Description
Festive holiday cranberry jalapeño cream cheese dip brings zesty excitement to winter gatherings. Creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy, this appetizer promises to elevate party spreads with bold Mexican-inspired flavors you will savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) cranberry sauce, homemade or store-bought
- 1–2 fresh jalapenos, seeded and finely chopped
Seasoning and Optional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Serving Suggestions:
- Crackers
- Crostini
- Fresh vegetables (cucumber, bell peppers, carrots)
Instructions
- Transform the cream cheese into a silky, uniform base by vigorously whisking with a hand mixer or sturdy spoon until no lumps remain.
- Introduce vibrant flavor layers by gently folding in the cranberry sauce, meticulously diced jalapeños, and fresh cilantro, ensuring each ingredient is distributed evenly throughout the creamy mixture.
- Calibrate the taste profile by adding salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning to achieve a harmonious balance of tangy, spicy, and creamy notes.
- Enhance the visual appeal and textural complexity by delicately sprinkling shredded cheddar cheese across the surface, creating an inviting golden-flecked landscape.
- Optimize the dip’s consistency by allowing it to rest and slightly firm in the refrigerator for approximately 10-15 minutes, which will help the flavors meld and intensify.
- Present the dip in an elegant serving vessel, artfully garnishing with additional jalapeño slivers or a verdant sprinkle of chopped cilantro to elevate the festive aesthetic.
- Accompany the dip with an array of crisp crackers, toasted crostini, or an assortment of fresh, crunchy vegetables for a versatile and crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Notes
- Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30 minutes to achieve a smoother, more spreadable consistency without lumps.
- Adjust jalapeño quantity based on personal heat tolerance, removing seeds for milder flavor or adding more for extra spiciness.
- Prepare dip in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to allow flavors to meld together, making it perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Swap traditional crackers with gluten-free alternatives or fresh vegetable sticks for a lower-carb, health-conscious option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg