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Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

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3.8 from 74 reviews

  • Author: Mary & Susan
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings

Description

This Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip is a vibrant, tangy, and creamy appetizer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or any party. The fresh cranberries combined with a spicy kick from jalapeno and the smooth texture of whipped cream cheese create a delightful balance of flavors. It’s easy to prepare, requiring just a few simple ingredients and a short refrigeration time to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Ingredients

Cranberry Jalapeno Relish

  • 6 oz fresh cranberries
  • 1 small jalapeno pepper (seeded, membranes removed)
  • 1 green onion (scallion) (white and part of green top, trimmed)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt

Cream Cheese Base

  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened at room temperature)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cranberries: Rinse the fresh cranberries thoroughly, discarding any that are mushy or damaged, then pat them dry completely to ensure no excess moisture affects the dip texture.
  2. Pulse Cranberries: Place the cranberries in a blender or food processor and pulse a few times to break them down into smaller pieces, but not fully pureed to maintain some texture.
  3. Add Jalapeno and Onion: Add the seeded jalapeno pepper, trimmed green onion, granulated sugar, fresh lime juice, and sea salt to the cranberries. Pulse the mixture until everything is finely chopped and well combined. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure even processing.
  4. Whip Cream Cheese: Transfer the softened cream cheese to a large bowl and use an electric mixer to whip it until it becomes smooth, light, and creamy, improving the dip’s texture.
  5. Combine Mixtures: Spoon the cranberry jalapeno relish mixture into the whipped cream cheese and fold together gently but thoroughly until evenly blended, creating a harmonious dip.
  6. Refrigerate: Cover the dip and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. The taste improves the longer it sits. Before serving, taste and adjust sweetness with additional sugar if necessary.

Notes

  • Make sure to remove seeds and membranes from the jalapeno to control the heat level.
  • Use fresh, firm cranberries for the best texture and flavor.
  • The dip can be prepared a day ahead to deepen the flavors.
  • Serve with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or raw vegetables.
  • Adjust the amount of sugar to balance the tartness and spiciness to your preference.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dip
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://mysimpledish.com/cranberry-jalapeno-cream-cheese-dip-recipe/