Jalapeño Cranberry Dip

Always a favorite, this dip is perfect for beginner cooks who want to bring an extra easy dish-to-pass to parties and events. It’s an especially great choice for adding to your Thanksgiving or Christmas table.

All you’ll do is measure out the ingredients, blend together the jalapeño cranberry mixture, mix the creamy base mixture, and then arrange everything in a serving dish. That’s it!

I like to serve mine with Ritz crackers. Easy and so delicious!

💛 Why you’ll love this recipe

• A memorable dish for serving as a holiday appetizer.
• Straightforward ingredients you may already have on hand.
• Comes together with minimal effort.
• Vegetarian-friendly.

➡️ Ingredients

⏲ How to make jalapeño cranberry dip

This is an overview of the recipe’s instructions. The full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• Prepare Jalapeño Cranberry Mixture: To a blender or food processor, add cranberries, jalapeño peppers, green onions, cilantro, sugar, and lime juice until just combined and still chunky. You can either pulse it or blend on the lowest setting until everything is pulverized (be careful not to over-blend).
• Chill in Refrigerator: Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours for the flavors to meld together. Refrigerate overnight for the best flavor.

Recipe Tip: It’s important to make this in advance and allow the jalapeño cranberry mixture to sit. The flavors will really develop while it chills.

• Prepare Creamy Base: To a separate bowl, add the softened cream cheese and heavy cream. Using an electric hand mixer, mix until creamy.

• Spread Creamy Base in Serving Dish: Using a rubber spatula, spread the cream cheese mixture into an even layer on the bottom of a serving dish.
• Drain Jalapeño Cranberry Mixture: Remove the jalapeño cranberry mixture from the refrigerator and transfer it to a colander. Drain any excess liquid (it’s OK if it still has some moisture).
• Add Jalapeño Cranberry Layer: Spoon the jalapeño cranberry mixture into an even layer atop the cream cheese base.
• Serve: Serve immediately with crackers, tortilla chips, and/or sliced veggies. Or cover and refrigerate to serve later.

👉 Ingredient substitution suggestions

• Green Onions: Chopped chives or shallots can be used as a substitute for green onions.
• Cilantro: Use fresh parsley or basil for a different flavor profile.
• Sugar: Use honey or maple syrup instead.
• Lime Juice: Lemon juice can be used as a substitute.
• Cream Cheese: Replace with sour cream at a 1:1 ratio. You can likely then omit the heavy cream as sour cream is already creamy in texture. Keep in mind that this substitution will result in a tangier and lighter dip compared to the original recipe. Adjust the seasoning and flavorings, such as sugar and lime juice, to taste after making the substitution to ensure the dip suits your preferences.

✨ Variations

• If you can eat nuts, sprinkle chopped nuts (like toasted pecans or almonds) atop the cranberry mixture for added crunch and flavor.
• Add some fruity sweetness by adding finely diced apples, pears, or a teaspoon of orange zest to the cranberry mixture.

〰️ How to serve

• Serve with a variety of options, such as Ritz crackers, tortilla chips, pita chips, veggie slices, pretzel crisps, or toasted baguette slices, for added texture and taste.

💬 FAQs

📚 More appetizer recipes

• Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
• Halloumi Fries
• Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese
• 7-Layer Dip
• Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers
• Cucumber Tomato Bites