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Cozy Jalapeño Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip: Easy Holiday Appetizer

Cozy Jalapeño Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip - featured image
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This creamy, sweet, and spicy dip combines tart cranberries, roasted jalapeños, and rich cream cheese for the perfect holiday appetizer. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings people back to the bowl.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (about 8 ounces)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon orange juice
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large jalapeños
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced into rounds (for garnish)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, chopped (optional)
  • Crackers, crostini, or sliced baguette for serving

Instructions

  1. Roast the jalapeños: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place 2 whole jalapeños on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Roast for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway, until blistered and charred. Let cool, then remove stems, seeds, and chop roughly.
  2. Make the cranberry compote: In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, maple syrup, orange zest, and orange juice. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. Prepare the cream cheese base: In a medium mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add sour cream, honey, garlic powder, and salt; beat until fully combined. Scrape down sides.
  4. Combine elements: Gently fold roasted chopped jalapeños into cream cheese mixture. Then fold in about 1 cup of cranberry compote, leaving ribbons. Reserve remaining compote for topping.
  5. Assemble and finish: Transfer dip to serving dish. Spoon remaining compote over top and gently swirl. Top with sliced jalapeño rounds, chopped cilantro, and toasted pecans if using.
  6. Serve immediately or chill: Serve warm (heat in 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes), at room temperature, or cold. For cold serving, refrigerate at least 1 hour.

Notes

Roast jalapeños to mellow heat and add smoky sweetness. Don’t overmix compote into base—leave ribbons for texture. Serve at room temperature for best flavor balance. Can be made up to 2 days ahead. Not recommended for freezing.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño cranberry cream cheese dip, holiday appetizer, easy dip, cranberry jalapeño dip, cream cheese dip

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/cozy-jalape-n-o-cranberry-cream-cheese-dip-easy-holiday-appetizer/