Christmas Cranberry Jalapeno Dip

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

This festive Christmas Cranberry Jalapeno Dip offers a delightful combination of sweet and spicy flavors that will elevate your holiday gatherings. Creamy, tangy, and bursting with fresh cranberries and zesty jalapenos, it's the perfect appetizer for your seasonal celebrations. Serve with your favorite crackers or chips for a crowd-pleasing treat that will leave your guests craving more.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-11-25T08:47:05.595Z

Why You’ll Love This Dip

  • Perfect balance of sweet and spicy.
  • Easy to prepare in just 15 minutes.
  • Great for holiday parties and gatherings.

The Perfect Holiday Appetizer

During the festive season, finding appetizers that charm your guests can be a challenge. The Christmas Cranberry Jalapeno Dip is a perfect solution that beautifully combines sweet and spicy elements to create a memorable start to your holiday meals. This dip not only pleases the palate but also adds a pop of color to your appetizer spread with its vibrant hues of red and green.

What sets this dip apart is its unique flavor profile, which caters to diverse taste preferences. Guests who enjoy a hint of heat will appreciate the jalapenos, while those who prefer milder options will love the sweet burst of fresh cranberries. This combination ensures that the dip is appealing to everyone at your gathering, making it a must-have for your holiday table.

Quick and Easy Preparation

One of the greatest advantages of the Christmas Cranberry Jalapeno Dip is its simplicity. You can whip it up in just 15 minutes, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the festivities with your loved ones and less time worrying about cooking. This ease of preparation makes it an accessible choice for even the most novice of cooks.

All you need is a mixing bowl and some basic ingredients found in any grocery store. With minimal effort, you can create an impressive and delicious dip that will have your guests raving about your culinary skills. Just combine, chill, and serve for a hassle-free appetizer that looks and tastes gourmet.

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

To elevate your Christmas Cranberry Jalapeno Dip experience, consider an array of pairing options. This dip is particularly delightful when served with a variety of crackers and chips, which add extra crunch and texture. Choose plain or lightly salted varieties to allow the robust flavors of the dip to shine.

For a healthier touch, serve the dip with crunchy vegetables such as bell pepper strips, cucumber slices, or carrot sticks. These pairs not only complement the dip's sweet and spicy notes but also provide a refreshing crunch. Visitors looking for lighter options will appreciate this serving suggestion, making your appetizer table all the more inviting.

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh cranberries, washed and drained
  • 1/2 cup jalapenos, seeded and chopped
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the cranberries, jalapenos, cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, lime juice, and cilantro. Mix until well combined.

Season and Serve

Add salt to taste, then transfer the dip to a serving dish. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Storing and Serving Tips

If you have any leftovers of the delightful Christmas Cranberry Jalapeno Dip, storing it is a breeze. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy the flavors even after your holiday gathering. The flavors may even deepen as they meld together over time.

When serving after storage, give the dip a quick stir to refresh its texture and enhance its appeal once more. If needed, you can add a touch more lime juice or salt to taste, ensuring that it's perfect for your next snacking occasion.

Customization Ideas

This dip is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to customize it to suit your taste preferences. Adding diced red onion can introduce a bit more depth and crunch, while a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese on top can provide a creamy salty contrast to the dip's sweetness.

For those who enjoy more heat, consider incorporating a dash of cayenne pepper or using spicier jalapenos. On the other hand, if you're serving a crowd that prefers milder fare, you can reduce the amount of jalapenos or even opt for sweet bell peppers to maintain the dip's vibrant color without the spice.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this dip a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good mix before serving.

→ What can I serve it with?

This dip pairs well with crackers, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetable sticks.

Christmas Cranberry Jalapeno Dip

This festive Christmas Cranberry Jalapeno Dip offers a delightful combination of sweet and spicy flavors that will elevate your holiday gatherings. Creamy, tangy, and bursting with fresh cranberries and zesty jalapenos, it's the perfect appetizer for your seasonal celebrations. Serve with your favorite crackers or chips for a crowd-pleasing treat that will leave your guests craving more.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration0 minutes
Overall Time15 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 2 cups fresh cranberries, washed and drained
  2. 1/2 cup jalapenos, seeded and chopped
  3. 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  4. 1/2 cup sour cream
  5. 1/4 cup sugar
  6. 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  7. 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  8. Salt to taste

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a mixing bowl, combine the cranberries, jalapenos, cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, lime juice, and cilantro. Mix until well combined.

Step 02

Add salt to taste, then transfer the dip to a serving dish. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Total Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 13g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 7g
  • Protein: 2g