• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
State of Dinner
  • Recipes
  • Menu Plans
  • State Dishes
  • Collaborate
  • Start Here
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Menu Plans
  • State Dishes
  • Collaborate
  • Start Here
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Menu Plans
    • State Dishes
    • Collaborate
    • Start Here
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Appetizers » Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip

    Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip

    Published: Nov 3, 2021 · Modified: Nov 22, 2021 by Erin · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

    • Share
    • Twitter
    Jump to Recipe
    Pinterest Pin of cranberry jalapeno dip with scoop out of it.

    Sweet and spicy has never been better! This beautiful and festive dip is made with fresh cranberries and jalapeno peppers poured over a smooth Parmesan and cream cheese base for a stunning and delicious appetizer that is so easy to make!

    Finished cranberry jalapeno cream cheese dip in center with plate of crackers in corner.

    What You Will Love About This Recipe

    Easy - It takes less than 10 minutes to prepare this dip! All of the cranberry salsa ingredients are chopped together in a food processor, then whip together the cream cheese spread, and you are done!

    Beautiful Presentation - The beautiful deep red color of the cranberries contrasted with the vibrant green of the jalapeno makes this a perfect holiday recipe! It is a great addition to a charcuterie spread. It is also the perfect Thanksgiving Day appetizer and a great option to take to a holiday party!

    Balance of Sweet & Spice - The tart cranberries and spicy jalapeno complement each other so well! I find that sweet and spicy combo highly addicting, and this recipe has it! I just can't stop myself from taking another bite!

    This recipe is a wonderful appetizer and is also a wonderful addition to a charcuterie spread, along with Pumpkin Dessert Hummus, and your favorite cheese and crackers.

    Ingredients

    Overhead shot of labeled dip ingredients.

    Whole Cranberries - Fresh cranberries work best for this recipe, but frozen can be used as well. If you are using frozen then you may have some additional liquid that needs to be drained off before topping the cream cheese.

    Jalapeno - I use a medium-sized jalapeno. You can adjust the amount based on your preferred level of spiciness.

    Orange Juice - Lemon juice or lime juice works just as well for this recipe. Use what you have on hand.

    Cream Cheese - For extra fluffy dip you can use whipped cream cheese. Low fat cream cheese may also be used.

    Parmesan Cheese - For best results, use freshly grated or a tub of grated Parmesan cheese. I do not recommend the green can of powdered Parmesan for this recipe. Asiago cheese or Romano cheese can also be used.

    Step-By-Step Instructions

    Cranberry Salsa

    1. Pulse the cranberries in a food processor 2-3 times to give them a very rough chop.
    2. Add the jalapeno, green onion, and cilantro and pulse a few more times until they are in small chunks. Be careful not to puree too long or it liquify.
    3. Transfer to a bowl and add in the orange juice.
    4. Then add the sugar and stir together. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
    Collage of cranberries in food processor, salsa chipped, orange juice added, and sugar added.

    5. The cream cheese mixture uses softened cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan. Whip them together with a mixer. A hand mixer or stand mixer will work. You can even stir it by hand if you prefer.

    6. Spread into your serving dish. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Pour cranberry mixture on top of the cream cheese before serving.

    Collage with bowl of cream cheese, Parmesan, and sour cream, and then mixture spread in dish.

    How to Use Leftovers

    If you are looking for ways to use leftovers (assuming you have leftovers, which is rare for us) try it as a spread on your turkey sandwich! It's amazing!

    More Cranberry Recipes

    If you are looking to use up leftover cranberries, try one of these delicious recipes!

    Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe

    Cranberry Old Fashioned

    Close up of dip with jalapeno slices and cilantro as garnish.

    Recipe FAQs

    How do I store Cranberry Jalapeno Dip?

    Cover your serving dish and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

    Can I use dried cranberries in the dip?

    Fresh cranberries are important for this dip to have the flavor and texture that is optimal. I do not recommend using dried cranberries, but frozen can be used.

    Can I make Cranberry Jalapeno Dip in advance?

    It is best to make the Cranberry Jalapeno Dip at least 2 hours in advance in order for the flavors to meld. The dip can even be made up to several days ahead! Just keep the cream cheese mixture and the cranberry dip separate until ready to serve.

    What if my jalapenos are not spicy enough?

    Jalapenos can be tricky with their level of spiciness. If you have a mild jalapeno pepper then you can add ⅛-1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to add a nice kick to the cranberry salsa.

    Hand holding wheat thin cracker with cranberry jalepeno cream cheese dip on it.

    View the web story for this recipe.

    Recommended Recipes

    • Pumpkin Pie Dessert Hummus
    • Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread
    • Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze Recipe
    • Baked Peanut Butter and Jelly Chicken Wings

    Let me know how you like this recipe by leaving a review! And follow along on Instagram @stateofdinner for behind the scenes and to be among the first to know when new recipes post!

    Cranberry jalepeno dip with a gold spoon and some dip scooped out.

    Cranberry Jalapeno Dip

    Recipe by: Erin
    A sweet and spicy cranberry jalapeno salsa tops a smooth cream cheese mixture for the ultimate flavor experience! With such pretty color this is the perfect appetizer for the holiday season.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Refrigerations 2 hrs
    Total Time 2 hrs 10 mins
    Course Appetizer, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 32
    Calories 51 kcal

    Equipment

    • Food Processor

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 cups fresh cranberries rinsed and dried
    • 1 jalapeno medium-sized, cut into 2-inch pieces
    • 2 green onions whites and greens, cut into 2-inch pieces
    • 2 tablespoons cilantro
    • ¾ cup granulated sugar (150 grams)
    • 1 tablespoon orange juice
    • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
    • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
    • ¼ cup sour cream
    • 3 tablespoons finely shredded Parmesan cheese
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Pulse cranberries in a food processor to roughly chop. Add the jalapeno, green onions, and cilantro and pulse until all ingredients are finely diced. Be careful not to turn to puree, it should be in small pieces.
    • Add the sugar, orange juice, and salt, and mix well.
    • Cover the cranberry salsa and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
    • In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and sour cream with an electric mixer until fluffy. Add the Parmesan cheese and mix on low speed until fully blended.
    • Transfer the cream cheese mixture to a serving dish, spreading evenly. Drain any excess liquids from the cranberry jalapeno salsa, then pour mixture over the cream cheese.
    • Serve with crackers or bread.

    Notes

    Store dip in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
    Substitutions:
    • Lemon or lime juice can be used instead of orange juice
    • Asiago or Romano cheese can be used in place of Parmesan cheese
    • Greek yogurt is a great replacement for sour cream
    • If your jalapenos are not spicy enough, add up to ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

    Nutrition

    Calories: 51kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 50mg | Potassium: 23mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 129IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    Share a photo of your creation with your friends!Mention @stateofdinner or tag #stateofdinner!
    « 52 Weeks of Menu Plans: Week 35
    52 Weeks of Menu Plans: Week 36 »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Christie

      November 25, 2021 at 6:23 pm

      5 stars
      This was delicious!!! I made it for thanksgiving for one side of the family and loved it so much I had to make it for the other. I think I’ve found me new holiday app!

      Reply
      • Erin

        November 29, 2021 at 10:56 am

        I am so glad that you have found a new holiday favorite! That is just exciting!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Photo of Erin Gierhart

    Welcome! I'm Erin, wife, mom, and lover of great food. I've been cooking and baking for over half my life, including 7 years teaching cooking demonstrations. I have even sold baked goods, from homemade bread to wedding cakes! Somewhere between my kitchen disasters and extraordinary creations I learned a few things about what it takes to make a great dish. And I am excited to share those learnings and mouthwatering recipes with you!

    Let's Get Started→

    Popular Recipes

    • Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Wings
    • How to Stabilize Whipped Cream with Cream of Tartar
    • Easy Funnel Cake Bites Recipe With Pancake Mix
    • Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies (Girl Scouts Adventureful Copycat)
    • Creamy Knoephla Soup (Potato and Dumpling Soup)
    • PB&J Cocktail Recipe

    Seasonal Recipes

    • Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
    • No-Bake Cherry Pie with Graham Cracker Crust
    • Strawberry Pretzel Salad Without Cool Whip
    • Sour Cream Enchilada Casserole
    • Street Tacos with Fresh Pico De Gallo
    • Blueberry Strawberry Shortcake

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Get Started Here
    • Privacy Policy & Disclaimer

    Accessibility

    • Accessibility Policy

    Let's Work Together

    • Collaboration

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 State of Dinner