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Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

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This Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip is a vibrant and flavorful appetizer perfect for gatherings and holiday parties. Combining the tartness of fresh cranberries with the heat of jalapenos, brightened by citrus juices and balanced with sweet sugar, this dip offers a delightful contrast of flavors. Whipped cream cheese adds creamy texture, making it ideal for serving with crackers and fresh veggies. The dip can be prepared ahead and chilled to let the flavors meld, and it offers flexible serving options including a mixed dip or a layered presentation.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 10 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Produce

  • 8 – 12 ounces fresh cranberries (rinsed and mushy cranberries removed)
  • 3 – 4 green onions (rough chopped)
  • 2 – 3 tablespoons cilantro (rough chopped)
  • 1 – 2 jalapenos (seeded and rough chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (about one medium lime)
  • 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice

Pantry

  • ¼ – ¾ cups sugar (recommend ½ cup, adjust based on sweetness)
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Dairy

  • 16 ounces cream cheese (room temperature, whipped; 2 – 8 ounce packages)

Optional

  • ¼ cup hot & sweet jalapenos (for added flavor)

For Serving

  • Crackers and assorted fresh vegetables (carrot chips, cucumber slices, celery sticks, gluten-free crackers, or pretzel thins)

Instructions

  1. Bring cream cheese to room temperature. Remove the cream cheese from the refrigerator about an hour before making the dip to allow it to soften, which makes whipping easier and results in a smoother texture.
  2. Prepare cranberries. Rinse the fresh cranberries thoroughly and sort through them to remove any mushy or shriveled berries for the best texture and flavor.
  3. Combine ingredients in food processor. Add the cleaned cranberries, seeded and roughly chopped jalapenos, rough chopped green onions, and cilantro to a food processor. Pulse the mixture a few times until it reaches a coarse, chunky consistency without being fully pureed. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides and bottom as needed for even chopping.
  4. Alternative chopping methods. If you don’t have a food processor, pulse in a blender in small batches, hand chop all ingredients finely, or use a manual food chopper to achieve similar results.
  5. Add sweeteners and seasonings. Transfer the cranberry mixture into a medium bowl and stir in sugar (between ¼ and ¾ cups to taste), lime juice, orange juice, and kosher salt. Mix well and taste; adjust sweetness or heat as needed, keeping in mind the flavors will develop more after chilling.
  6. Chill the cranberry relish. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salsa mixture for at least 30 minutes, ideally 4 to 24 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen.
  7. Strain excess liquid. Before combining with cream cheese, strain the cranberry jalapeno relish through a fine mesh sieve over a bowl to remove excess liquid, ensuring the dip is not watery and has a nice consistency.
  8. Prepare cream cheese base. Using a stand or hand mixer, whip the softened cream cheese until light and fluffy, about 2-4 minutes depending on desired serving option. Optionally, add a few teaspoons of hot and sweet jalapeno juice to add extra flavor and moisture.
  9. Serving Option 1: Mixed Dip. Add the strained cranberry jalapeno salsa to the whipped cream cheese and mix until evenly combined. Transfer to a serving bowl and present with crackers and fresh vegetables.
  10. Serving Option 2: Layered Dip. Spread the whipped cream cheese evenly on a large platter to about ½ inch thickness. Spoon the cranberry jalapeno relish over the cream cheese layer in an even layer. Serve immediately with crackers and fresh veggies for dipping.

Notes

  • Adjust the jalapeno quantity to control the heat level according to your preference.
  • The dip tastes better the longer it chills, so make it a few hours or a day ahead if possible.
  • Use fresh squeezed orange juice for the best bright citrus flavor.
  • The hot and sweet jalapenos are optional but recommended for a more complex flavor; available brands can vary, refer to your local store selections.
  • For gluten-free options, serve with vegetable sticks or gluten-free crackers.
  • If you prefer a less chunky texture, process the mixture longer but avoid liquefying it.

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/cranberry-jalapeno-cream-cheese-dip-recipe/