Name: 10-Minute Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 (8 oz) containers dairy-free cream cheese (Kite Hill) or regular cream cheese; 2 fresh jalapeños, seeds removed and finely diced; 2-3 tablespoons finely diced red onion; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 lime, juiced; 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions plus more for garnish; 1 (14 oz) can cranberry sauce with whole berries

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Introduction

This 10-minute Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for any occasion. Creamy, tangy, and with a mild kick of heat, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of crackers and chips. Quick to make and sure to impress your guests!

A close view of a small beige cracker held by a woman's hand, topped with a mix of white creamy cheese and deep red jelly-like fruit jam, showing a soft and smooth texture. In the background, a white bowl with layers of white creamy cheese at the bottom, topped by thick red jam spread evenly, and scattered fresh green herbs on top, all sitting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 (8 oz) containers dairy-free cream cheese (Kite Hill recommended) or regular cream cheese
2 fresh jalapeños, seeds removed and finely diced
2-3 tablespoons finely diced red onion
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 lime, juiced
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions, plus more for garnish
1 (14 oz) can cranberry sauce with whole berries

Instructions

Step 1: Bring the cream cheese to room temperature, then whip it using a handheld mixer until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add garlic powder, salt, pepper, lime juice, diced jalapeños, red onion, and chopped green onions to the whipped cream cheese. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on a serving platter.
Step 4: Spoon the cranberry sauce over the cream cheese layer and gently spread it out with a spoon to cover the top.
Step 5: Garnish with additional chopped green onions and serve with your favorite crackers or chips.

Tips & Variations

Use regular cream cheese if you’re not dairy-free for the classic version.
For a gluten-free option, pair with gluten-free crackers like Simple Mills rosemary or sea salt crackers.
Use a food processor instead of a hand mixer to combine the ingredients if preferred.
This dip can be made ahead by preparing the cream cheese mixture up to 3-4 days in advance; add cranberry sauce just before serving.
Double the recipe for larger gatherings—this crowd-pleaser disappears quickly!

Storage

Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best flavor and texture, add the cranberry sauce layer only when ready to serve. Reheat is not recommended—serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A close-up of a three-layer dip on a white plate with a textured edge, sitting on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a creamy white spread with small bits of green herbs mixed in, spread evenly close to the plate’s edge. The middle layer is a thick, bright red sauce with a glossy texture, covering most of the cream layer. The top layer features scattered slices of bright green scallions, adding a fresh contrast to the red sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip vegan?

Yes, using a dairy-free cream cheese such as Kite Hill ensures the dip is vegan-friendly. Make sure the cranberry sauce is also free from any animal products.

What can I serve with this dip?

This dip pairs well with a variety of crackers, pretzel chips, pita chips, tortilla chips, potato chips, or sliced baguettes, making it versatile for any party or casual snack.