Description
Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip is a festive appetizer combining creamy whipped cream cheese with a fresh, tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy cranberry jalapeno salsa. Perfect for holiday parties, this dip offers a vibrant and flavorful start to any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Salsa
- 12 ounce bag fresh cranberries
- 1 jalapeno
- 2 to 3 tablespoons cilantro
- 3 green onions
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Cream Cheese Base
- 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened and whipped
Instructions
- Chop Ingredients: Use a hand chopper or food processor to finely chop the fresh cranberries, jalapeno, cilantro, and green onions. If using a food processor, pulse gently to avoid pureeing the cranberries. Alternatively, hand chop all ingredients into small pieces.
- Mix and Refrigerate: Transfer the chopped mixture to a bowl. Add sugar, salt, and optional lemon juice. Stir well, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight for flavors to meld.
- Strain Mixture: When ready to serve, strain the cranberry mixture through a fine colander to remove excess juice. This step is crucial to prevent the dip from becoming too runny.
- Prepare Cream Cheese: Place the softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl and whip for 2 to 3 minutes until light, fluffy, and smooth.
- Assemble Dip: Spread the whipped cream cheese evenly on the bottom of a pie plate, serving platter, or plate.
- Top and Serve: Spoon the strained cranberry jalapeno salsa over the cream cheese. Serve immediately with crackers, pita chips, or tortilla chips for dipping.
Notes
- This dip balances creamy, tart, sweet, and spicy flavors, making it an ideal appetizer for holiday parties or festive occasions.
- Use freshly softened cream cheese and whip well to achieve a light and fluffy texture.
- If you prefer less heat, remove jalapeno seeds before chopping.
- Straining the cranberry mixture is key to avoid a watery dip; you can lightly press the mixture to remove excess juice.
- Serve chilled for best flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 79 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 1 mg
