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Easy Baked Cranberry Jalapeño Dip (Perfect Holiday Appetizer)

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This creamy, tangy dip combines tart cranberries with spicy jalapeño and a rich cream cheese base, baked until bubbly and golden. It’s a quick, easy, and irresistible holiday appetizer that will convert even the biggest cranberry purists.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped
  • 1–2 medium jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. If desired, roast the diced jalapeño in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until softened; set aside to cool.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Stir until smooth and well combined.
  4. Fold in the chopped cranberries, diced jalapeño, half of the Monterey Jack cheese (about 1/2 cup), shredded cheddar, green onions, brown sugar, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly distributed.
  5. Transfer the mixture to an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish and spread into an even layer.
  6. Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese over the top. If using nuts, scatter them over the cheese.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly around the edges and lightly golden on top.
  8. Let the dip rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and extra green onions if desired.

Notes

For a milder dip, use only one jalapeño and remove all seeds and membranes. Roasting the jalapeño before adding it mellows the spice. The dip can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance (without the topping) and refrigerated; add 5 extra minutes to the baking time. Serve warm with sturdy crackers, crostini, or vegetable sticks.

Nutrition

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

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