Description
This Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is a vibrant, flavorful appetizer combining tangy cranberries, a hint of heat from jalapeño, and creamy Neufchatel cheese. Perfectly sweetened and spiced, it’s an easy make-ahead dip that enhances any party platter with its refreshing and slightly spicy kick.
Ingredients
Produce
- ½ – 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds and ribs removed
- 4 scallions, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro
- 1 bag (12 ounces) fresh cranberries
- 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lime juice
Pantry
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8– ¼ teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
Dairy
- 2 blocks (8 ounces each) reduced fat cream cheese (Neufchatel cheese), softened
Instructions
- Prepare the Jalapeño Mixture: Place the jalapeño, scallions, and cilantro in the bowl of a food processor and pulse a few times until roughly chopped. Add the cranberries, sugar, salt, lime juice, and optional cumin. Pulse several times until the cranberries are finely chopped but not completely pureed, maintaining some texture.
- Chill the Mixture: Transfer this cranberry mixture to a bowl or airtight container. Cover and refrigerate for at least several hours, ideally overnight, to allow flavors to meld and develop fully. It can be made up to two days in advance.
- Whip the Cream Cheese: Place the softened Neufchatel cream cheese in a large bowl. Using a hand mixer, whip it until light and fluffy. This enhances the texture, making the cheese layer smoother and creamier.
- Drain the Cranberry Mixture: Before assembling, drain the cranberry mixture in a colander to remove any excess liquid that might make the dip watery.
- Assemble the Dip: Spread the whipped cream cheese evenly on a serving platter or a 9-inch pie dish. Spoon the drained cranberry jalapeño mixture over the top in a single layer.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with additional sliced scallions or chopped cilantro if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite crackers for dipping.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño based on your preferred heat level; removing seeds and ribs significantly reduces spiciness.
- Make the dip a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld well, enhancing the taste.
- Draining the cranberry mixture thoroughly is key to avoid a watery dip.
- Use reduced fat cream cheese (Neufchatel) for a lighter option without sacrificing creaminess.
- Optional ground cumin adds a warm, earthy note but can be omitted for a cleaner flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
