Spicy Christmas Cranberry Jalapeno Dip Recipe

Introduction

This Spicy Christmas Cranberry Jalapeno Dip is a festive twist on a classic holiday appetizer. Combining the tartness of cranberries with a kick of jalapeno, it’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect for serving with crackers at any holiday gathering.

Ingredients

• 2 (8 oz) blocks full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely minced
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 5 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• Sturdy crackers (e.g., Ritz, Wheat Thins) for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, minced jalapeno, salt, cumin, and lemon juice. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened full-fat cream cheese with an electric mixer until perfectly smooth and lump-free.
3. Step 3: Spread the whipped cream cheese evenly onto the bottom of a shallow serving dish. Gently spoon the completely cooled cranberry-jalapeno relish over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly to cover.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle the top with thinly sliced green onions and chopped cilantro. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours (or ideally overnight) to allow flavors to meld and the dip to firm up.
5. Step 5: Remove from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving. Serve with sturdy crackers like Ritz or Wheat Thins.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, keep some jalapeno seeds in the relish or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version, though full-fat gives a richer texture.
• Swap cilantro for fresh parsley if preferred or omit for a milder herb flavor.
• Make the relish a day ahead to deepen the flavors and save prep time on the day of serving.

Storage

Store the dip covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving again, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes for the best texture. Do not freeze, as the cream cheese base may separate upon thawing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cranberries can be used. Thaw them before cooking and drain any excess liquid to avoid a watery relish.

How spicy is the dip and can I adjust the heat?

The dip has a moderate spicy kick from the jalapeno. To reduce heat, use less jalapeno or remove all seeds. For more spice, add extra jalapeno or a dash of hot sauce to the relish.

Spicy Christmas Cranberry Jalapeno Dip Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 63 reviews

This Spicy Christmas Cranberry Jalapeno Dip is a vibrant and festive appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. The creamy, smooth base of full-fat cream cheese pairs beautifully with a zesty cranberry-jalapeno relish that adds both sweetness and heat. Garnished with fresh green onions and cilantro, this dip is ideal for serving with sturdy crackers and is sure to impress your guests with its bold flavors and holiday spirit.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cream Cheese Base

• 2 (8 oz) blocks full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature

Cranberry-Jalapeno Relish

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely minced
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 2 tbsp lemon juice

Garnish

• 5 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

For Serving

• Sturdy crackers (e.g., Ritz, Wheat Thins)

Instructions

1. Prepare Cranberry-Jalapeno Relish: In a medium saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, minced jalapeno, salt, cumin, and lemon juice. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
2. Prepare Cream Cheese Base: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened full-fat cream cheese with an electric mixer until perfectly smooth and lump-free.
3. Assemble Dip: Spread the whipped cream cheese evenly onto the bottom of a shallow serving dish. Gently spoon the completely cooled cranberry-jalapeno relish over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly to cover.
4. Garnish and Chill: Sprinkle the top with thinly sliced green onions and chopped cilantro. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours (or ideally overnight) to allow flavors to meld and the dip to firm up.
5. Serve: Remove from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving. Serve with sturdy crackers like Ritz or Wheat Thins.

Notes

• Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to achieve a smooth and creamy base without lumps.
• The jalapeno can be adjusted to taste; leave some seeds for more heat or omit for less spice.
• This dip is best served chilled but brought slightly to room temperature for optimal flavor.
• Make the cranberry-jalapeno relish a day ahead to allow flavors to deepen.
• Use sturdy crackers to prevent breaking when scooping the dip.

Keywords: Christmas dip, cranberry jalapeno dip, holiday appetizer, cream cheese dip, spicy cranberry relish