why make this recipe
This dip is bright, sweet and a little spicy. It looks festive for holiday parties. It takes little time to make and uses easy ingredients. Many people like it because it pairs well with crackers and chips.
introduction
This Holiday Cranberry Jalapeño Dip mixes tart cranberries with mild heat from jalapeño and a creamy base of whipped cream cheese. You can make it the night before so the flavors blend. If you like simple holiday bites, try this easy dip and serve with crackers or vegetables. You can also try other cranberry snacks like Baked cranberry brie bites for a small treat.
how to make Holiday Cranberry Jalapeño Dip
Chop the cranberries and veggies. Mix them with sugar, lemon and salt. Chill the mix overnight so it softens and the sugar draws out liquid. Strain the extra liquid, whip the cream cheese until smooth, and spread it in a dish. Top with the strained cranberry mix and chill until serving time.
Ingredients :
- 12 oz fresh, uncooked cranberries
- 1/4 cup green onion
- 1-2 fresh jalapeño peppers
- 2 Tbsp. cilantro (optional)
- 3/4 to 1 Cup sugar (according to taste)
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
- 1/8 tsp. salt
- 16 oz. cream cheese (whipped)
Directions :
- Use food chopper to chop cranberries.
- Chop green onion, jalapeño peppers and cilantro.
- In a medium-sized bowl, add chopped cranberries, green onion, cilantro and jalapeños.
- Add sugar, lemon juice and salt on top of cranberry mixture and stir gently until blended.
- Cover with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator overnight.
- Take cranberry mixture out of the refrigerator and stir all ingredients together. Strain out all liquid using a colander with small holes. (Pro Tip: Save the liquid for a cocktail simple syrup – it’s delicious!)
- Whip softened cream cheese with hand mixer until smooth (about 2 minutes) and spread cream cheese over bottom of a pie plate or 9×9 dish.
- Pour cranberry mixture atop cream cheese and keep in refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Use a spoon to spread over Ritz crackers and enjoy!!
If you like the cream cheese base, you might enjoy using it in other treats like Cranberry cream cheese crescent bites.
how to serve Holiday Cranberry Jalapeño Dip
Serve this dip cold. Place it in the center of a platter with small crackers, pita chips, or veggie sticks. Let guests scoop a little cream cheese and a little cranberry mix on each cracker. It also works well next to other holiday desserts like pies and bars. Try it with a slice of pie for a mix of sweet and spicy, or pair with Cranberry cream cheese crumb pie for a full spread.
how to store Holiday Cranberry Jalapeño Dip
Keep the dip in a covered container in the fridge. It will stay good for 3 to 5 days. Do not leave it out at room temperature for more than two hours. If it gets watery, stir before serving and drain some liquid if needed.
tips to make Holiday Cranberry Jalapeño Dip
- Taste the cranberry mix before you chill. Add more sugar if you want it sweeter.
- Use 1 jalapeño for mild heat, 2 for more spice. Remove seeds to reduce heat.
- Chill overnight for best texture and flavor.
- Save the strained cranberry liquid to make a syrup for drinks.
- Soften the cream cheese at room temperature to make whipping easy.
variation (if any)
- Add 1/4 cup chopped orange for citrus flavor.
- Use maple syrup instead of sugar for a deeper taste.
- Swap cilantro for parsley if you prefer a milder herb.
- Make a smaller or larger batch by keeping the same ratio of ingredients.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries?
A: Yes. Thaw them first and drain extra water before chopping.
Q: Is there a non-dairy option?
A: Use a dairy-free whipped cream cheese as a substitute.
Q: How spicy will this be?
A: Spice level depends on the number of jalapeños and whether you keep seeds. Start with one and add more if you want heat.
Q: Can I make this the same day?
A: You can, but the taste is better if it chills overnight.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes. Use a larger dish and keep the same proportions.
Conclusion
For more twists and ideas on cranberry jalapeño dips, check this version from It’s a Veg World After All: Holiday Cranberry Jalapeno Dip with Cream Cheese – It’s a Veg …. Another take with clear steps is on Sparrows + Lily: Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip – Sparrows + Lily. You can also see The Kitchn’s recipe for more tips and photos: Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip Recipe | The Kitchn.