Crisp crackers piled high with a creamy, tangy, and subtly spicy concoction – that’s the promise of this festive appetizer. The magic lies in the balance: the sweet-tart burst of cranberries, the gentle heat of jalapeños, and the cool, rich embrace of cream cheese. It’s a study in contrasts that awakens the palate and leaves you wanting more.
This cranberry jalapeño dip is a showstopper because it’s both incredibly easy to make and deeply satisfying. The oven transforms simple ingredients into a warm, welcoming dish, perfect for holiday gatherings, game days, or any occasion that calls for a little something special.
Why you’ll love this Festive Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip with Cranberry Jalapeño Dip
- This cranberry jalapeño dip is ready in under an hour!
- The perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors.
- It requires minimal effort and uses readily available ingredients.
- A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will impress your guests.
- Versatile enough to be served with a variety of dippers, from crackers to vegetables.
- The vibrant colors make it a visually appealing addition to any appetizer spread.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied), roughly chopped if using whole berry
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely minced
- 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crackers, baguette slices, or vegetable sticks for serving
For a tangier flavor, try using plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. If you’re sensitive to spice, be sure to remove *all* the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños.
How to make Festive Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Cranberry jalapeño dip makes every moment feel sunny. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth and creamy. This ensures a perfectly blended dip.
Step 2: Incorporate the Flavors
Gently fold in the cranberry sauce, minced jalapeños, and green onions. Stir until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the mixture to a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is heated through and bubbly around the edges. If desired, sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Chef’s Tip: Keep a close eye on the dip during the last few minutes of baking to prevent the nuts from burning.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with crackers, baguette slices, or vegetable sticks.
Tips for Success
- Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth and lump-free dip.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning before baking, adding more salt, pepper, or jalapeños as needed.
- Don’t overbake the dip, as this can cause the cream cheese to become dry.
- For a smoother cranberry flavor, pulse the cranberry sauce in a food processor before adding it to the dip.
Serving Suggestions
This cranberry jalapeño dip is a versatile appetizer that pairs well with a variety of dippers. Consider serving it with:
* Assorted crackers (water crackers, wheat crackers, etc.)
* Toasted baguette slices
* Fresh vegetable sticks (carrots, celery, cucumber)
* Tortilla chips
* Pretzel crisps
For a complete appetizer spread, serve alongside other dips like this creamy olive dip.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Be sure to stir well before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
**Can I make this dip ahead of time?**
Yes! You can prepare the dip ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
**Can I freeze this dip?**
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the cream cheese may change upon thawing.
**How spicy is this dip?**
The spice level depends on the jalapeños. Removing the seeds and membranes will significantly reduce the heat. You can also adjust the amount of jalapeños to your liking. If you want even more spice you can learn how to make baked mac and cheese with an extra kick.
The festive cranberry jalapeño dip is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering. The creamy base, the sweetness of the cranberries, and the spicy kick of the jalapeños create a truly irresistible appetizer. Let me know what you think! Share your experiences and any variations you try in the comments below.
Festive Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip
This cranberry jalapeño cream cheese dip is the perfect appetizer for any holiday gathering! It’s a delicious blend of sweet and spicy, with the creamy coolness of cream cheese balancing the tart cranberries and the kick of jalapeños. Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, this dip will steal the show at your next party. The vibrant colors and delightful flavor combination make it an irresistible addition to your appetizer spread. The creamy texture complements the sweet and spicy mix, offering a delightful mouthfeel that keeps guests coming back for more. Whether served with crackers, baguette slices, or even vegetable sticks, this dip is incredibly versatile and always a hit. This easy dip is ready in less than an hour!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied), roughly chopped if using whole berry
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely minced
- 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crackers, baguette slices, or vegetable sticks for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold in the cranberry sauce, minced jalapeños, and green onions. Stir until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the mixture to a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is heated through and bubbly around the edges. If desired, sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with crackers, baguette slices, or vegetable sticks.
Notes
For a milder dip, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before mincing. You can also adjust the amount of jalapeños to your preference. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving. If you prefer a sweeter dip, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. You can also make this dip ahead of time and bake it just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of dip
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg