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Cozy Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip: Easy 5-Minute Appetizer

cranberry jalapeño cream cheese dip - featured image
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A quick and easy dip made with cream cheese, cranberries, and jalapeño, perfect for last-minute gatherings. Ready in under 10 minutes with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340g) fresh or frozen cranberries
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large fresh jalapeño (about 30g), seeded and finely diced
  • ¼ cup (60ml) water
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons (about 8g) fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Pinch of salt
  • 8 ounces (226g) block cream cheese, softened

Instructions

  1. Soften the cream cheese: Take the block of cream cheese out of the fridge about 30 minutes before starting. If in a hurry, microwave on low power (30%) for 10-15 seconds until softened but not melted.
  2. Prepare the jalapeño: Wash the jalapeño, cut off the stem, slice in half lengthwise, and remove seeds and white membrane for milder heat. Finely dice into ¼-inch pieces. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
  3. Cook the cranberry mixture: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, diced jalapeño, sugar, and water. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Simmer until cranberries pop: Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries break down and mixture thickens to a chunky relish-like consistency.
  5. Finish the topping: Remove from heat. Stir in lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust sweetness or heat as desired.
  6. Cool the topping: Let the cranberry mixture cool for 10-15 minutes until warm but not hot.
  7. Assemble the dip: Place softened cream cheese on a serving plate and spread into an even ½-inch thick layer using a rubber spatula.
  8. Top and serve: Spoon the slightly cooled cranberry jalapeño mixture over the cream cheese, spreading evenly. Serve immediately with crackers, crostini, or vegetable sticks.

Notes

Don’t rush the cooling step—hot topping will melt the cream cheese. For a milder dip, remove all jalapeño seeds. For more heat, leave some seeds in. The dip can be made ahead by preparing the topping up to 3 days in advance and assembling just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry jalapeño dip, cream cheese dip, easy appetizer, 5-minute dip, holiday appetizer, party dip

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/cozy-cranberry-jalape-n-o-cream-cheese-dip-easy-5-minute-appetizer/