Christmas Cranberry Jalapeño Dip is a stunning holiday appetizer that’s as bright and beautiful as it is delicious! Fresh cranberries, jalapeños, cilantro, and green onions come together to create a sweet, tart, and slightly spicy topping that’s spooned over smooth, creamy cream cheese.
The flavors balance perfectly the cranberries bring festive sweetness, the jalapeño adds a gentle heat, and the cream cheese cools everything down. It’s the ultimate Christmas party dip that looks gorgeous on any table and disappears fast every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Jalapeño Dip
Christmas Cranberry Jalapeño Dip is the perfect combination of festive flavors and textures sweet, tart, creamy, and just the right amount of heat. It’s colorful, refreshing, and uniquely delicious, with a blend that feels fresh but comforting at the same time.
It’s easy to make in advance, quick to assemble, and perfect for holiday gatherings where you want something both gorgeous and craveable. This dip is the true definition of a holiday favorite simple to make, beautiful on the table, and unforgettable with every bite.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces (340 g) fresh cranberries
- 4–5 green onions, chopped
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely diced
- 1 cup (212 g) sugar, more or less to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon or lime juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 (8-ounce each) packages (454 g) cream cheese, softened (light or regular)
- Crackers, for serving
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Chop the cranberries
Rinse the cranberries well and dry them with a paper towel. Place them in a food processor and pulse several times until they are finely chopped be careful not to over-process; you want small pieces, not purée.
Transfer the chopped cranberries to a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Add the fresh ingredients
Stir in the chopped green onions, cilantro, and finely diced jalapeño. These ingredients give the dip its signature fresh flavor and holiday color contrast.
Step 3: Sweeten and season
Add the sugar, cumin, lemon or lime juice, and salt. Mix well to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This resting time allows the sugar to dissolve, the cranberries to release their juices, and all the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Prepare the cream cheese base
When ready to serve, place the softened cream cheese blocks side by side on a platter or spread them evenly over the base of a shallow dish. You can keep it rustic in block form or use a spatula to smooth it into an even layer.
Step 5: Assemble the dip
Right before serving, spoon the marinated cranberry mixture (leaving behind some extra liquid) evenly over the cream cheese. Do not add all the fruit juices, or the dip may become watery.
Garnish with a sprinkle of extra cilantro or a few whole cranberries for a decorative, festive touch.
Serve chilled with crackers of your choice buttery, sturdy crackers or crisp baguette slices work especially well.
Expert Tips for Success
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Rest the cranberry mixture: Letting it chill for several hours is key it softens the cranberries and balances the flavors.
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Adjust sweetness: Some cranberries are more tart than others. Taste after chilling and adjust sugar to suit your preference.
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Control the spice: Remove seeds and membranes from the jalapeño for mild heat, or leave some in for a spicier kick.
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Smooth cream cheese: Set the cream cheese out early so it spreads easily and gives the perfect creamy texture.
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Don’t skip draining: Make sure to spoon out the cranberry topping without too much liquid, so the dip doesn’t get runny.
Tasty Variations to Try
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Add orange zest: A touch of orange zest in the cranberry mix adds bright citrus notes.
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Swap the spice: Try using a mild serrano pepper for sharper heat or add a pinch of chipotle for smokiness.
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Honey version: Replace some sugar with honey for a more natural sweetness.
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Layered holiday bowl: Layer cream cheese, cranberry mixture, and small cubes of feta for extra contrast.
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Vegan alternative: Use dairy-free cream cheese or whipped cashew spread for a plant-based take on this festive dip.
Serving Ideas
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Holiday appetizer centerpiece: Serve on a decorative platter surrounded by crackers, herbs, and fresh cranberries.
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Festive potluck addition: This dip is portable and always a hit at holiday gatherings.
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Brunch spread: Pairs beautifully with toasted bagels or crostini.
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Gift idea: Pack the cranberry topping in a jar and gift it with a block of cream cheese and crackers for an easy DIY food gift.
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Mini party bites: Spread softened cream cheese on crostini and top with a spoonful of cranberry mixture for elegant finger food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! The cranberry mixture can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble the dip just before serving for the freshest presentation.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Absolutely. Thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before chopping.
How long does this dip last?
Once assembled, leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to blend, but the texture is best enjoyed fresh.
Can I serve it differently?
Yes! You can serve the cranberry mixture on top of whipped cream cheese in a trifle bowl for a layered look or in small appetizer cups for individual servings.
What crackers pair best?
Try buttery Ritz-style crackers, multigrain crisps, bagel chips, or even pretzel bites. The slightly salty crunch perfectly complements the creamy-sweet-spicy combo.
Print
Christmas Cranberry Jalapeño Dip
- Total Time: 260
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
A stunning, festive appetizer that blends sweet, tart, and spicy flavors with fresh cranberries, jalapeño, cilantro, and green onions atop a creamy cream cheese base. Perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 4–5 green onions, chopped
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely diced
- 1 cup sugar (more or less to taste)
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon or lime juice
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 (8-oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- Crackers or baguette slices, for serving
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry cranberries. Pulse in food processor until finely chopped but not pureed. Transfer to bowl.
- Stir in green onions, cilantro, and jalapeño until evenly combined.
- Add sugar, cumin, lemon or lime juice, and salt. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight for flavors to meld and cranberries to release juices.
- Spread softened cream cheese evenly on platter or shallow dish before serving.
- Spoon cranberry mixture (leaving excess liquid behind) over cream cheese. Garnish with extra cilantro or whole cranberries. Serve chilled with crackers or baguette slices.
Notes
Chill cranberry mixture several hours before serving to develop flavor.
Adjust sugar according to cranberry tartness.
Remove jalapeño seeds for mild spice or keep some for more heat.
Use drained topping to avoid watery dip.
Bring cream cheese to room temperature for smooth spreading.
- Prep Time: 20
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook / Assemble
- Cuisine: American / Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 recipe
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 125mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: cranberry jalapeno dip, christmas appetizer, sweet spicy cream cheese dip, festive holiday dip, cranberry relish spread
