Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite holiday dip—the holiday cranberry jalapeno cream cheese dip! It’s the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, with creamy richness that just dances on your taste buds. I remember the first time I brought it to a family gathering; I was a little nervous, but it was gone in minutes! Everyone loved how the tartness of the cranberry pairs so beautifully with the heat of the jalapeno, all wrapped up in that luscious cream cheese. Trust me, this dip is a showstopper and will have your guests coming back for more. Perfect for spreading on crackers or fresh veggies, it’s a festive treat you won’t want to miss!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature for easy mixing
- 1 cup cranberry sauce, store-bought or homemade for a fresh flavor
- 1 jalapeno, finely chopped (remove seeds if you prefer less heat!)
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped for a touch of freshness
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, for that cheesy goodness
- 1 tablespoon lime juice, to brighten up the flavors
Grab these simple ingredients, and you’re on your way to creating a dip that’s not just delicious but also super festive!
How to Prepare Holiday Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip
Getting this festive dip ready is a breeze! It comes together in just a few simple steps, and trust me, the hardest part is waiting for it to chill. Grab a mixing bowl and let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, in a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and cranberry sauce. Use a spatula or a hand mixer for a smooth blend.
- Next, add the finely chopped jalapeno and chopped green onions. Give it a good stir to incorporate those vibrant flavors.
- Then, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese. This is where the dip gets that lovely cheesy texture!
- Drizzle in the lime juice, which adds a bright, zesty kick. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Now, transfer your dip to a serving bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Once chilled, it’s ready to serve! Enjoy with your favorite crackers or fresh veggies for that perfect holiday snack!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and colorful, perfect for holiday gatherings
- Delicious balance of sweet cranberry and spicy jalapeno
- Super easy to whip up with minimal prep time
- Chill time allows flavors to meld for an unforgettable taste
- Great for serving with crackers, chips, or veggies
Tips for Success
To make your holiday cranberry jalapeno cream cheese dip even more delightful, here are a few handy tips! First, if you’re not a fan of too much heat, feel free to use just half the jalapeno or remove the seeds and ribs before chopping. And if you want to elevate the presentation, consider garnishing with extra green onions or some fresh cilantro on top. For serving, it pairs wonderfully with an assortment of crackers, pita chips, or colorful vegetable sticks. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your serving platter—it’s festive and fun!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this holiday cranberry jalapeno cream cheese dip (about 2 tablespoons) is estimated to contain around 100 calories. You’ll also find 8g of fat, with 5g being saturated fat, and 2g of protein. It’s got 6g of carbs and 4g of sugar. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used!
FAQ Section
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! This holiday cranberry jalapeno cream cheese dip is perfect for making a day in advance. Just prepare it, chill it in the fridge, and it’ll taste even better as the flavors meld together!
How should I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which I doubt, but just in case!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again!
What can I serve with this dip?
Oh, the options are endless! I love serving it with a variety of crackers, fresh vegetable sticks like carrots and cucumbers, or even tortilla chips. It’s a crowd-pleaser!
Can I adjust the spice level?
Definitely! If you want a milder dip, you can use just half a jalapeno or remove the seeds. It will still be delicious with that sweet and creamy balance!
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Sure! Low-fat cream cheese works well here, but keep in mind the texture might be a bit different. It’ll still be tasty, just a little less rich!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your holiday cranberry jalapeno cream cheese dip is super easy! Just keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it should stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve it again, there’s no need to reheat—it’s best enjoyed chilled! Just give it a good stir to bring everything back together. If you absolutely want to warm it up, do so gently in the microwave, but be cautious not to overheat, as it can change the creamy texture. Enjoy this festive dip whenever the craving strikes!
Holiday Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip: 5 Must-Try Tips
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive dip combining cranberry, jalapeno, and cream cheese for a flavorful treat.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 jalapeno, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and cranberry sauce.
- Add chopped jalapeno and green onions, mixing well.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and lime juice.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Adjust jalapeno quantity for desired spice level.
- Serve with crackers or vegetable sticks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: holiday, cranberry, jalapeno, cream cheese, dip
