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Easy Christmas Cranberry Dip with Jalapeño | No-Bake Holiday Appetizer

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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Holiday
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Method
 

  1. Process cranberries: Rinse cranberries, pat dry, and pulse 8–10 times in a food processor until finely chopped but not pureed.
  2. 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.
  3. Whip cream cheese: In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese (and sour cream if using) until smooth and fluffy.
  4. Layer dip: Spread whipped cream cheese evenly in a serving dish, creating a smooth base layer about 1/4 inch thick.
  5. Add relish: Drain excess liquid from cranberry mixture, then spoon evenly over the cream cheese layer.
  6. 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.