Description
Spicy-sweet creamy jalapeño cranberry dip brings Mediterranean zest to holiday gatherings. Tangy cranberries and bold peppers dance together, promising guests a memorable flavor adventure you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) cranberry sauce
- 2 jalapenos, seeded and diced
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/4 cup (15 grams) chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup (25 grams) chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the base by softening cream cheese at room temperature for smooth blending.
- Finely chop fresh jalapenos and green onions to distribute heat and flavor evenly throughout the dip.
- Gently fold cranberry sauce into the cream cheese mixture, creating a marbled effect with vibrant color and sweet-tangy undertones.
- Incorporate chopped cilantro, lime juice, and minced garlic for a zesty and aromatic profile.
- Sprinkle crushed pecans to add a delightful crunch and nutty dimension to the creamy texture.
- Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, whisking thoroughly to ensure balanced seasoning.
- Mix mayonnaise into the dip to enhance its rich, velvety consistency.
- Transfer the dip to a sealed container and refrigerate for 60-90 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
- Before serving, let the dip sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften slightly.
- Garnish with additional chopped pecans or cilantro for visual appeal and extra texture.
- Pair with crisp tortilla chips, pita crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Notes
- Soften cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture.
- Adjust jalapeno quantity based on heat preference, removing seeds for milder flavor or adding more for extra kick.
- Use fresh cranberry sauce for brighter taste, though store-bought works perfectly in a pinch.
- Chop ingredients finely to ensure even distribution and balanced flavor in every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 155 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg