This cranberry jalapeno dip has become the single most requested appetizer at every holiday gathering I host. It completely transforms the humble cranberry from a traditional side dish into the star of the party.

I remember the first time I made this for a Christmas Eve potluck. I was worried it might be too unusual for traditional palates.

To my surprise, the platter was scraped clean before the main course even hit the table. The combination of tart berries and spicy heat hooks you immediately.

If you are a fan of vibrant dips like my corn black bean guacamole, this festive red and green spread will be right up your alley. It offers that same fresh, textural satisfaction with a sweet seasonal twist.

Why you’ll love this Cranberry Jalapeno Dip

Perfect flavor balance: The tartness of the cranberries cuts through the rich cream cheese, while the sugar and jalapeño add a sweet heat that is addictive.
Festive presentation: The bright red berries and green cilantro make this the ultimate visual centerpiece for Christmas or holiday spreads.
Make-ahead friendly: This cranberry jalapeno dip actually tastes better the next day, allowing you to prep well in advance of your guests arriving.
Texture contrast: You get a satisfying crunch from the fresh relish that pairs beautifully with the smooth, softened cream cheese layer.
Crowd pleaser: It bridges the gap between sweet and savory, making it appealing to almost every type of eater at the party.

Ingredients

Fresh cranberries: You will need a 12-ounce bag, rinsed and picked over to remove any mushy berries.
Green onions: Use 4 onions, trimmed and chopped, utilizing both the white and green parts for flavor and color.
Fresh cilantro: A quarter cup of washed and chopped leaves adds a fresh, herbal note that lightens the dish.
Jalapeño peppers: Two medium peppers, seeded and minced, provide the signature kick without overwhelming heat.
Granulated sugar: One cup is necessary to macerate the berries and balance their natural tartness.
Lemon juice: A tablespoon of fresh juice brightens the mixture and helps preserve the vibrant colors.
Salt: Just an eighth of a teaspoon helps to pop the flavors and balance the sweetness.
Cream cheese: Two 8-ounce blocks, softened to room temperature so they spread easily without tearing.
Serving vessels: Have plenty of sturdy crackers, crostini, or baguette slices ready for dipping.

Directions

Step 1

Begin by preparing your fresh produce. Rinse the raw cranberries thoroughly and place them into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse the machine briefly a few times until the berries are coarsely chopped. Be very careful not to over-process them, as you want distinct chunks rather than a wet puree.

Step 2

Add the chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, minced jalapeños, granulated sugar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and salt to the processor bowl with the berries. These aromatic ingredients will create the complex flavor profile of the dip.

Step 3

Pulse the mixture a few more times to incorporate everything evenly. The goal is to create a colorful relish where all ingredients are approximately the same size. Stop pulsing before the mixture turns into a soup or sauce.

Step 4

Transfer this vibrant cranberry mixture into a medium-sized bowl. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a secure lid. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, though letting it sit overnight is ideal.

Step 5

Understand that this chilling time is not optional. It allows the sugar to draw moisture out of the cranberries and dissolve completely. This process eliminates any grainy texture and allows the spicy and sweet flavors to meld together perfectly.

Step 6

When you are ready to serve, take the mixture out of the fridge. You will likely notice a significant amount of red liquid at the bottom of the bowl. Gently drain off this excess liquid so your dip doesn’t become runny.

Step 7

Prepare your serving platter or shallow pie plate. Take the softened cream cheese and spread it in an even, thick layer across the bottom of the dish. Make sure the cheese is soft enough to spread without struggle.

Step 8

Spoon the chilled, drained cranberry jalapeño salsa generously over the top of the cream cheese. Spread it out to the edges, leaving a small rim of white showing if you prefer a decorative look. Serve immediately with a knife and your favorite crackers.

Variations, pairings, and serving ideas

Variations

You can easily customize the heat level of this dip. For a milder version, remove every seed and white membrane from the jalapeños before mincing. If you prefer a serious kick, leave the seeds in or even swap one jalapeño for a serrano pepper.

Another delicious twist is to add a citrus zest to the mixture. Grating fresh orange zest into the cranberry relish adds a beautiful floral aroma that complements the berries. It makes the dip taste even more like a holiday tradition.

If you aren’t a fan of cream cheese, whipped feta or goat cheese makes a sophisticated alternative. The tanginess of goat cheese pairs exceptionally well with the sweet cranberry relish. Just make sure to whip the cheese with a little milk or cream so it is spreadable.

Pairings

Sturdy crackers are the classic vehicle for this dip. Look for wheat crackers or artisanal crispbreads that can hold the weight of the cream cheese and relish. Avoid very thin, flaky crackers that might break when scooping.

Toasted baguette slices or crostini are also excellent options. Brush the bread with a little olive oil and toast it until golden brown. The crunch of the warm bread against the cold dip is texturally satisfying.

For a lighter option, serve this with crisp vegetables. Celery sticks, cucumber rounds, or endive leaves offer a fresh vessel for the dip. This is a great way to add more greens to your holiday appetizer table.

Serving ideas

Presentation is key for this festive dish. Use a shallow glass pie dish or a bright white ceramic platter to make the red and green colors pop. The contrast between the white cheese and the ruby-red relish is stunning.

You can also serve this as individual appetizers. Spread a little cream cheese on a cracker and top it with a teaspoon of the relish. Arrange these pre-assembled bites on a tiered serving tray for an elegant finger food option.

For a rustic look, serve the dip on a wooden charcuterie board. Surround the main dip bowl with piles of different crackers, nuts, and dried fruits. This encourages guests to graze and mix flavors.

Storage and make-ahead tips

Storage

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, the relish will continue to release liquid, which may dye the cream cheese pink. It will still taste delicious, but it won’t look as pristine as day one.

Store the dip in an airtight container. If you have kept the relish and cream cheese separate, the relish alone can last up to a week in the fridge. The sugar acts as a preservative, keeping the berries fresh.

I do not recommend freezing this cranberry jalapeno dip. Cream cheese changes texture when frozen and thawed, becoming crumbly. The fresh cranberries will also lose their crisp texture and become mushy upon thawing.

Make-ahead

This recipe is actually best when started the day before. Making the cranberry relish the night before allows the flavors to develop fully. It also saves you valuable time on the day of your event.

You can also spread the cream cheese on your platter a few hours before the party. Cover the platter tightly with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge. This makes assembly take less than two minutes when guests arrive.

Just remember to drain the relish right before topping the cheese. If you assemble the entire dish too early, the red juices might bleed into the white cheese. Keeping the components separate until serving time ensures the best visual presentation.

Common mistakes when making Cranberry Jalapeno Dip

Over-processing the berries: If you pulse too long, you’ll end up with a smoothie instead of a relish. You want distinct chunks for crunch.
Skipping the chill time: If you don’t let the mixture sit, the sugar won’t dissolve. This results in a gritty, grainy texture that is unpleasant to eat.
Not draining the liquid: The sugar draws out a lot of water from the fruit. If you don’t drain it, your cream cheese will become a watery, soupy mess.
Using cold cream cheese: If the cheese isn’t softened, it won’t spread smoothly. You will tear holes in the layer, making it difficult to scoop.

Final notes

This appetizer truly embodies the spirit of holiday entertaining. It is vibrant, communal, and packed with bold flavors that get people talking. I guarantee that once you serve it, you will be asked for the recipe before the night is over.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with the spice levels to suit your crowd. The sweetness of the sugar and the creaminess of the cheese are very forgiving. Even people who claim they don’t like spice usually end up loving this combination.

I hope this cranberry jalapeno dip becomes a cherished part of your holiday traditions just as it has for mine. It is a simple, low-stress dish that delivers high-impact results every single time.

Perfect Cranberry Jalapeno Dip For Christmas

Why you’ll love this Cranberry Jalapeno Dip

Ingredients

Directions

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

Step 8

Variations, pairings, and serving ideas

Variations

Pairings

Serving ideas

Storage and make-ahead tips

Storage

Make-ahead

Common mistakes when making Cranberry Jalapeno Dip

Final notes

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Cranberry Jalapeno Dip

Ingredients

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Notes

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