This Cranberry Jalapeno Dip is a tasty blend of sweet and spicy. With tangy cranberries and zesty jalapenos, it’s perfect as a dip for chips or spread on crackers!
I’ve always loved how easy this dip is to whip up. It’s a real crowd-pleaser at parties, and the bright colors make it fun to serve! Plus, you can make it ahead—win-win! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Cranberries: These give the dip its tart flavor. If you can’t find fresh ones, use frozen cranberries. Just thaw and drain them well before use.
Jalapeños: Adjust these based on your spice preference. For a milder dip, replace them with bell peppers or even diced cucumbers. You can also use pickled jalapeños for a tangy twist.
Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: For a lighter version, opt for Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Vegan cream cheese and plant-based yogurt can also work well if needed.
Sugar: If you’re looking to reduce sugar, you could use a sugar substitute like honey or agave. Just remember to adjust to taste, as their sweetness differs.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture When Chopping Cranberries?
Getting the right texture for the cranberries is crucial for this dip. You want them finely chopped but not pureed. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a food processor for quick chopping. Pulse a few times, stopping before they turn into a mushy mixture.
- If you don’t have a food processor, you can chop them by hand. Just slice them finely using a sharp knife.
Whichever method you choose, aim for a mix of whole and chopped pieces for that delightful crunch.
How to Make Cranberry Jalapeno Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dip:
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- Salt to taste
For Garnish:
- Additional whole cranberries
- Additional cilantro, chopped
- Crackers or chips for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dip takes about 15 minutes to prepare and ideally 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. In total, you’ll need around 45 minutes from start to finish to enjoy this tasty appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cool water. Place them in a food processor and pulse until they are finely chopped but still have some texture. You don’t want them to turn to mush, so be careful not to over-process!
2. Mix Cream Cheese and Sour Cream:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to mix them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the flavor! Stir in the chopped cranberries and jalapeños, followed by the sugar, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until everything is combined. Take a moment to taste it and decide if you’d like to adjust the sweetness or spice by adding more sugar or jalapeño.
4. Transfer and Garnish:
Carefully transfer the dip into a serving bowl. For a lovely presentation, garnish with whole cranberries and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro on top.
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the dip with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors mix together beautifully. Once chilled, serve with your favorite crackers or chips and enjoy!
With its delightful combination of tart cranberries and spicy jalapeños, this dip is perfect for any gathering. Enjoy your creation!
Can I Use Dried Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
While fresh cranberries provide the best texture and tartness, you can use dried cranberries in a pinch. Just be sure to chop them finely and reduce the sugar since dried cranberries are usually sweeter.
How Can I Make This Dip Spicier?
To amp up the heat, add more jalapeños to the mix! You can finely chop and incorporate additional jalapeños, or consider adding some hot sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Can I Prepare This Dip in Advance?
Absolutely! You can make this dip up to a day ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to meld and enhance, making it even tastier by serving time!
What Are Some Good Serving Options Besides Crackers?
This dip pairs well with a variety of options! You can serve it with fresh veggies like cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, or pita chips. It also goes nicely on toasted baguette slices or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.
