Description
This 10-Minute Cranberry Jalapeno Dip is a quick, vibrant, and festive appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or any occasion. It combines creamy dairy-free or regular cream cheese whipped to a fluffy texture with spicy fresh jalapeños, zesty lime, and savory onions, all topped with a sweet cranberry sauce layer for a perfect balance of flavors. It is easy to make ahead and pairs beautifully with a variety of crackers or chips.
Ingredients
Scale
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 2 8 oz containers dairy-free cream cheese (such as Kite Hill) or regular cream cheese
- 2 fresh jalapeños, seeds removed and finely diced
- 2-3 Tbsp finely diced red onion
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 lime, juiced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions plus more for garnish
Topping
- 1 14 oz can cranberry sauce with whole berries
Instructions
- Prepare Cream Cheese: Bring the cream cheese to room temperature for easier whipping. Using a handheld mixer, whip the cream cheese until it reaches a smooth, fluffy, whipped cream cheese texture.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the garlic powder, salt, pepper, lime juice, finely diced jalapeños, red onion, and green onions to the whipped cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Spread Cream Cheese Layer: Transfer the cream cheese mixture onto your chosen serving platter and spread it evenly to form a smooth layer.
- Add Cranberry Sauce: Pour the cranberry sauce over the top of the cream cheese layer and spread gently with a spoon, creating a distinct top layer.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle additional chopped green onions on top as garnish. Serve immediately with your favorite crackers, pita chips, or bread for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute regular cream cheese if you are not dairy-free.
- For a gluten-free option, serve with gluten-free crackers such as Simple Mills rosemary or sea salt crackers.
- A food processor can be used instead of a hand mixer to whip the cream cheese.
- This dip can be prepared in advance. Store the cream cheese mixture in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and add the cranberry sauce layer just before serving.
- Double the recipe for larger gatherings to ensure everyone gets a serving—they love it!
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Serve with a variety of dippers like pretzel chips, pita chips, tortilla chips, potato chips, or baguette slices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe (~75 grams)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
