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    Home » Appetizers

    Cranberry Jalapeno Dip

    Published: Oct 29, 2020 · Modified: Oct 1, 2021 by heather · This post may contain affiliate links

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    Cranberry jalapeno dip is sure to become a favorite appetizer at parties and gatherings. A delicious mix of tart cranberries, spicy jalapeno and sweetness with sugar. 

    We also love this cranberry cheesecake dip for a delicious dessert.

    Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip in dish

    Cranberries are such a wonderful thing to have on hand during the holiday season. They have a beautiful deep red color, taste delicious and can be used in so many different recipes like cranberry mocktail, cranberry upside down cake, and cranberry dump cake.

    Why you will love this dip

    • Creamy, crunchy texture, with a sweet and tart taste. This cranberry jalapeno cream cheese dip recipe is bursting with flavor and texture. 
    • Not only is this appetizer delicious, it’s also beautiful! The red cranberries mixed with green jalapenos and cilantro make this perfect for a holiday table. 

    Ingredients needed

    Whole cranberries – One regular size bag of whole, fresh cranberries work well. 

    Jalapeno peppers – This adds a nice heat that complements to the sweetness of the dish. 

    Cream cheese – You will need 2, 8 oz blocks of cream cheese, softened. 

    Sugar – Brings out the sweetness of the cranberries. For this recipe I used 1/2 cup sugar, if you prefer extra sweetness you can use 3/4 cup sugar. 

    Green onion

    Cilantro – This is an optional ingredient. 

    Chili powder – Adds a hint of spice that leaves people asking for the secret ingredient. 

    How to make cranberry jalapeno dip

    Scroll down to watch video and get the full, printable recipe and ingredients. 

    • Chop: Chop cranberries with with a food processor, blender with a few pulses or chop with a knife. Make sure not to chop them so much that they liquify. 
    • Mix: Stir together chopped cranberries, chopped jalapenos, green onion, cilantro, sugar, lemon juice and chili powder to make a cranberry jalapeno relish. Cover the mixture and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours up to overnight. This helps let the flavors come together. 
    • Assemble: When ready to make, whip the softened cream cheese with an electric hand mixer or stand mixer. Spread on the bottom of a serving dish like a 9-inch pie plate. Spread the cranberry mixture on top of the cream cheese. 
    • Serve: Serve or store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. 

    Cranberries, sugar, cream cheese, lemon, and jalapenos.

    Recipe tips

    • If you would like more heat, feel free to add another jalapeno. Also, if you prefer no heat, you can omit the jalapeno pepper and replace with a small green bell pepper. 
    • Make sure to let the cream cheese soften to room temperature to help get a nice, creamy consistency. 
    • If you make this ahead of time, store in the refrigerator and then take out about 30 minutes before serving to let the cream cheese soften a little. 
    • To avoid getting the cream cheese too soggy, use a slotted spoon to scoop up cranberry mixture when topping the cream cheese. 
    • If you are traveling with this, you can package the cranberry mixture separate and top the cream cheese once ready to serve. 

    How to serve cranberry jalapeno dip recipe

    This dip can be served with a variety of crackers, vegetables, toast, even a vanilla wafer cookie. 

    We have also used this dip on turkey sandwiches, and on top of a toasted bagel for breakfast yum! 

    How to store

    Store this cream cheese dip covered in the refrigerator. You can cover with plastic wrap or a lid. The sugar in this dip brings out the juice in the cranberries so it can start to become a little soggy after 2-3 days. 

    Are cranberries nutritious?

    Cranberries are sometimes referred to as a superfood because of all their health benefits. According to WebMd, they are high in antioxidants, vitamins and they may help with gut health, eye sight and more. 

    Cracker with cranberry cream cheese dip on the cracker.

    More delicious dip recipes

    • Crack dip – Creamy dip with ranch seasoning, bacon and cheese. 
    • Chipped beef dip – Chopped chipped beef mixed with cream cheese, spices and green onion. 
    • Caramel apple dip – A delicious dessert dip with a sweet cream cheese base and topped with caramel. 
    • Knorr dip – A classic dip made with Knorr vegetable mix. 
    • French onion dip – Homemade French onion dip perfect for veggies, chips and crackers. 

    Made this cranberry dip recipe? Feel free to leave a comment and star rating below to let us know how it turned out. 

    Cracker with cranberry dip
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    5 from 17 votes

    Cranberry Jalapeno Dip

    Sweet and spicy, this cranberry jalapeno dip is always a huge hit.
    Prep Time10 mins
    Chill time2 hrs
    Total Time2 hrs 10 mins
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: cranberry
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 327kcal
    Author: Heather

    Ingredients

    • 1 12 oz bag whole fresh cranberries
    • 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
    • 3 green onions, chopped
    • 1/8 cup chopped cilantro
    • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder optional for added flavor
    • 1/2 cup sugar
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • 16 oz cream cheese, softened

    Instructions

    • Chop cranberries in a food processor or blender, making sure not to chop too much that they liquify. You can also chop the cranberries with a knife.
    • Place chopped cranberries in a large bowl. Stir in sugar, chili powder, jalapenos, green onion, cilantro, and lemon juice. Cover and place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours up to overnight.
    • When ready to make, whip cream cheese with an electric mixer. Spread the cream cheese in a 9-inch pie plate or serving dish. Top with the cranberry mixture.
    • Serve or cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 327kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 83mg | Sodium: 247mg | Potassium: 121mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 1172IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 78mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Follow me @foodlovinfamily or tag #foodlovinfamily!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. FP

      December 12, 2021 at 4:52 am

      Sounds delicious! Is there a way to whip the cream cheese without an electric mixer? Also. What is the recommendation for what to use for dipping ? Thanks!

      Reply
      • heather

        December 13, 2021 at 9:45 pm

        You could but the already whipped cream cheese in the tub or you could mash it with something like a fork or potato masher to help soften it up.

        Reply
    2. Elaine

      November 25, 2021 at 4:57 am

      5 stars
      I tried this for a school pitch-in and we loved it! I also made it without the cream cheese just as a salsa. DELICIOUS as well!! Thanks for a wonderful recipe!!

      Reply
    3. Linda Johnston

      November 15, 2021 at 7:45 pm

      I was wondering if dried cranberries might work. Put them in food processor for a few seconds to chop them up a little

      Reply
      • heather

        November 15, 2021 at 8:34 pm

        I don’t think they would work as well because they are a little chewy. I recommend to try and use the fresh cranberries if possible. Hope you enjoy!

        Reply
    4. Marlane

      November 14, 2021 at 12:25 pm

      Can you use frozen cranberries that have been thawed? Thank you

      Reply
      • heather

        November 15, 2021 at 2:21 pm

        Yes, thawed frozen cranberries will work. Enjoy!

        Reply
    5. Shea

      November 07, 2021 at 11:56 pm

      5 stars
      Ever tried this dip hot? Like in a crockpot?

      Reply
      • heather

        November 08, 2021 at 3:21 pm

        I haven’t tried it hot, but you could probably warm the cream cheese layer in the oven for a few minutes if you would prefer it warm.

        Reply
    6. Shirley Cooper

      February 07, 2021 at 5:45 pm

      5 stars
      I love this Dip!!! I made it last night to set in refrigerator overnight. This is my third time making it since Thanksgiving 2020. All my Family and Friends love it too. One needed ingredient that I needed this time was not available at any store I looked at and that was whole cranberries. The produce department says it’s seasonal and usually isn’t available until around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hey, Super Bowl is Football Fans Holiday!!Lol So what I’m doing to the dip is using whole cranberry sauce gel. It has whole cranberries in it. My Husband tasted the dip and says it’s really good! I’m going to write another review later after the Super Bowl to let you know the reviews I got. Cross Fingers. We are cheering for Kansas City Chief’s!!!!!

      Reply
    7. Robyn Huffman

      November 08, 2020 at 11:08 pm

      thank you for sharing such a great recipe! Can’t wait to try this one!

      Reply
    8. Natalia Voche

      November 05, 2020 at 6:29 am

      I can’t wait to try this at home I bet my hubby would love this too

      Reply
    9. Swathi

      November 05, 2020 at 5:41 am

      5 stars
      Cranberry jalapeno dip looks delicious my favorite with spicy tart treat.

      Reply
    10. Jamie H

      November 05, 2020 at 2:41 am

      I love the mix of spicy and sweet! This will be perfect for our holiday gatherings!

      Reply
    11. Tasheena

      November 04, 2020 at 12:49 pm

      5 stars
      I love this flavor combination. Looking forward to giving this recipe a try.

      Reply
    12. Catalina

      November 03, 2020 at 9:35 pm

      5 stars
      Now I know what I will make for my husband. He will love this spicy dip for Thanksgiving!

      Reply
    13. Lynndee

      November 03, 2020 at 4:49 pm

      Oh, wow! I’ve never thought of combining those two. I did enjoy a cranberry dip before.

      Reply
    14. Tara | Mama's Money Diary

      November 03, 2020 at 3:54 pm

      I love dips but had never thought of combining cranberries & jalapenos – this looks delicious!

      Reply
    15. Ruth I

      November 03, 2020 at 3:38 pm

      I love chilli! but plus cranberry? I’m really interested how this tastes like. I love dipping sauces and i never think that this is possible. I’d love to try this one I’m excited! I hope my husband likes this too.

      Reply
    16. Bre

      November 03, 2020 at 1:28 pm

      I’d have never thought to combine these flavors but it sounds like it works.

      Reply
    17. Jen

      November 03, 2020 at 12:47 pm

      I would have never thought to combine these flavors, but it sounds like it would be amazing. And it just looks pretty. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    18. Nikki Wayne

      November 03, 2020 at 8:16 am

      5 stars
      It looks so nice..! I love the colors so much,thanks for.te recipe.

      Reply
    19. Chef Dennis

      November 03, 2020 at 5:16 am

      5 stars
      Yum! This is such a great and delicious idea! Your Cranberry Jalapeno Dip looks sooo tasty and perfect appetizer.

      Reply
    20. Beth

      November 03, 2020 at 2:56 am

      5 stars
      This looks like a tasty combination. I just started enjoying homemade cranberry sauce a few years ago, and I think I’ll love this too.

      Reply
    21. Melissa

      November 03, 2020 at 2:46 am

      5 stars
      I am for sure going to make this cranberry jalapeño dip for the holidays. It looks so festive and tasty!

      Reply
    22. Brandy Ellen Writes

      November 03, 2020 at 1:49 am

      What an interesting mixture! I’d never think to mix cranberry with jalapeno, but I like them both! So I’m going to have to give your dip a try.

      Reply
    23. Amber Myers

      November 02, 2020 at 11:10 pm

      Oh yes please. I love cranberries, so this is the perfect dip! And I like my food spicy!

      Reply
    24. Sarah Bailey

      November 02, 2020 at 10:31 pm

      Ohh now this sounds like a really interesting dip – I have to admit I always like trying different ones so this is a must make for me.

      Reply

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