Quick Cranberry Jalapeno Dip

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

This Quick Cranberry Jalapeno Dip is a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for any gathering. With a blend of sweet and spicy, it's sure to be a hit!

Emma

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-11-30T11:08:55.611Z

This Quick Cranberry Jalapeno Dip combines the tartness of cranberries with the heat of jalapenos, creating a delightful spread that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Perfect for holiday parties, game day, or just a cozy night in!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Sweet and spicy flavor combination that excites the palate
  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for last-minute gatherings
  • Versatile dip that pairs well with crackers, chips, or veggies

Perfect for Any Occasion

This Quick Cranberry Jalapeno Dip is a delightful addition to any gathering, whether it's a holiday party, a game day celebration, or a casual get-together with friends. Its vibrant colors and unique flavor profile make it an eye-catching centerpiece on any appetizer table. The combination of sweet cranberries and spicy jalapenos creates a taste sensation that will have your guests coming back for more.

Not only is this dip a treat for your taste buds, but it also adds a festive touch to your spread. The bright red cranberries symbolize celebration, while the green jalapenos add a hint of excitement. It's a dip that's bound to impress and spark conversations among your guests, making it a must-have for your next event.

Easy to Make

One of the best aspects of this dip is how incredibly easy it is to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a delicious appetizer that looks and tastes gourmet. The use of a food processor speeds up the chopping process, allowing you to combine flavors quickly without any hassle.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is straightforward and forgiving. You can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or less jalapeno, making it customizable to suit your guests' preferences. In just a matter of minutes, you'll have a crowd-pleasing dip ready to serve.

Versatile Pairings

This Quick Cranberry Jalapeno Dip is incredibly versatile, making it a fantastic choice for a variety of dippers. It pairs wonderfully with an array of options, from crunchy crackers to salty tortilla chips. You can also serve it with fresh vegetable sticks for a healthier option, allowing your guests to enjoy the dip guilt-free.

If you're feeling adventurous, consider using it as a spread on sandwiches or wraps. The sweet and spicy flavors complement turkey, ham, and even roasted vegetables beautifully. This dip is not just limited to a traditional appetizer; it can elevate your main dishes, too!

Ingredients

Ingredients

For the Dip

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until well combined.

Instructions

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

In a food processor, combine the cranberries and jalapeno. Pulse until finely chopped.

Mix the Base

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream, mixing until smooth.

Combine Everything

Add the chopped cranberries and jalapeno to the cream cheese mixture. Stir in green onions and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy with your favorite dippers!

Enjoy your delicious Quick Cranberry Jalapeno Dip!

Storage Tips

If you have any leftovers, you can store this dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, resulting in an even more delicious dip the next day. Just give it a good stir before serving again to bring it back to its creamy consistency.

To keep the dip fresh, make sure to cover it tightly, as exposure to air can alter its taste and texture. Avoid storing it in metal containers, as they can react with the ingredients. Instead, opt for glass or BPA-free plastic containers.

Serving Suggestions

When serving this dip, consider creating a colorful platter to entice your guests. Arrange a variety of dippers around the dip, including sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, and pita chips. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also offers a range of textures and flavors for everyone to enjoy.

For a festive touch, garnish the dip with additional chopped cilantro or sliced jalapenos just before serving. You might also sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts on top for a delightful crunch that complements the creamy base.

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dip in advance?

Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving.

→ Can I use frozen cranberries?

Fresh cranberries are recommended for the best flavor, but you can use frozen if necessary. Just thaw and drain them before use.

→ What can I serve with this dip?

This dip pairs well with crackers, tortilla chips, fresh vegetables, or even spread on toasted baguette slices.

→ Is this dip spicy?

The spice level depends on the jalapeno used. For milder flavor, make sure to remove all the seeds and membranes.

Quick Cranberry Jalapeno Dip

This Quick Cranberry Jalapeno Dip is a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for any gathering. With a blend of sweet and spicy, it's sure to be a hit!

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration5 minutes
Overall Time15 minutes

Created by: Emma

Recipe Type: Quick & Easy

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

For the Dip

  1. 1 cup fresh cranberries
  2. 1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped
  3. 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  4. 1/2 cup sour cream
  5. 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  6. 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  7. Salt and pepper to taste

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a food processor, combine the cranberries and jalapeno. Pulse until finely chopped.

Step 02

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream, mixing until smooth.

Step 03

Add the chopped cranberries and jalapeno to the cream cheese mixture. Stir in green onions and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 04

Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy with your favorite dippers!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 3g