Introduction

This Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is a vibrant, flavorful appetizer that combines a creamy base with sweet tartness and a zesty kick. Perfect for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser that adds a festive touch to any snack table.

A close-up of a bowl filled with a creamy, light orange cheese spread mixed with small bits of red cranberries and green chives. The spread is swirled smoothly in a round shape with a textured, soft appearance. There are three white crackers placed slightly under the spread on the right side, leaning against the inside edge of the bowl. The bowl is white and sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup cranberry sauce
1–2 jalapeños, finely chopped
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Step 2: Add cranberry sauce, finely chopped jalapeños, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined and the dip is evenly colored.
Step 4: Chill the dip for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Step 5: Serve with crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Tips & Variations

Adjust the number of jalapeños according to your preferred spice level—remove the seeds to reduce heat.
Use fresh cranberries cooked down with sugar if you prefer a less sweet, more tart cranberry flavor.
Swap green onions with chives for a milder onion taste.
For a smoother texture, blend the dip in a food processor instead of mixing by hand.

Storage

Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving again, give it a quick stir and let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes. This dip is best enjoyed fresh but can be gently reheated if desired.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with a creamy dip that has a light orange color mixed with small red bits and green herb pieces spread evenly throughout. The dip is swirled on the top in a smooth, rounded pattern with a few small green herb sprigs placed on top for garnish. Behind the dip, on the edge of the bowl, are two square golden-brown crackers resting slightly upright. The bowl is sitting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, this dip actually tastes better when made a few hours ahead or even the day before, allowing the flavors to fully develop. Just keep it refrigerated.

What can I serve this dip with besides crackers?

This dip pairs wonderfully with fresh vegetables like celery, carrot sticks, or bell pepper strips. It also works well with pita chips or toasted baguette slices.

Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip That Steals the Show Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 81 reviews

This Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is a vibrant, creamy appetizer that perfectly balances the tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce with the spicy kick of jalapeños. Easy to prepare and requiring no cooking, it’s an irresistible dip that’s sure to steal the show at any gathering or party.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Dip Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup cranberry sauce
1–2 jalapeños, finely chopped
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Prepare the Cream Cheese: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using a hand mixer or whisk until it becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
Add Flavorings: Add the cranberry sauce, finely chopped jalapeños, chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the cream cheese bowl.
Combine Ingredients: Mix all ingredients thoroughly until fully incorporated into a uniform dip with balanced flavor and texture.
Chill the Dip: Cover the bowl and chill the dip in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the dip to firm up slightly for easier serving.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve chilled with an assortment of crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables such as carrot sticks or celery for dipping.

Notes

Adjust the number of jalapeños based on your preferred spice level.
For a smoother dip, you can pulse the mixture briefly in a food processor instead of mixing by hand.
Make the dip a few hours in advance to deepen the flavor.
Substitute green onions with chives for a milder onion flavor.
This dip is best served chilled but can be left at room temperature for up to 1 hour before serving.

Keywords: cranberry dip,jalapeño dip,cream cheese dip,party appetizer,no cook dip,holiday dip