Cranberry jalapeno dip

This quick, creamy, peppery cranberry jalapeno dip is incredibly easy to make. A perfect combination of all the flavors-sweet, spicy, and tart, all at once. 

A perfect holiday recipe that can be cherished and carried over for many years to come. This creamy jalapeno cream cheese dip is packed with cream cheese, cranberry, and jalapeno. 

Party or potluck, serve with dip with pepper slices, vegetables, crackers. Your family and friends are going to say thank you for making this hot, spicy, and sweet dip for them.

This fabulous cranberry jalapeno dip recipe does not require much prepping work. All you need to do is, simply whip the ingredients listed below. And be a witness to see the dish gets ready effortlessly.

I have lots of recipes for dips and chutneys in this blog. But one ingredient that is always predominant-it's jalapeño. 

Furthermore, the chili pepper based dishes are most sought by our readers. And that's why I came up with another jalapeño pepper based recipe. Amazingly, this cranberry and jalapeno dip is effortless, requires very little time with a minimal ingredients.

For this spicy condiment, I preferred using jalapeno pepper because it provides a rich flavor, plus its warmth that does not contradict other flavors in any dish. 

Additionally, I wanted to retain the robust jalapeno flavors but with a little bit of heat, that does not disturb the palate. And this jalapeno cranberry dip recipe turned out as I expected.

Do you know that the jalapeños retain most of its heat in their seeds and in the ribs? means that, controlling the heat in this recipe is like a breeze.

The ingredient

Cream cheese. The cream cheese is a must for this dipping. Make sure to bring the cream cheese to the room temperature and then whip up until it turns smooth and silky.

Mayonnaise. Gives an excellent texture and makes the dip light. You may substitute with sour cream, however it tastes totally different.

Lemon juice. This balances the tartness of cranberries and the sweet from the sugar and the heat of the jalapeño. I highly recommend using lemon juice. Though it maybe a small quantity but the changes it brings is highly commendable. Lime juice is also a good substitute

Garlic. It is optional, I would highly recommend using it, as the fresh flavors of garlic makes this cranberry jalapeño dip more in enchanting.

Cranberry. I would totally agree that fresh cranberries are the ultimate. And feel free to use frozen cranberries as well.

But one thing we need to make a note that frozen cranberries turns out watery when comparing the fresh cranberries. When using frozen cranberries, always strain before adding to the cream cheese.

Jalapeño pepper. To make this less spicy cranberry jalapeno dip, I have discarded almost 80% of those seeds. However, you may add more seed to increase the heat. If you have a sensitive skin, while prepping, prefer using a gloves to avoid any irritations.

Sugar. Sugar makes the dish wholesome and balances all other ingredients. You may substitute with the brown sugar or coconut palm sugar.

Pro tips

• Sometimes, cranberries tend to be more watery when it is finely chopped or when using a blender. If you are experienced in the kitchen try to mince using a sharp knife it if time permits.
• If the cranberry mixture turned drain the excess water. You may use this left over water to make a holiday drink. You may check this out post to get an idea for making cranberry juice.
• If you're still find your jalapeño cranberry dip to be watery whip up some extra cream cheese and add it to make the consistency you prefer.

Make ahead and Storing ideas

This recipe is excellently fit to be make a head. You may make everything ready before a day.

Store the left over in an air tight container and refrigerate it for the best results.

You may serve as chilled or bring down the refrigerated cranberry jalapeño dip to the room temperature before serving.

Variations

As a garnish, you may use cilantro, chives, green onion. Each addition gives this cranberry jalapeno dip a whole new look. And this ensures the cranberry jalapeno dip is fresh and holiday table worthy.

Swap mayonnaise to sour cream for a complete makeover.

Replacing cream cheese with the Greek yogurt is another awesome experience that definitely should not be missed out.

Another variation is to mix all the ingredients except the cream cheese. And pour the mixture over the cream cheese block. And serve with cracker(as in the following picture). This is another favorite dish of our family.

Tools suggestion

Food processor. I'm happy with this product and very handy for this recipe.

Measuring tools. A staple tool required in every kitchen.