Cranberry Jalapeno Dip

Are you looking for the perfect holiday appetizer? This Cranberry Jalapeno Dip is just what you need. It's a simple way to put a fresh spin on party snacks in a way that everyone will love. Easy unique appetizer idea with just 3 ingredients!

We love dips. All types of dips, from sweet dips to savory dips and everything in between. The fun part about making dips homemade is that you ultimately control the outcome. Take this cranberry-jalapeno cream cheese dip, for example. 

If the jalapenos are spicy, the dip is going to be spicy. But if they're not, then the cranberries are going to shine, and the dip will end up having a sweeter taste. This is the fun part of making homemade dips - because they turn out differently every single time. 

Dips are a great way to feed a crowd or have a fast bite to eat when everyone is running around the house on a busy weeknight. Since this simple dip has the main focus on cranberries, it's easy to transition it to a holiday dip that will warm bellies throughout the end of the year. Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Eve - all a go. 

Speaking of dips, be sure to check out my Smoked Onion Dip and Corn Dip with Cream Cheese and Bacon as well. You can never have too many dip offerings on the table to enjoy. 

Ingredients 

Cream cheese - Softened cream cheese works best for this dip to be smooth and creamy. 

Cranberry sauce  - You can make your own cranberry sauce easily per the directions below. 

Jalapeno - You can add raw or sautee and add. 

Salt and pepper - To taste. 

Cranberries - Fresh cranberries or frozen cranberries will work just fine if you don't mind taking an extra few minutes to make homemade sauce. If you prefer you can use canned whole-berry sauce. You can also use leftover cranberry sauce in this cranberry jalapeno dip recipe. 

Sugar - Helps to add sweetness and also cook down the cranberries. 

To Make Homemade Cranberry Sauce:

Step One: Put wet cranberries into a small saucepan. Cook over medium until the cranberries pop.

Step Two: Add sugar. Cook until dissolved.

How to make Cranberry Jalapeno Dip

This simple recipe has so many flavors that it's going to be your new favorite dip without a doubt. 

Optional: Lightly saute the jalapeno peppers with 1 teaspoon of the oil of your choice.

Step One: Stir together all the ingredients. Transfer the cranberry-jalapeno mixture to a serving bowl.

Step Two: Serve the Cranberry Jalapeño Dip at room temperature with crackers.

Variations 

Add a splash of juice - A little bit of orange juice (a tiny amount!) or orange zest adds a fun pop of citrus flavor. Just add and stir. Lime juice is another great option, but again, don't add too much, or you'll have a ton of excess liquid.

Add green onions - You can also add onions to the mixture, but be careful with this. Green onions are subtle enough that they won't overpower. 

Add toppings - Fresh cilantro would be wonderful with this dish. Just add a thin or even layer on top before serving.  

Common Questions 

What do you serve with this cranberry jalapeño cream cheese dip?

This cranberry mixture is excellent with crackers, bread, celery, carrots, and even sliced bell peppers. 

Do I need to use a hand mixer or food processor to make this dip?

You don't. You'll get to whip it up by hand if you want! I also think that this is the preferred way to make it because it doesn't break down the whole or chopped cranberries anymore. 

How do I store this dip recipe? 

After you pour cranberry mixture into your serving dish, you need to keep it stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. Keeping it cold and chilled is a must due to the cream cheese that makes up most of the dish. 

Cover the dish with plastic wrap or have it in an airtight container so that you keep it as fresh as possible for as long as possible. Always make sure that you use a clean spoon if you're going to scoop some out of it, and don't let people double dip. 

What is the best way to serve? 

You can add it to a medium-sized bowl or spread it into the bottom of a pie plate and surround it with crackers. You can also add it to any cute dip bowl that you might have on hand, too. The instructions on how to serve are totally up to you. 

Can I make this dip in advance? 

You can, but I would say that making it 24 hours in advance is plenty. Make sure that you keep it stored in the fridge and have it covered tightly to keep out the air. 

When you're ready to serve, add the crackers or whatever the dipping food will be, and enjoy.