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Hey friends!
Can you believe the holidays are just around the corner? It’s time to start thinking about festive snacks!
Today, I’m excited to share a show-stopping recipe: Christmas cranberry jalapeño dip.
This dip is sweet, spicy, and oh-so-creamy. It’s perfect for your holiday parties or cozy gatherings with friends.
Get ready to impress your guests with this delicious blend of flavors. Let’s dive in!
Ingredient Substitutions
Fresh cranberries can be replaced with frozen cranberries or dried cranberries rehydrated in warm water. If using dried cranberries, reduce the sugar content as they are naturally sweeter. For a lower-sugar option, consider using unsweetened applesauce mixed with a small amount of cranberry juice concentrate.
Cream cheese can be substituted with Greek yogurt or a combination of Greek yogurt and mascarpone cheese for a lighter version. This swap reduces fat content while maintaining creaminess. For a dairy-free alternative, use cashew cream or a store-bought vegan cream cheese.
Jalapeño pepper can be replaced with poblano pepper for a milder heat, or serrano pepper for more intense spiciness. Adjust the quantity based on heat preference. For a no-heat option, use finely diced bell pepper and add a pinch of cayenne for flavor depth. These substitutions allow for customization of the dip’s spice level while preserving its overall flavor profile.
Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
Cooking Time | 0-0 minutes |
Total Time | 240-300 minutes |
Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1400-1600
- Protein: 25-30 g
- Fat: 90-100 g
- Carbohydrates: 130-140 g
Ingredients
- 12 ounces of fresh cranberries
- 4 to 5 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- Adjustable amount of sugar, around 1 cup
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Two 8-ounce packs of cream cheese, softened (light or regular)
- Crackers for serving
Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Mixture
Begin by placing the cranberries in a food processor or blender.
Pulse until they are coarsely chopped.
To the chopped cranberries, add green onions, cilantro, jalapeno, sugar, cumin, lemon juice, and salt.
Pulse the mixture again until all the ingredients are well combined and finely chopped, forming a cohesive blend.
Step 2: Refrigerate the Cranberry Mixture
Transfer the cranberry-jalapeno mixture into a covered container.
Place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or up to overnight.
This resting period allows the flavors to meld and develop for a more harmonious taste.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Base
Once you’re ready to assemble the dish, spread cream cheese in an even layer on a serving plate or a 9-inch pie dish.
This will serve as the creamy base for the topping.
Step 4: Assemble and Chill the Dish
Spread the refrigerated cranberry-jalapeno mixture over the layer of cream cheese on the dish.
Cover and refrigerate for up to an hour before serving.
This final chill allows the flavors to integrate with the cream cheese for a delightful combination.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once chilled, remove the dish from the refrigerator and serve with crackers.
This cranberry-jalapeno cream cheese dip is a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy, ready to delight your guests!