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Best Jalapeño Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

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A quick and easy sweet, spicy, and creamy dip made with cranberry compote, jalapeño, and whipped cream cheese. Perfect for parties and gatherings, this crowd-pleasing appetizer comes together in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (100g) fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 8 ounces (226g) whipped cream cheese
  • 1–2 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons (8g) fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey (optional)
  • Crackers, tortilla chips, crostini, or fresh vegetable crudités for serving
  • Optional garnish: extra orange zest, whole cranberries, fresh cilantro sprig

Instructions

  1. Make the Cranberry Compote: In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and salt. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and mixture thickens into a jammy compote. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. Prep the Jalapeño: Cut off the stem, slice the pepper in half lengthwise, and scrape out seeds and white membrane. Finely dice the jalapeño into small pieces. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
  3. Mix the Base: In a medium mixing bowl, stir the whipped cream cheese to loosen it. Add diced jalapeño and chopped cilantro (reserve some for garnish). Stir until evenly distributed.
  4. Combine Everything: Spoon the slightly cooled cranberry compote over the cream cheese mixture. Gently fold together until just combined, leaving streaks of cranberry and cream cheese.
  5. Season and Taste: Add a pinch more salt if needed. Drizzle in optional honey and stir gently if desired.
  6. Chill (Optional but Recommended): Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors. Can be made up to 2 days ahead.
  7. Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl or spread on a platter. Garnish with reserved cilantro, extra orange zest, and whole cranberries. Serve with crackers, chips, or crostini.

Notes

For a milder dip, use only half a jalapeño or remove all seeds and membrane. For a dairy-free version, use plain unsweetened dairy-free cream cheese. The dip can be made a day ahead for better flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño cranberry cream cheese dip, easy appetizer, holiday dip, spicy cranberry dip, cream cheese dip

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/best-jalape-n-o-cranberry-cream-cheese-dip/