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Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip

Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip

This Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip is a quick, healthy, and utterly scrumptious appetizer with a burst of sweet and spicy flavors. It's simple to make and perfect for gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cream Cheese Base
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
Cranberry Mixture
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
Jalapeno & Herb Blend
  • 1 jalapeno seeded and minced (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh green onions
Optional Garnish
  • extra cranberries
  • cilantro

Equipment

  • Small Saucepan
  • Medium Bowl

Method
 

  1. In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, and orange zest.
  2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook until cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly, about 8-10 minutes. Let cool completely.
  3. In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy.
  4. Gently fold in the cooled cranberry sauce, minced jalapeno, cilantro, and green onions until well combined.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve with crackers, tortilla chips, or baguette slices.
  6. Garnish with fresh cilantro and fresh cranberries.

Notes

For the best Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip, start with good quality cream cheese and allow it to fully soften before mixing. This ensures a smooth and creamy texture. Don’t skip the cooling step for the cranberry sauce; it’s crucial for preventing the dip from becoming too runny. Seed the jalapeno thoroughly if you prefer a milder spice level. You can also adjust the amount of jalapeno to suit your taste. If you're using frozen cranberries, be sure to thaw them slightly and drain any excess liquid before cooking. Experiment with different herbs like dill or parsley to customize the flavor profile. Finally, chilling the dip for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to fully develop, resulting in a more delicious and balanced dip.