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- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries - 1-2 jalapeños, finely chopped (remove seeds for a milder flavor) - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional) - Tortilla chips or warm pita bread for serving If you need to change the amounts, here are some simple conversions: - 1 cup = 8 fluid ounces - 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons - 1/2 cup = 4 fluid ounces You can switch things up with these options: - Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangy twist. - Try cream cheese with herbs for extra flavor. - If you like it spicy, add more jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. - Swap fresh cranberries with canned ones for ease. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start with a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries and a splash of water. Turn the heat to medium. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally as the cranberries pop and soften. You want them to burst open. After they soften, add 1-2 finely chopped jalapeños. If you want less heat, remove the seeds. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the jalapeños soften. After that, take the pan off the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Grab a large mixing bowl. Add 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese. Use an electric mixer or a sturdy spatula. Beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, add 1/2 cup of sour cream, 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Squeeze in 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice. Next, sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well until it’s creamy and smooth. Now, gently fold the cooled cranberry and jalapeño mix into the cream cheese mixture. Make sure it’s evenly mixed throughout. Once combined, transfer the dip to a nice serving bowl. If you like, you can garnish it with fresh cilantro leaves. This adds a nice touch and extra flavor. Serve right away with tortilla chips or warm pita bread for dipping. Enjoy! To get the best texture for your dip, start with softened cream cheese. This makes mixing easier. Use an electric mixer or a sturdy spatula to blend it until smooth. When adding the cooled cranberry mixture, fold it in gently. This keeps your dip creamy and avoids lumps. If you want your dip to be milder, remove the seeds from the jalapeños. This simple step makes a big difference. For more heat, leave some seeds in or add an extra jalapeño. You can also use a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick. Serve this dip with tortilla chips or warm pita bread. Both options are great for scooping. You can also offer it with fresh veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers. Garnish with fresh cilantro for added color and flavor. This dip is perfect for parties or game days! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh cranberries and jalapeños to enhance the flavor of your dip. Fresh ingredients often provide a brighter taste compared to frozen ones. Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dip, remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños. For more heat, leave some seeds in or add an extra jalapeño. Make Ahead: This dip can be prepared a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, and let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. Experiment with Cheese: While sharp cheddar is delicious, feel free to experiment with other cheese types such as pepper jack for added flavor or cream cheese for a creamier texture. {{image_4}} You can easily change this dip to suit your taste. If you want it sweeter, add more honey. For a creamier dip, use more cream cheese. You can swap some cheddar for mozzarella for a different flavor. If you like a crunch, mix in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts. You can also add bell peppers for extra color and crunch. To enhance the flavor, try adding spices. A pinch of cumin can give it a warm taste. A splash of hot sauce can add more heat if you like spicy food. Fresh herbs like basil or dill can change the flavor profile nicely. You could even mix in some roasted garlic for a deeper flavor. You can serve this dip in many ways. Try it with tortilla chips or warm pita bread. For a healthier option, use veggie sticks like carrots or celery. You can also spread it on toast for a tasty appetizer. For a fun twist, try it in a wrap with turkey or chicken. Each way brings out the flavors in a new light. To keep your leftover dip fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the lid seals well. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you see any changes in color or smell, toss it out. You can freeze the dip if you want to save it longer. Use a freezer-safe container and leave some space at the top. This dip can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat the dip, place it in a bowl and microwave in short bursts. Stir in between each burst to heat evenly. You can also heat it on the stove over low heat. Stir until warm, then serve with chips or bread. Enjoy the flavors again! You can serve this dip with many tasty options. I love using tortilla chips for crunch. Pita bread works well too. You can even try fresh veggies like carrots or celery sticks. They add a nice crunch and freshness. Yes, you can make this dip ahead of time! It tastes even better after chilling. Just cover it and place it in the fridge. It will stay good for up to two days. When you're ready to serve, just give it a quick stir. To make it spicier, add more jalapeños. You can keep the seeds for extra heat. For a milder dip, remove the seeds and use just one jalapeño. You can also add a bit of extra honey to balance the heat and sweetness. This guide walks you through making a delicious Cranberry Jalapeño Dip. We covered the key ingredients and their measurements. You learned step-by-step how to cook and mix everything together. I shared tips to get the best texture and serving suggestions for your dish. Don't forget the variations for custom flavors and how to store leftovers properly. Remember, cooking should be fun and tasty. Enjoy making this dip for your next gathering!

Cranberry Jalapeño Fiesta Dip

A festive and spicy dip made with cranberries and jalapeños, perfect for parties.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 to 2 jalapeños, finely chopped
  • 1 2 cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 2 sour cream
  • 1 2 shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • optional Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
  • serving Tortilla chips or warm pita bread for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries with a splash of water. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to burst and soften.
  • Once the cranberries are softened, add the finely chopped jalapeños to the pan. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the jalapeños become slightly tender. Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes.
  • In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or a sturdy spatula to beat the softened cream cheese until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
  • Add the sour cream, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, honey, fresh lime juice, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is creamy and smooth.
  • Gently fold the cooled cranberry and jalapeño mixture into the creamy cheese mixture until evenly distributed throughout.
  • Transfer the dip into a decorative serving bowl. If desired, garnish the top with fresh cilantro leaves to add a pop of color and enhance the flavor profile.
  • Serve immediately with a generous amount of tortilla chips or warm pita bread for dipping.

Notes

Adjust jalapeño quantity for desired spice level.
Keyword appetizer, cranberry, dip, jalapeño, party