Description
This Christmas cranberry jalapeño dip combines tart cranberries, zesty lime, and spicy jalapeños over a creamy cream cheese base for a festive, no-cook holiday appetizer. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a visually stunning and crowd-pleasing dip perfect for Christmas parties or any holiday celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, rinsed and dried
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and diced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/8 tsp sea salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- Optional: 1/4 cup sour cream
- Crackers, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetables for serving
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Process cranberries: Rinse cranberries, pat dry, and pulse 8–10 times in a food processor until finely chopped but not pureed.
- Mix relish: In a bowl, combine cranberries, diced jalapeños, green onions, cilantro, sugar, lime juice, and sea salt. Stir gently and let sit for at least 15 minutes to develop flavor.
- Whip cream cheese: In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese (and sour cream if using) until smooth and fluffy.
- Layer dip: Spread whipped cream cheese evenly in a serving dish, creating a smooth base layer about 1/4 inch thick.
- Add relish: Drain excess liquid from cranberry mixture, then spoon evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Garnish & serve: Top with chopped rosemary if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve with crackers, chips, or fresh veggies.
Notes
Drain your cranberry mixture well to prevent a watery dip. Make the relish a day ahead for deeper flavor. Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Christmas cranberry jalapeño dip, holiday appetizer, festive dip, no cook party food, cream cheese dip