Description
Festive holiday cranberry jalapeño cream cheese dip sparkles with sweet-spicy magic, blending zesty jalapeños and tart cranberries into creamy perfection. Guests will devour this elegant appetizer that delivers bold flavors perfect for winter celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Dairy:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
Fruits and Vegetables:
- 1/2 cup (125 milliliters) cranberry sauce
- 1–2 fresh jalapenos, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
Seasonings:
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Serving Suggestions:
- Crackers
- Crostini
- Fresh vegetables
Instructions
- Thoroughly whip the cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl until it reaches a velvety, uniform consistency using a hand mixer or sturdy spoon.
- Gently fold in the cranberry sauce, finely diced jalapenos, and optional cilantro, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the creamy base.
- Sample the mixture and carefully calibrate the seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- For an indulgent finishing touch, sprinkle a layer of sharp cheddar cheese across the surface and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes, allowing the dip to slightly solidify and meld flavors.
- Present the chilled dip in an elegant serving bowl, garnishing with additional jalapeno slivers or fresh cilantro leaves for visual appeal and extra zest.
- Accompany the dip with an assortment of crisp vehicles for scooping – think rustic crackers, toasted crostini, or a colorful array of fresh vegetable crudités like cucumber rounds, vibrant bell pepper strips, and crunchy carrot sticks.
Notes
- Prep ahead by softening cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture.
- Adjust jalapeno heat by removing seeds and membranes for milder flavor or keeping them for extra spiciness.
- Customize dip for dietary needs by using low-fat cream cheese or dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream.
- Make ahead and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to meld and develop deeper taste profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg