Delight guests with a creamy Cranberry Jalapeno cream cheese dip easy to prepare bold in flavor and perfect for holiday parties and cozy gatherings
Ingredients
Scale
8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
1 cup fresh cranberries, roughly chopped (or thawed frozen cranberries)
1/3 cup sugar or maple syrup
1–2 jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions (scallions)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Pinch of kosher salt and a few grinds black pepper
1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts (optional)
Fresh cilantro or parsley, a few tablespoons, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Prep the cranberries: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped cranberries and sugar (or maple syrup) with 2 tablespoons water. Stir and let simmer gently for 6–8 minutes, until berries burst and mixture thickens slightly.
Cool the cranberry mixture: Transfer the cooked cranberries to a bowl and let cool to room temperature (about 15–20 minutes) to prevent thinning the cream cheese.
Soften the cream base: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) with a hand mixer or sturdy whisk until smooth and silky, about 1–2 minutes. Scrape down the sides so there are no lumps.
Add the aromatics: Fold in the finely diced jalapeño (start with one for mild heat), chopped green onions, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the jalapeño or salt as needed.
Layer or fold in the cranberries: For a pretty presentation, spoon half the cream cheese mixture into a serving bowl, spread, then layer the cooled cranberry mixture on top and finish with the remaining cream mixture swirled gently. Alternatively, fold the cranberries into the cream base for an evenly speckled dip.
Add the finishing touches: Sprinkle toasted nuts and chopped herbs over the top if using. Let the dip rest in the fridge at least 30 minutes to let flavors marry (up to 24 hours for best flavor).
Serve: Bring the dip out of the fridge 10–15 minutes before serving so it’s creamy and easy to scoop. Serve with baguette slices, crackers, pita chips, apple or pear wedges, or fresh vegetables.