Description
This Cranberry-Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip creates the perfect balance of tart, sweet, savory, and spicy—a flavor profile that wakes up the palate and leaves everyone asking for the recipe. It creates a visual stunner with vibrant ruby-red cranberries and emerald green jalapeños against a snowy white cream cheese backdrop. Whether you are prepping for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a New Year’s Eve bash, this make-ahead dip transforms simple pantry staples into a gourmet spread.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 (8-oz) containers Whipped Cream Cheese
- 1 (10-oz) pkg Frozen Cranberries, thawed (approx. 2.5 cups)
- 1 cup Sweetened Dried Cranberries
- 1/2 cup Fresh Flat-Leaf Parsley, plus extra for garnish
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Orange Zest
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Orange Juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 large Jalapeño Chile, seeded and chopped (divided use)
Instructions
- Create the Cranberry Salsa: In a food processor, combine the thawed frozen cranberries, dried cranberries, 1/2 cup parsley, sugar, orange zest, orange juice, salt, and 1 1/2 tablespoons of the chopped jalapeño.
- Pulse: Pulse the mixture repeatedly for about 1 minute. You want a finely chopped, chunky salsa-like texture. Do not over-process into a puree.
- Marinate and Chill: Transfer the mixture to a bowl and cover tightly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This allows the sugar to macerate the berries and the spicy heat to infuse with the sweet orange.
- Assemble: When ready to serve, spread the whipped cream cheese into an even layer on a serving platter. Spoon the chilled cranberry mixture generously over the cheese.
- Garnish: Top with the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of chopped jalapeño and extra parsley. Serve immediately with sturdy crackers.
Notes
- Texture Tip: Be careful not to over-process step 1. You want distinct chunks of fruit and pepper, not a smoothie consistency.
- Make Ahead: The cranberry salsa needs at least 2 hours to sit, but it can be made up to a week in advance, making this perfect for stress-free hosting.
- Spice Level: The sugar and cream cheese balance the heat well, but if you want it milder, remove all seeds and ribs from the jalapeño before chopping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Holiday, Dip
- Method: Food Processor, No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
