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Jalapeno Cranberry Dip

Filed Under: appetizers, no cook, quick and easy, recipe Written By Leanne November 9, 2020

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This jalapeño cranberry dip is a 20-minute appetizer and a gorgeous deep red color, perfect for the holiday season! Tart cranberries are paired with an unexpected kick of heat and married with rich cream cheese for a satisfying, bright first course.

plate with jalapeno cranberry dip and a small plate of crackers

Anyone else “here for the appetizers” around the holidays? I would take heavy apps over a traditional main meal the majority of the time, especially when the apps are as good as this jalapeño cranberry dip.

It has all flavors and textures covered: a rich and creamy base layer with a tart, juicy cranberry relish. It’s spiced with a kick from the peppers, while cilantro and lime bring freshness and something interesting.

This was inspired by something I had at a holiday potluck when I still worked in an office. I wanted to make a version that was quick, simple and slightly less sweet than the original version.

ingredients for jalapeno cranberry dip

Ingredients

  • fresh cranberries (I used Ocean Spray)
  • jalapeño (one small or half a large)
  • lime
  • cilantro
  • brown sugar
  • salt
  • cream cheese
  • crackers (for serving)

The food processor makes this recipe extra fast because you don’t need to pre-chop the jalapeño or cilantro. Everything goes right in and it’s pulsed until uniform (see photo on the right).

food processor with ingredients for jalapeno cranberry dip
food processor with cranberry relish

Spread the softened cream cheese on a plate or serving platter (doesn’t have to be fancy because you can’t see it). Then, spoon the strained cranberry relish evenly over the top and smooth it out.

cream cheese spread on a plate
cream cheese and cranberry relish on a plate
jalapeno cranberry dip on a serving platter

Serve with your favorite seedy crackers. I found these to be the perfect pairing. They were thick and sturdy enough not to crack when pushed through the cream cheese and had crunch without nearly breaking a tooth.

dipping a cracker into jalapeno cranberry dip

Whether you need something for a work potluck or are hosting a sit-down dinner, this will definitely be a crowd-pleaser!

jalapeno cranberry dip and crackers

You might also like:

  • Everything Bagel Deviled Eggs
  • Gochujang Snack Mix
  • Whipped Goat Cheese
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Jalapeno Cranberry Dip

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This Jalapeno Cranberry Dip is a fast and simple appetizer that’s also a beautiful deep red color – perfect for the holiday season! 

  • Author: Leanne Ray, MS, RDN
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz fresh cranberries
  • 1 small jalapeño
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • Big pinch of kosher salt
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • Seedy crackers for serving

Instructions

  1. Add cranberries through salt to a food processor and run until ingredients are uniformly chopped and well combined. Let sit 5-10 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, spread cream cheese in an even layer on a plate or serving platter (about 1/4-1/2″ thick)
  3. Pour cranberry mixture through a fine mesh strainer, using a spoon to push excess liquid out. It doesn’t have to be perfect, some liquid will remain.
  4. Spoon the cranberry mixture on top the cream cheese and spread so it’s completely covering the top. Optional: garnish with sliced lime and extra cilantro leaves. Serve with seedy crackers. 

Equipment

food processor

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Notes

  • The equipment section above includes affiliate links to things I use often in my kitchen and recommend.
  • The cranberry mixture can be made up to one day in advance, just keep it separate from the cream cheese and strain/spread it out just before serving. 

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 Tbsp dip + 5 crackers
  • Calories: 225 calories
  • Fat: 11 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 28 grams
  • Fiber: 1 gram
  • Protein: 4 grams

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I’m Leanne and I created this space to share beautiful, wholesome, plant-forward recipes that are equal parts approachable and delicious.

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