Appetizers

Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip

Name: Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup fresh cranberries; 1-2 jalapeños, chopped (adjust to taste); 1/4 cup green onion, chopped; 1/4 cup parsley, chopped; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

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Bright, creamy, and with a little kick, this Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is a crowd-pleaser that balances sweet-tart berries with spicy jalapeño and smooth cream cheese. It’s quick to make, colorful on the plate, and offers a nice mix of creamy, crunchy, and zesty textures. If you enjoy bold sweet-and-spicy dips, try this simple version — and for another take on a cranberry-cream-cheese spread, check out this cranberry cream cheese dip for inspiration: cranberry cream cheese dip.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour (chilling)
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

(Approximate per serving — recipe yields 8 servings)

Calories per serving: 152 kcal
Protein: 2 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fat: 10 g
Fiber: 0.6 g
Sugar: 13 g
Sodium: 240 mg

Why Make This Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip

This dip brings bright cranberry tartness together with peppery jalapeño heat and silky cream cheese. It’s perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or a simple snack. The color is festive — ruby-red flecks against white cream cheese — and the aroma is tangy and fresh from lemon and parsley. It’s easy to make ahead, travels well, and pairs with many dippers, so it solves the “what to bring?” problem for entertaining.

How to Make Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip

You’ll make this in two simple parts: smooth the cream cheese, then pulse the fresh mix until finely chopped and combine. Chill to let flavors meld. The food processor does the heavy lifting for texture and even distribution of cranberries and jalapeño.

Ingredients:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup fresh cranberries
1-2 jalapeños, chopped (adjust to taste)
1/4 cup green onion, chopped
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Remove the cream cheese from the fridge and let it soften at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes. Wash the cranberries, jalapeños, green onion, and parsley. Chop the jalapeños roughly (remove seeds for milder heat).

Step 2: Mixing

In a food processor combine the cranberries, chopped jalapeños, green onion, parsley, sugar, salt, and lemon juice. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped but still textured — you want small pieces, not a puree.

Step 3: Combining

Beat the softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth and fluffy. Spoon the chopped cranberry-jalapeño mixture into the cream cheese and fold gently until evenly combined and you see ruby flecks throughout.

Step 4: Finishing

Transfer the dip to a serving dish, cover, and chill for at least 1 hour so flavors meld and the texture firms slightly. Serve chilled or just off the chill with crackers, chips, toasted baguette slices, or fresh veggies.

How to Serve Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip

Serve this dip chilled on a platter surrounded by plain or lightly salted crackers, pita chips, tortilla chips, celery sticks, or thinly sliced baguette. For a holiday spread, arrange it in the center with rosemary sprigs and extra parsley for color. For a party, pair with sliced apples or pear for a sweet-contrast option.

How to Store Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days. Keep chilled until serving.
Freezing: Not recommended — the texture of cream cheese changes when frozen and thawed.
Make-ahead: Prepare up to 24 hours ahead and chill; flavors improve after a few hours.

Expert Tips for Perfect Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip

For milder heat, remove jalapeño seeds and ribs. For more heat, include some seeds or add a small pinch of cayenne.
Pulse the cranberry mixture just enough to chop — over-processing makes a watery puree.
Soften cream cheese by leaving it on the counter or briefly microwaving (5–10 seconds) if pressed for time.
Taste before chilling and adjust sweetness or salt — fresh cranberries vary in tartness.
If you want a silkier dip, use an electric mixer to blend the cranberry mixture into the cream cheese for a smoother finish.

Delicious Variations

Maple-Orange Twist: Replace sugar with 1/3 cup maple syrup and add 1 teaspoon orange zest for a warm, autumnal flavor.
Honey-Sriracha: Swap sugar for 1/4 cup honey and add 1 teaspoon sriracha for sweet heat.
Nutty Crunch: Fold in 1/3 cup toasted pecans or walnuts for texture.
Herb-forward: Add 1 tablespoon chopped mint for a bright contrast to the cranberries.
Vegan Option: Use a vegan cream cheese and swap sugar for coconut sugar or maple syrup; check jalapeño heat to balance flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cranberries?
- Yes. Thaw and drain excess liquid, then pulse. You may need to reduce added sugar slightly because frozen berries can release extra juice. Drain well to avoid a watery dip.
How spicy will this be with 1-2 jalapeños?
- Mild to medium. One jalapeño (seeds removed) gives a gentle warmth. Add the second or include seeds for more kick. Always taste and adjust to your heat tolerance.
Can I make this ahead for a party?
- Absolutely. Make it up to 24 hours ahead and keep refrigerated. Flavors meld nicely over time. Bring to the party chilled and serve within 4 hours if sitting at room temperature.
Is there a low-sugar version?
- Yes. Reduce sugar to 1/4 cup or use a sugar substitute like erythritol or a liquid sweetener (adjust to taste). Keep in mind sugar balances tart cranberries, so taste as you go.
How do I prevent the dip from becoming watery?
- Don’t over-pulse the cranberries. If the berries release juice, drain a little through a fine sieve before mixing. Also, serve chilled — cold dip holds texture better.
Can I use other peppers instead of jalapeño?
- Yes. Serrano peppers are spicier; poblano or mild green chiles give flavor without much heat. Adjust quantity based on heat level.
Will this work with whipped cream cheese?
- Yes, it will be lighter and easier to mix. If you prefer a firmer texture, use regular cream cheese.

Conclusion

This Cranberry-Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is a quick, colorful, and flavorful addition to any snack table — tangy from cranberries, spicy from jalapeño, and creamy from the cheese. It’s easy to make ahead, pairs with many dippers, and can be adapted to your taste. For another recipe idea and a similar sweet-spicy twist, see Cranberry-Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip | Mel’s Kitchen Cafe.