or shriveled ones. Finely chop jalapeños while keeping an eye out for those sneaky seeds if you want less heat.

Mash Cream Cheese Smoothly: In a mixing bowl, add your softened cream cheese and sour cream. Blend until creamy and smooth using an electric mixer or spatula; you’ll want no lumps here.

Add Flavorful Ingredients: Gently fold in chopped cranberries, jalapeños, green onions, honey, and salt into the creamy mixture until evenly combined. The colors will pop vibrant red against white!

Taste Test Time!: Now comes the best part—taste your dip! Adjust sweetness by adding more honey or spice by incorporating extra jalapeños according to your preference.

Chill & Serve!: Transfer your heavenly mixture into a serving dish; cover with plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours to let flavors meld beautifully before serving.

Strongly encourage everyone to enjoy this delightful dip with tortilla chips or fresh veggies. You might even want to double the recipe because guests will be lining up for seconds!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To create this dip, start by softening the cream cheese, then mix in chopped jalapeños and cranberries. Blend until creamy for the best texture, ensuring all ingredients combine evenly.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out jalapeños for roasted red peppers for a milder flavor. Adding chopped green onions can also provide a nice crunch and fresh taste.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently in the microwave to maintain its creamy texture.

Creating this Holiday Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip became a staple at my family gatherings, where laughter and full bellies were guaranteed.

FAQ

What can I use as dippers for the dip?

Try crackers, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetable sticks like celery and carrots.

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it a day before and refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavors.

How spicy is the Holiday Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip?

The spice level depends on the amount of jalapeños used; adjust according to your preference.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Holiday Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the festive flavors of this Holiday Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip. With its creamy texture and a perfect balance of sweet cranberries and zesty jalapeños, this dip is a showstopper at any holiday gathering. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, it will have your guests lining up for seconds. Serve with tortilla chips or fresh veggies for a delightful appetizer that brings joy to every occasion.

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
• 2 ripe jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1/4 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Rinse cranberries under cold water and discard soft ones.
2. Finely chop jalapeños.
3. In a mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
4. Gently fold in cranberries, jalapeños, green onions, honey, and salt until well combined.
5. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice as desired.
6. Transfer to a serving dish, cover with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 tbsp (30g)
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg