Description
Festive holiday cranberry jalapeño cream cheese dip brings zesty spice and sweet tang to party appetizers. Creamy, tangy, and perfectly balanced, this crowd-pleasing starter will make you the star of seasonal gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 12 fresh jalapenos, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) cranberry sauce
Cheese and Herbs:
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh cilantro, chopped
Seasoning:
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Serving Options:
- Crackers
- Crostini
- Fresh vegetables
Instructions
- Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30 minutes, then whip using a hand mixer until velvety and smooth, eliminating any lumps.
- Fold in cranberry sauce, finely diced jalapenos, and freshly chopped cilantro, blending ingredients thoroughly to create a harmonious flavor profile.
- Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning to personal preference.
- Optional enhancement: Sprinkle a light layer of shredded cheddar cheese across the surface for added texture and depth.
- Refrigerate the dip for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and slightly firm up the consistency.
- Transfer to a decorative serving bowl, garnishing with a few strategically placed jalapeno slices and fresh cilantro leaves.
- Accompany the dip with an assortment of crisp crackers, toasted crostini, and raw vegetable sticks like cucumber, bell peppers, and carrots for varied dipping options.
Notes
- Soften cream cheese completely at room temperature for the smoothest, creamiest texture without lumps.
- Adjust jalapeno quantity based on personal heat tolerance, removing seeds for milder flavor or adding more for extra spice.
- Choose fresh or homemade cranberry sauce for brighter, more vibrant taste compared to canned versions.
- Experiment with alternative garnishes like toasted pecans or green onions to add extra crunch and flavor complexity.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 118 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 130 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg