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    Home » Appetizers » Cranberry Jalapeno Dip

    Published: Nov 19, 2021 · Modified: Nov 19, 2021 by Alicia This post may contain affiliate links.

    Cranberry Jalapeno Dip

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    A bowl of cranberry jalapeno dip with scallions on top

    This recipe for Cranberry Jalapeno Dip makes the perfect holiday appetizer with its bright green and red colors. Zesty jalapeño combines with a fresh cranberry sauce, cream cheese, and green onions for an easy party appetizer. 

    A white bowl filled with cranberry jalapeno dip next to wheat crackers on a plate

    My recipe for cranberry sauce without orange juice is a big hit for Thanksgiving! The secret is that the whole reason I made it was to try this dip out. I personally used to love jalapeño jelly combined with cream cheese and this was a little reminiscent of those flavors, but more tart! What's even better is if you have leftovers you can use it for this cranberry jalapeno cream cheese dip. 

    You'll love this recipe because:

    • It's a great way to use up leftover cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving or Christmas.
    • The flavors pair really well together - spicy jalapeño adds a kick to tart cranberry sauce and everything becomes decadent when mixed with cream cheese.
    • This recipe is easy to make gluten free just by choosing gluten free dipping options.
    • It stores well! You can make this a day or two ahead and it will keep in the fridge.
    • This dip is festive for holiday parties and easy to make!
    • Takes less than 20 minutes.
    Cream cheese, jalapenos, cranberries, and green onion on a white table.

    Ingredients

    Just a few simple ingredients is all you need for this dip!

    Cranberry Sauce - I recommend using my cranberry sauce recipe but any one that is your favorite will work for this recipe. If you haven't mixed in jalapeño, just do it when you reheat the sauce.

    Cream Cheese - Philadelphia plain block cream cheese no longer contains carrageenan so it's what I use along with my local HEB organic or Organic Valley. Just look for ones without carrageenan.

    Jalapeno - Depending on how spicy you like your dip, you can adjust this quantity. For mild, use ½ a jalapeno and make sure to remove all the seeds and ribs (inner white part). For a little more spice, use ¾-1 whole small jalapeno with seeds and ribs removed. For very spicy, leave some of the seeds in.

    Green onion - Chopped green onion makes this dish a little more savory!

    How to Make

    Step by step photos showing how to make cranberry sauce, spread out cream cheese, and fill the bowl with dip.
    1. Start with fresh cranberries to make cranberry sauce. Add in sugar and jalapeno when reducing with water or pomegranate juice.
    2. Once it's thickened, wait for it to cool a bit - at least 30 minutes until just warm.
    3. Meanwhile spread room temperature cream cheese in the bottom of a small dip dish leaving a well for the cranberry sauce.
    4. Top with cranberry sauce and green onion. Either store in the fridge till you're ready to serve, or you can serve slightly warm!

    What to Serve with Cranberry Jalapeno Dip

    • Portion the cranberry jalapeno mixture out onto toasted bread topped with cream cheese or goat cheese as a crostini for a party appetizer.
    • Triscuits or Whole Wheat Crackers
    • Water Crackers
    • Sliced jicama or radish

    I wouldn't serve this dip with carrots or celery like other party dips. The flavors will not pair as well.

    How to Store

    If you want to make this dip ahead for a party, you can make a few days in advance. Prepare the cranberry sauce and store it separately, then just assemble when ready to serve.

    This is much easier to dip at room temperature, so I would recommend leaving out for an hour before serving, or warm the cranberry sauce so it heats the cream cheese a little bit before serving.

    The cranberry jalapeno dip will keep in the fridge up to 3-4 days.

    A white bowl of cranberry jalapeno dip topped with scallions

    More Party Dips

    For more holiday party dips like this cranberry jalapeno dip, check out these recipes.

    • Caramelized Shallot Dip
    • Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip
    • Creamy Crab Dip (Gluten Free Option)
    • Mozzarella Queso Dip

    If you make any of my recipes, don’t forget to tag me #thedizzycook or @thedizzycook on Facebook and Instagram. And please leave a review below!

    Cranberry Jalapeno Dip on top of a bowl with cream cheese on a white table.

    Cranberry Jalapeno Dip

    This recipe for cranberry jalapeno cream cheese dip makes the perfect holiday appetizer with its bright green and red colors. Spoon on top of crostini with goat cheese or cream cheese for a different option!
    4.67 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Low Salt, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Chilling Time: 1 hour
    Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
    Servings: 6 people
    Calories: 72kcal
    Author: Alicia

    Ingredients

    • 1 package (8oz) cream cheese
    • 2-3 green onions, chopped
    • 1 cup cranberry jalapeno sauce cranberry jalapeno sauce recipe
    • salt and pepper to taste
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Take the package of cream cheese out and let it sit at room temperature about 20 minutes to soften and make it easier to spread in your bowl and make a little well for the sauce.
    • Meanwhile, make the cranberry sauce and allow it to cool slightly. Sprinkle half the green onions on top of the cream cheese. Spoon warm cranberry sauce over the cream cheese and top with green onions. Serve warm or cover and place in the fridge for about an hour to cool everything down. Serve with crackers, triscuits, or crostini.

    Notes

    • Philadelphia, Organic Valley, and a lot of "organic" store brands like Publix make a great block cream cheese with minimal ingredients!
    • If using a cranberry sauce you've already made, reheat over the stove and stir in the jalapeno while simmering. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 5crackers | Calories: 72kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 15mg | Potassium: 23mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 59IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @thedizzycook or tag #thedizzycook!

    This post was originally published December 5, 2019 and was updated November 19, 2021 to include new photos and recipe tips for how to serve.

    « Migraine Diet Recipes for Holidays
    Best Gifts for People with Migraine »

    About Alicia

    Alicia is a vestibular migraine advocate and the bestselling author of The Dizzy Cook: Managing Migraine with More Than 90 Comforting Recipes and Lifestyle Tips. Her articles and recipes have been featured by Healthline, Parade, Migraine Again, the Vestibular Disorders Association, Good Morning Texas, and the American Migraine Foundation. Read More

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Nicole says

      December 15, 2019 at 7:24 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you. I didn’t know there was a difference!?!? I have been on the HYH diet for years and have avoided all whey.

      Reply
    2. Nicole says

      December 15, 2019 at 12:02 pm

      I went to pick up some cream cheese and Organic Valley has now added Whey to their cream cheese:(

      Reply
      • Alicia says

        December 15, 2019 at 2:53 pm

        Hey Nicole - Whey is ok! It's whey protein you want to avoid. Whey is just milk.

        Reply

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    Meet the Cook! I’m Alicia and I was diagnosed with Chronic Vestibular Migraine in 2016, a diagnosis that changed my life. I’ve gone from bedridden to extremely active by following the Heal Your Headache Diet, incorporating key supplements, and making lifestyle changes. The Dizzy Cook is a collection of my simple recipes and tips for the migraine community, their friends, and family.

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    Meet the Cook! I’m Alicia and I was diagnosed with Chronic Vestibular Migraine in 2016, a diagnosis that changed my life. I’ve gone from bedridden to extremely active by following the Heal Your Headache Diet, incorporating key supplements, and making lifestyle changes. The Dizzy Cook is a collection of my simple recipes and tips for the migraine community, their friends, and family.

    About The Dizzy Cook

    Trending Recipes

    • Creamy Boursin Pasta
    • Mediterranean Baked Halibut
    • Air Fryer Flank Steak
    • No Tomato Chili (Texas-Style)
    • Crustless Chicken Pot Pie
    • Chicken Zucchini Poppers with Creamy Cilantro Sauce

    Get New Posts via Email

    Subscribe for new recipes, tips, and discounts.

    Brunch Recipes

    • Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins
    • Gluten Free Blueberry Muffins
    • Warm Cinnamon Milk
    • Dairy Free Quiche with Leeks and Sausage
    • Easy Quiche Florentine
    • Air Fryer Hash Browns

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